Hull FC Reserves 18 Leeds Rhinos Reserves 44

By Kian Walker

Chev Walker’s Reserves side produced a strong attacking display at the University of Hull on Friday night, and were rewarded with a well-earned victory.

The Rhinos made a fast start and opened the scoring quickly, with a sharp move down the left finished by centre Jacob Hardy.

Following Harley Thomas’ missed conversion kick, Hardy continued to cause problems and almost helped Leeds extend their lead after a strong spell of possession, before Joseph Butterfield was held up close to the Hull line.

The Rhinos’ second try followed not long after, as Ned McCormack showed excellent pace to break from deep inside his own half, powering clear before bundling over. Thomas converted to make it 10-0, before McCormack crossed again minutes later to stretch the lead to 14-0.

Appearing firmly in control of the game, Leeds did not take their foot off the gas. After regaining possession following a Hull set, Harry Smith produced a clever break before finding Zak Lloyd, who finished comfortably. Thomas then converted to make the scoreline 20-0 with twenty minutes played.

Hull did get their first points on the board before the half-hour mark, when Elliott Middlemas made an excellent break down the right before passing to Ben Johnson, who finished the move nicely. Callum Kemp converted to reduce the deficit to 20-6.

However, Leeds restored their advantage shortly before half-time, with Riley Lumb crossing on 37 minutes and Thomas adding the extras to ensure the Rhinos held a solid lead going into the break.

The opening minutes of the second half included opportunities for both sides, but with neither managing to score. That was until on 50 minutes, when Joe Diskin became the second Rhinos player of the game to score after breaking from inside his own half. Thomas’ conversion stretched the lead even further.

Hull did hit back four minutes later, Caleb Paleaaesina powering down the right-hand side to score, with Johnson then converting to make it 32-12.

Following that try, both sides were searching for opportunities, repeatedly trading sets and struggling to create clear openings. But on 68 minutes, it was Leeds who registered the next points - Smith beating several defenders before releasing Presley Cassell, who finished well. Thomas converted for 38-12.

With the game already becoming out of their reach, Hull did add another converted try late on to reduce the deficit, but it was Leeds who had the final say. In the final seconds of the game, Marcus Qareqare produced one of the moments of the match - showing excellent control as he regathered his own kick before powering over. Thomas was clinical, adding yet another conversion to seal a solid victory for his side.