It was a disappointing evening at the University of Hull for Leeds Rhinos Under-16s as Simon Brown’s side suffered a 58-0 defeat at the hands of Hull FC in the second game of the Scholarship season.

Coming into the contest after a tough tussle with Bradford in the opening game of the campaign, the Rhinos looked lively in the early stages of the game as good defence forced a knock on from Henry Cator from close range, before a repeat set close to the Hull try line almost saw Toby Wieland go over in the corner but the centre couldn’t take in Henry Brough’s pass.

A 40/20 kick opened up the first points of the game when Tuluta Halaifonua found an overlap on the edge to find his way to the try line, and the home side’s lead was soon doubled by Jethro Attah-Boayke as the prop barrelled his way through the Rhinos defence to find the try line.

A knock on by Kirrane-Perrin from a last tackle kick led to Sebastian McKenzie going over the try line from a set scrum play as Hull started to accumulate a heavy lead, and Cameron Windley’s try all but ended the contest with only 20 minutes played as the Black and Whites held an 18-0 lead.

The Rhinos had a chance to respond when a mistake from the restart gifted Brown’s side possession within scoring range. Whilst they were unable to make the chance count, Hull continued to extend their lead; Windley collecting a long-range kick from Isaac Last to score under the posts.

Harry-Alexander Cook was denied an opportunity as the winger was judged to be over the touchline when grounding the ball from another scrum play, but Hull’s scoring continued when Sonny Robinson  crashed under the posts to make the score 30-0 at the break.

Full back Windley’s third of the night early in the second half continued the Hull onslaught, but the Rhinos didn’t let the scoreline affect them. When Cook look certain to score an easy finish in the corner, good slide defence from the Rhinos caught the winger short on space and he was pushed over the sideline.

An error from Dillon Eshun as Leeds began an attacking set put the visitors on the back foot again and this time Ellis Powell got over to make the score 42-0.

Another substitute Alfie Lewis took advantage of poor goal-line defence to force his way over, but the young Rhinos managed to stem the flow of points as the half wore on. A flourish of chances came for Wade Smith, Ben Smith and Jordan Barker-Day to try get Brown’s side on the board, only for them to be met by a wall of black and white as Hull held strong.

Cator connected with a grubber kick from Jacob Last to kickstart the home side’s scoring once again down the final stretch of the game, before McKenzie’s second try rounded off a convincing result for Hull.

The Rhinos have a chance to put their performance right in a fortnight’s time as Leigh Leopards visit Stanningley on Wednesday 8^th April.

Teams

Hull FC

1. Cameron Windley, 2. Sebastian McKenzie, 3. Tuluta Halaifonua, 4. Dylan King, 5. Harry-Alexander Cook, 6. Jacob Last, 7. Bobby Hewitt, 8. Jethro Attah-Boayke, 9. Isaac Last, 10. Jake Fletcher, 11. Bobby Stipetic, 12. Alfie Lundie, 13. Henry Cator

Subs: 14. Alfie Lewis, 15. Ellis Powell, 16. Charlie Crooks, 17. Jack Cope, 18. Sonny Robinson, 19. Ieuan Murray-Cook, 20. Jacob Beadle

Tries: Halaifonua, Attah-Boayke, McKenzie x2, Windley x3, Robinson, Powell, Lewis, Cator

Goals: Stipetic x4, Lewis x3

Rhinos

1. Eli Kirrane-Perrin, 2. Wade Smith, 3. Toby Wieland, 4. Joe Gill. 5. Alfie Quinn, 6. Henry Brough, 7. Oliver Vincent, 8. Archie Butler, 9. Jordan Barker-Day, 10. Ben Smith, 11. Dillon Eshun, 12. Oscar Brown, 13. Oliver Brown

Subs: 14. Luca Brindley, 15. Myles Hartley, 16. Stan Marriott, 17. Dylan Baira, 18. Evan Armstrong, 19. Jaylen Johnson, 20. Laike Smith