Chester rues game-changing moment

Wakefield head coach Chris Chester described a decision not to award his team a penalty in the final quarter of their 12-8 defeat to Hull FC as the big turning point.

Trinity were leading 8-6 with 15 minutes to play when Matty Ashurst was hit late by Albert Kelly, an incident referee Chris Campbell decided not to take issue with.

“I think that was a big turning point to be honest,” Chester said.

“Matty has come off there after a challenge by Albert which I didn’t think was deliberate but he should have been penalised. Matty felt he should have had a penalty as well.

“There was a big swing in momentum then, we gave a penalty away after that and they go and score off a kick, so it was a turning point but we need to defend that kick better than we did.”

Despite this, the Wakefield boss was still delighted with the effort shown by his players as they matched last year’s cup winners in difficult conditions at the Beaumont Legal Stadium.

“We have given Marc Sneyd too much time on the ball and failed to pressure him from a kick, that has ultimately cost us the two points.

“To lose them two (Anthony England and Matty Ashurst) to injury made it very difficult but I’m still very proud of the effort and the performance.”

Picture: Melanie Allatt