York Knights claimed their second win of the Super League season as they edged out a simply woeful Hull FC side 17-16 at the MKM Stadium.
Here’s our talking points.
Superb York, dismal Hull
York Knights deserve plenty of credit for this one, picking up their first win on the road in Super League, but it must be said that Hull FC were simply appalling. John Cartwright’s side turned in what has to be one of, if not arguably the worst performance since the Australian took charge.
The Black and Whites dropped ball after ball, lacked any sort of clue in attack and made defensive errors that ultimately cost them the game. The weather didn’t help, but it was the same for both sides and it didn’t throw the Knights off their stride, who were neat, tidy and ruthless when they had their chances.
Hull’s defensive errors can be fixed up, but the real worry has to be in attack for Hull, with the home side failing to cope with the Knights’ line speed. Their last tackle plays were horrific, their kicking game was awful, and their star men went missing.
There’s plenty to ponder for FC then, but York’s Mark Applegarth continues to play a blinder with the Knights moving to within two points of the Super League summit.
Hull’s injury woes continue
Hull have been forced to deal with more than their fair share of injury issues this season already and they may have picked up another in the form of Aidan Sezer. The skipper took a blow to the head inside the first 15 minutes or so but was passed fit and returned to the field a few moments later after a HIA.
However, the scrum-half was conspicuous by his absence in the second half, failing to emerge from the tunnel after the break. John Cartwright will be asked about that in his pre-match press conference.
And, the head coach will be asked about Harvey Barron, too, after the winger had to be helped from the action shortly after the restart.
Things went from bad to worse when Jed Cartwright limped down the tunnel, too, following his sin-bin.
Disciplinary concern
Cartwright may have gone straight down the tunnel but he did so after hitting David Nofoaluma high and receiving a yellow card for his actions.
He’ll be sweating ahead of Monday’s disciplinary with a fine and potential ban on the way.
Paul Vaughan was put on report for a shot on Cade Cust, but there didn’t look to be too much in it.
Asiata boost
There was at least some good news on the injury front for the Black and Whites, with John Asiata making his long awaited return from injury. Asiata has been struggling with hamstring injuries and missed the first few games of the season, but the loose-forward was deemed fit enough to come off the bench in the second half.
Beware Warrington
York are winning games on their defence and Warrington ought to be very wary as they approach next week’s clash with the Knights at the Halliwell Jones Stadium. With the likes of Paul McShane, Paul Vaughan and Jordan Thompson leading by example through the middle, the Knights frustrated FC for the full 80 and they’ll do the same to Warrington, if they’re not on their game.
Up next for Hull is a trip to Wakefield Trinity and a repeat showing could result in an ugly night for Cartwright’s side.
