“Leeds were there for the taking” – Last disappointed with missed chance

Andy Last was both proud and disappointed after Hull FC fell to a 40-22 defeat to Leeds.

The Airlie Birds travelled to Headingley with less than 24 hours preparation for the fixture and raced into an early 10-0 lead.

They were unable to maintain that though and eventually conceded seven tries in a humbling defeat to the Challenge Cup finalists.

Speaking after the game, Hull interim coach Last said: “I am immensely proud of the players but I am disappointed with aspects of the performance.

“I thought Leeds were there for the taking tonight. We were really confident and I think the way we started showcased that.

“I think there was a key period, where Bureta (Faraimo) does not take his chance in the corner from the Marc Sneyd kick that could have put us 16-0 up.

“They then went down to the other end and came up with a kick play, got the bounce of the ball and then all of a sudden it is a 10-6 ball game.

“Then they go 80 metres on the next set and scored so our start was washed out very quickly which was disappointing.

“Then there were periods before and just after half-time where we did not get that impact off the bench.

“They took advantage of the tempo and we just did not go with them in that period.

“We ended up three scores down and it was always going to be an uphill struggle to peg it back.”

The result all but ends Hull’s chances of a top four play-off place at the end of the season, though Last felt the final score wasn’t really a fair reflection of the game.

“It does feel a little bit flattering for Leeds that they scored 40 points tonight,” He added.

“The intercept at the end was a little bit of a kick in the guts and a couple of other tries, particularly from James Donaldson carrying three of our middles over the line, tries like that are just not good enough.

“Those are the types of tries we have been conceding this season and we have to work harder and better in those periods where the opposition has momentum.

“We cannot continue to concede tries like that. The players making that tackle have to be better as it was a real kick in the guts.”