Knights complete double over FC, McShane masterclass and more York Knights v Hull FC talking points

York Knights have earned a 20-16 victory over Hull FC, meaning that they have done the double over the Black and Whites this season.

The Knights earned a 17-16 victory at the MKM Stadium back in round three, and they have emerged as victors once again thanks to a masterclass from halves pairing Cody Hunter and Paul McShane.

Hunter bagged two assists on the night and had a hand in nearly all of the York attack, whilst McShane guided the side around the park with ease. His game management is what won his side the game, with his leadership and knowing when to get involved proving pivotal.

The Knights crossed through David Nofoaluma, Jon Bennison, Denive Balmforth, and Nikau Williams. Joe Batchelor, Aidan Sezer and Tom Briscoe added scores for FC.

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York Knights v Hull FC talking points

York climb to ninth as hard-fought victory earned:

It was a brilliant 60 minutes from the Knights, who claimed their sixth win of the year, rising to ninth in the league table in the process.

The second 20 minutes, before half-time, was where FC scored their only points, and whilst it meant they went into the break behind, they would be able to recover from that and gain a tremendous win.

For FC, discipline cost them, and the result leaves Andy Last with another loss, meaning he has now won just two games out of 10 in his second spell as interim boss.

Match-winner McShane:

With just minutes left on the clock and FC four points down, the travelling side looked to level the game as Herman Ese’ese crashed over from close range.

However, after a video review, the powerful prop was brought down short of the line, and he lost the ball before touching down over the line. Veteran McShane’s tackle is what caused the error, with the York man doing just enough to stop him in his tracks.

Legendary Hull FC hooker Danny Houghton is famous for his ‘tackle 52’ moment on Ben Currie in the Challenge Cup Final. Whilst this game is far smaller in circumstance, that moment, and what it meant for York, will form a crucial part of York’s maiden Super League year.

Balmforth makes a point:

Surprisingly, Hull’s best hooker this evening was actually playing for the opposition, with Denive Balmforth showing his parent club what they were missing.

Scoring a second-half try, he was a constant thorn in the FC defence, with his quick runs from the ruck causing problems.

He could well have had another had he taken in an offload from Paul Vaughan, but nevertheless it was still a solid showing from the Leeds-born talent.

The youngster is still contracted to the Black and Whites for next season, so is expected to feature under Steve McNamara, but it can be argued that Andy Last’s side need someone like him now as opposed to 2027.

Double FC concern:

Last’s side have been dealt two blows from this game. Amir Bourouh didn’t return from a second spell, and looked in discomfort before leaving the action.

In the final five minutes, Lewis Martin left the field for a HIA after a hit from Ata Hingano. The incident was put on report, but no penalty was given on-field.

Cartwright exit forces reshuffle:

The exit of back rower Jed Cartwright earlier this afternoon reportedly forced FC into changing their line-up for this evening’s game.

Per Sky Sports commentator Stuart Pyke, the 29-year-old was set to feature against the Knights, and that winger Harvey Barron was set to miss out as a result.

His loan move to St Helens put a spanner in that plan, and presumably his exit forced Ethan O’Neill into the back row, Lennon Clark onto the bench, Tom Briscoe to centre and Barron on the wing.