Leeds Rhinos and Hull FC have been battling for spots in the play offs with Warrington Wolves, Hull KR and Salford Red Devils.
They met today in a game that was seen as do or die by most with both teams entering the game four points behind the play-off places and faced the prospect of being six points behind with three games to go after Hull KR won whilst Warrington stormed to victory today.
With Leeds Rhinos defeating Hull FC, the Sky Sports pundits had a damning assessment of Hull FC.
Brian Carney said: “That is effectively their season over.”
Whilst Jon Wilkin said: “They are not where they want to be. Talk about players who perform in consistently in poor sides, that is Adam Swift.”
Hull started the better as you might expect but Leeds defended well and Andre Savelio was perhaps guilty of overplaying at one point.
Leeds then struck first with a kick over the top with Luke Hooley on hand to score and make it 4-0.
Rhyse Martin would soon add a penalty to make it 6-0 to the Rhinos.
In a season of inconsistencies for Hull, one consistent has been the try scoring form of Adam Swift who scored again to make it 6-4 with Jake Clifford missing the effort at goal.
Leeds were the side who finished the half stronger with Sam Lisone maintaining his great form lately with his first two Leeds tries.
He barged over off an offload to make it 12-4 and it was 18-4 after he powered over from close range just before the break.
Straight after the break a Hull FC error led to a David Fusitu’a try to make it 22-4.
Hull FC needed a response and they got one when Barron went over in the corner despite an attempted tackle from Derrell Olpherts.
They were even closer when Cam Scott scored a try that needed a long debate from the officials to determine that it should be awarded.
Hull were turning up the heat and Leeds needed more good defence and the hand of Derrell Olpherts to stop Hull from scoring.
Clifford’s missed goals meant that they trailed 22-12 and needed to score in this period especially with Lisone crossing for a stunning hat trick storming through from 20 out and wrong footing the fullback to make it 28-12.
A devastating defeat for Hull FC that all but ends their season and their chances of making the play offs.
For Leeds their chances of making the play offs are still alive.
