York Knights achieve historic Super League win
The York Knights secured their third consecutive Super League victory, marking a historic achievement for the club. This win further highlighted Hull FC’s ongoing struggles with away fixtures. The match saw York overcome a 16-8 deficit at half-time to claim their sixth win of the current campaign. This result propelled them to ninth in the league standings, moving above Hull FC, who have only managed one away win this season.
The Knights’ triumph was built on tries from David Nofoaluma, Jon Bennison, Denive Balmforth, and Nikau Williams. Two successful kicks from Bennison also contributed to their score. This performance inflicted further disappointment on Hull FC, who had initially established a lead at the interval with three tries scored within a 12-minute period, but then delivered an error-prone second half.
Match progression and key moments
York initiated the scoring with their first two tries. Nofoaluma expertly finished in the left corner, putting them ahead in the eighth minute. Bennison then collected the ball after two strategic chips from Cody Hunter, extending York’s lead to 8-0. However, Hull FC responded in the 25th minute when Aidan Sezer scored his first try since September 2025, navigating through two challenges.
Hull FC capitalised on this momentum. Tom Briscoe scored in the 30th minute following a well-executed play close to the line, and Joe Batchelor completed their turnaround by receiving an offload from Hugo Salabio. With Zak Hardaker converting two tries, Hull FC entered half-time in a strong position.
The second half saw York’s comeback begin quickly, with Balmforth scoring a try just three minutes after the restart. Bennison added the extras, and his subsequent penalty then levelled the score at 16-16. This period was marked by a lapse in discipline from Hull FC, who conceded six penalties in the first 20 minutes of the second half. Williams’s try, which saw him jink through the defence, ultimately gave York the lead, diminishing the visitors’ belief.
In the closing stages, York had to defend intensely to secure their victory. Veteran hooker Paul McShane played a crucial role, making a last-ditch tackle that dislodged the ball from Herman Ese’ese inches from the try line as the Hull FC forward attempted to level the score. Earlier, McShane had picked up a loose pass and advanced 10 metres in defence before spilling the ball.
Coaches’ reactions and team details
York Knights head coach Mark Applegarth expressed pride in his team’s character, despite acknowledging that they made the second half challenging for themselves. He noted his frustration at half-time, feeling his side had allowed Hull FC back into the game due to a lack of contact and intent. Applegarth challenged his players for a response, which he felt they delivered perfectly at the start of the second half. He also highlighted the team’s grit, desire, and character during the final 15 minutes of continuous defending.
Hull FC interim head coach Andy Last conveyed his disappointment with 60 minutes of his team’s performance, particularly the first 20 minutes, which he attributed to attitude. While acknowledging an improved second 20 minutes, he criticised the team’s ill-discipline in the second half, stating it prevented them from building pressure. Last mentioned that the team had discussed discipline in the preceding week and expressed frustration that they could have won the game but were not close enough. He also noted that the departure of Jed Cartwright to St Helens necessitated late changes to the squad, but dismissed this as an excuse for the performance.
The Hull FC squad for the match included Harvey Barron, who returned after completing head injury protocols, and Ethan O’Neill, who returned from a hamstring issue. Yusuf Aydin was also available after completing a six-game suspension. These players replaced Davy Litten, Will Hutchinson, and Jeremiah Mata’utia. Several players remained sidelined due to injuries, including Will Pryce (ACL), John Asiata (hamstring), Sam Lisone (pectoral), Ligi Sao (shoulder), Arthur Romano (ankle), Connor Bailey (clavicle), Brad Fash (MCL), Will Kirby (knee), and Joe Ward (ACL).
The referee for the match was Tara Jones.
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Source: bbc.co.uk