Hull FC get performance but not result as Leeds Rhinos hold on for narrow victory

Hull FC didn't get the result they desired against Leeds Rhinos, but they certainly got a better performance. It's another defeat in the record books, losing 18-12 at the MKM Stadium on Sunday afternoon, but in terms of effort, grit, and determination, it was a clear improvement from recent weeks.

Under interim head coach Simon Grix, this side has taken a small step forward; that's there in black and white to see, and the challenge now will be to keep building on those blocks as the season unfolds.

And while there is a way to go for what this side does in good ball opportunities, they have, at the very least, given themselves a foundation in what they did without it. Defensively, and while not perfect, Hull stuck at it. They fronted up and scrambled hard, making a fist of the contest. The home crowd, given as 10,505, certainly appreciated it, with Hull applauded off the field after a performance that was night and day from their last two at the MKM Stadium.

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Overall, it was a much better showing than in recent weeks, even if against an under-pressure Leeds side, whose following made their feelings towards Rohan Smith clear. They did enough, holding out a late Hull fightback to secure the two Super League competition points, but Grix's side can take some pride in their display. They certainly have something to go at with the fundamental parts of the game ticked off, even if the quality with the ball in terms of attacking shape still left something to be desired.

Fronting up the opposition, Herman Ese'ese was outstanding, and he wasn't on his own in a Hull pack that set the tone. They drove forward all afternoon with the team spirit shining bright, despite the loss, with plenty of young players shining bright again.

In total, Grix made six changes to the side, with two debuts handed out to loan players Ed Chamberlain and Yusuf Aydin, who was impressive off the bench. Elsewhere, Jack Brown and Ligi Sao returned from suspension, with Liam Tindall and Jack Walker also back in first-team action after playing for the reserves.

It was Walker who made the first impression, sending Morgan Smith over for the game's first try after jinking and stepping his way through the line to great effect. It was the start a determined home side deserved, but it was Leeds who responded through a debutant of their own in Riley Lumb, with the young winger cutting back on the inside and evading the Hull cover defence to score.

Leeds threatened again, but some tenacious Black and White defence kept them out, first through Walker, who scrambled hard to keep Mikael Goudemand at bay, and then Lewis Martin, who did just enough to force Luis Roberts into touch before he grounded the ball. However, Leeds got a third opportunity to score and they didn't pass this one by, with Lumb grabbing his second try, beating the Hull defence to Brodie Croft's kick to give the Rhinos a six-point half-time lead.

Hull had the first chances of the second half, but they struggled to get over the line. A costly error from Walker deep in his own half was then punished as Cam Smith went over after a fine pass from Croft. But the Black and Whites had the bit between their teeth, and they weren't going down without a fight. Walker made amends with a superb cut out pass to Martin, who dived over, and after Jack Charles nailed the resulting touchline conversion, it was game on again.

Hull became desperate to level the game in the final ten minutes, but despite more chances coming their way, Leeds stood firm, holding their nerve for a narrow victory.

Read more: Hull FC ratings as Herman Ese'ese stands out in gutsy defeat

Teams

Hull Starting XIII: 31. Jack Walker; 26. Lewis Martin, 43. Ed Chamberlain, 4. Liam Sutcliffe, 2. Liam Tindall; 19. Morgan Smith, 40. Jack Charles; 8. Herman Ese'ese, 9. Danny Houghton, 20. Jack Brown; 15. Jordan Lane, 12. Ligi Sao; 14. Joe Cator.

Interchange: 10. Franklin Pele, 21. Will Gardiner, 37. Logan Moy, 45. Yusuf Aydin

18th Man: 27. Zach Jebson

Leeds Starting XIII: 1. Lachie Miller; 33. Riley Lumb, 4. Paul Momirovski, 12. Rhyse Martin, 24. Luis Roberts; 6. Brodie Croft, 7. Matt Frawley; 8. Mikolaj Oledzki, 9. Andy Ackers, 17. Justin Sangare; 16. James McDonnell, 18. Mickael Goudemand; 13. Cameron Smith.

Interchange: 15. Sam Lisone, 14. Jarrod O'Connor, 23. Leon Ruan, 29. Alfie Edgell

18th man: 30. Tom Nicholson-Watson

Scorers

Hull Tries: Smith, Martin

Goals: Charles 2/2

Leeds Tries: Lumb 2, Smith

Goals: Martin 3/3

Scoring System: 6-0, 6-6, 6-12, HT, 6-18, 12-18, FT

Referee: Liam Rush. Video referee: Jack Smith

Attendance: 10,505