Jack Ashworth makes strong return as key element behind huge Hull FC reserves win praised

Francis Cummins believes Jack Ashworth got ‘what he needed’ on his return from injury, with the Hull FC prop getting around 50 minutes of action for the reserves on Saturday afternoon.

Ashworth was part of a Hull side that hammered London Broncos 54-0 at Hull YPI, with the front rower running strong, finding some offloads, and contributing in defence. Returning from a broken thumb that has kept him out for several weeks, the goal is to now get back to Super League action against Castleford on Friday night, with Ashworth fully fit again and raring to go.

Elsewhere, Harvey Barron also made his return from a fractured skull. The winger was sin-binned for a scuffle with a London player in the second half, but he also ran hard and scored a try on his comeback, with Cummins’ side flexing their muscles in a ten-try showing.

Speaking to Hull Live post-match, Cummins said: “Jack went really well. He's physical, and he got what he needed out of the game. He's put his hand up for next week and he should be in contention.

“There's a few others too. Harvey is another one. It's about getting back to playing when you have an injury, and just to get back on the field in a full game, he looked very good. He's another one that will put his hand up.”

Scoring over 50-points for the first time this season, Hull were excellent at times, with some crisp and eye-catching rugby league on show. They wasted no time in getting a grip on the game. Some neat hands opened up the space for winger Joe Ward to score in the corner before Will Kirby ran a tight line off Sully Medforth to touch down.

Denive Balmforth then showed his attacking class to show and go in an electric dart to the line, with Medforth then adding to Hull’s tally after a neat exchange with Will Gardiner. There was still time before the break for Logan Moy to drop into the line and cut his way through, with Mackenzie Harman then firing a cut-out pass for Barron to score on his return.

The second half brought more of the same, with Ben Johnson finishing another free-flowing move. Jeylan Hodgson then scooted over before a break from Kye Armstrong saw Harman in support to score. Balmforth then finished the scoring with his second try, with Hull also staying resolute at the other end of the field to keep London out. That's the element that pleased Cummins the most, with Hull recording their fourth win from six games at this level this season.

“We're always limited in the reserves with any kind of prep, but the lads did well,” Cummins said. “We scored some nice tries. It was all about their attitude, and their attitude toward our defence was one of our real highlights.

“We've got some players who can do some good things with the ball and they did that but sometimes when people drop in or out of the side late, it can be disjointed and you have to adapt to it, but I thought generally we were good.

“You always expect your attack to be a bit clunky just because of the nature of it. We've had people come in from other clubs at points this year but we are getting people back now. There's a good handful here fighting for first-team places. That lifted the standard here. I'm really pleased.”

Cummins also saved praise for Logan Moy after the game after another eye-catching display at the back. The 18-year-old was a threat on the ball, showing his attacking prowess with his running and passing games while bringing a new level of energy to the side.

"He can do things that other players can't, and when he starts to travel, he's definitely someone you get excited about," Cummins added. “He's got a great attitude, and he can deliver a performance as well. We're really happy with how some of these young lads are going."

Hull Starting XIII: Logan Moy, Joe Ward, Callum Shaw, Ben Johnson, Harvey Barron; Mackenzie Harman, Sully Medforth; Jack Ashworth, Denive Balmforth, Will Gardiner, Will Kirby, Lennon Bursell, Zach Jebson.

Interchange: Kye Armstrong, Jeylan Hodgson, Callum Kemp, Matty Laidlaw

Tries: Ward, Kirby, Balmforth 2, Medforth, Moy, Barron, Johnson, Hodgson, Harman. Goals: Harman 5/8, Kemp 2/2

Scoring System: 6-0, 12-0, 18-0, 24-0, 28-0, 32-0, HT, 38-0, 44-0, 50-0, 54-0

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