'No boring carries' Hull FC's club-wide ethos explained after eye-catching reserves win

Richard Tate has singled out the brand of Hull FC reserves' rugby as the most pleasing aspect following their 26-18 victory over Leeds Rhinos on Saturday afternoon. The young Black and Whites scored 26 unanswered points with their key combinations clicking to earn a fifth win of the year.

Trailing 12-0, tries from Jeylan Hodgson, Jack Charles, Jack Walker, and a brace for Joe Ward were enough for victory, with Hull remaining composed throughout the contest. Always in the game, they got the desired movement into the ball and were never fazed by the scoreboard, instead producing some eye-catching passages of play as they clicked through the gears.

Speaking to Hull Live after the game, Tate, Hull FC's Player Performance Manager for the club's junior sides, said: "That was one of the most enjoyable reserves fixtures we've had this year. We're really happy with the performance.

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"We just settled ourselves down. It's always hard; you get new players all of the time at this level, so having a bit of cohesion with each other and learning to play as the game progresses was really pleasing to see. Our combinations really picked up, and players started to talk.

"Field position wise, we were always right in it. It was just a couple of errors and penalties and a few missed tackles, but we were well in the game and in control. To see that mental resilience to cut out those mistakes and get back into the game with some combination clicking was really pleasing."

Tate continued: "We want to see that movement on and off the ball. We don't want boring one-up carries; it's about how they promote the ball, their push play, teamwork, and seeing that effort. A lot of that ball movement is a club-wide ethos, but something that these young boys suit. The style of play is bringing the best out of them."

Taking charge of the side, one of Hull's key links was Jack Charles, who worked well with Callum Kemp in the halves, along with a bit of added quality from Jack Walker. Tate also praised the outside backs, with Joe Ward, Callum Shaw, Ryan Westerman, and Liam Tindall all standing tall.

"Jack and Callum have been around each other with the academy and the scholarship," Tate explained. "They've known each other for a while, and they're enthusiastic kids. They're great runners of the ball, but their organisation has been good. That's the challenge: to manage and get our boys around the park, and to see them link up with each other and play like they did is a testament to both players.

"The outside backs also worked hard, particularly Joe Ward and Callum Shaw. Ryan Westerman is getting better and better every week, and having that bit of senior experience with Liam Tindall and Jack Walker brings it together.

"The combinations are improving across the board, and when they're happy and they're playing with a smile on their faces, they're fantastic to work with and can pull out a performance like that."

Hull Starting XIII: Jack Walker; Liam Tindall, Callum Shaw, Ryan Westerman, Joe Ward; Jack Charles, Callum Kemp; Will Gardiner, Jeylan Hodgson, Matty Laidlaw; Will Kirby, Kye Armstrong; Zach Jebson. Interchange: Jordon Baker, Lennon Clark, Jude Thompson, Elliott Windley (DR)

Tries: Hodgson, Ward 2, Charles, Walker. Goals: Charles 3/5

Read more: 'It felt great' Brad Fash lists catalysts for Hull FC victory as side benefit from confidence growth