Knights achieve historic winning streak
The York Knights secured a third consecutive Super League victory, a first in the club’s history, by defeating Hull FC. The match saw York come back from a half-time deficit to secure their sixth win of the current campaign. This result moves them to ninth in the table, placing them above Hull FC, who have recorded only one away win this season.
David Nofoaluma, Jon Bennison, Denive Balmforth, and Nikau Williams scored tries for the Knights. Bennison also contributed with two successful kicks. Hull FC had initially taken the lead at half-time after scoring three tries within 12 minutes, but their performance in the second half was marked by errors.
In the closing stages of the game, Paul McShane, York’s veteran hooker, made a crucial tackle. He dislodged the ball from Herman Ese’ese of Hull FC just inches from the try line, preventing a potential equalising score.
Hull FC’s challenging campaign continues
Hull FC, currently under the interim charge of Andy Last, appear to be navigating a difficult period in their season. There is a prevailing sense that the team is awaiting the conclusion of the current campaign and the anticipated arrival of Steve McNamara as head coach to revitalise their performance.
The Knights opened the scoring with two early tries. Nofoaluma expertly finished in the left corner in the eighth minute, followed by Bennison collecting a score after two strategic chips from Cody Hunter, putting York ahead. However, Hull FC responded in the 25th minute when Aidan Sezer broke through two challenges to score his first try since September 2025.
Tom Briscoe then scored for Hull FC in the 30th minute, executing a well-practised routine near the line. Joe Batchelor completed their turnaround by receiving an offload from Hugo Salabio. With Zak Hardaker converting two tries, Hull FC entered the interval in a strong position.
Second-half turnaround for York
York’s comeback began swiftly in the second half, with Balmforth scoring a try just three minutes after the restart. Bennison added the extras, and a subsequent penalty from him levelled the score at 16-16. This period highlighted a lapse in Hull FC’s discipline, as they conceded six penalties in the initial 20 minutes of the second half.
Williams then jinked through to score, giving York the lead and seemingly diminishing Hull FC’s belief. Despite the pressure from Hull FC in the final minutes, York managed to hold on for the win. McShane’s pivotal tackle on Ese’ese near the try line, which resulted in a knock-on, was critical in securing the victory.
Mark Applegarth, York Knights head coach, expressed pride in his team’s character, particularly after a challenging first half. He noted the team’s grit and desire in defending non-stop during the last 15 minutes of the game. Applegarth stated that the team’s response after half-time was outstanding.
Andy Last, Hull FC’s interim head coach, conveyed his disappointment with 60 minutes of his team’s performance, citing a lack of attitude in the first 20 minutes and ill-discipline in the second. He acknowledged that the team’s discipline issues made it easy for York to gain field position. Last also mentioned that Jed Cartwright’s departure to St Helens caused some disruption, but he did not use it as an excuse for the team’s performance.
The 21-man squad for Hull FC included players such as Harvey Barron, Zak Hardaker, Lewis Martin, Jake Arthur, Aidan Sezer, and Herman Ese’ese. Other squad members were Amir Bourouh, Harvie Hill, Joe Batchelor, Jed Cartwright, Cade Cust, James Bell, Tom Briscoe, Yusuf Aydin, Logan Moy, Matty Laidlaw, Hugo Salabio, Callum Kemp, Lloyd Kemp, Lennon Clark, and Ethan O’Neill. The match was officiated by referee Tara Jones.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
George Hartwell is the Senior Football Correspondent at News-GB.org, covering the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side with twelve years of reporting experience. He reported on West Country football before national coverage. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from the University of the West of England and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Bristol, he watches grassroots football and writes a tactics column. “Tactics tell you more than any scoreline.”