Super League 2012 Round 3 Hul FC V London Broncos – 94 days old

[Geordie]

************************************************** ***************************** Super League - 2012 - Round 3 - Hul FC V London Broncos ************************************************** ***************************** ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- General Information ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Type.................: Other (specify) Platform.............: Other (specify) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Release Notes ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hull FC celebrated their first Stobart Super League win under new coach Peter Gentle, a comfortable 22-14 defeat of London Broncos at the KC Stadium. The victory, which leaves the Broncos still pointless in Super League XVII, had not looked in doubt until London took advantage of Sam MoaÆs sending off for Hull. Utilising the extra man London staged a late fightback in a scrappy game, but it was ultimately too little too late as the hosts held on to remain undefeated following their opening round draw against Warrington Wolves. The opening exchanges were dominated by errors and penalties as both sides struggled to find a rhythm on a bitingly cold night in Hull. The hosts were at least enjoying success in the territorial battle with London continually pinned back by a robust defence. Despite the efforts of mercurial Australian half-back Craig Gower, the Broncos found holes in the Hull defence at a premium and unfortunately for Rob PowellÆs men the same could not be said of them when England international wing Tom Briscoe sidestepped his way across the try-line to open the scoring in the 16th minute. With the hosts defensively superior, the home crowd were anticipating BriscoeÆs try to be the opening of the floodgates against a side who shipped 50 points last week against Warrington - but it was on a rare visit to the Hull try-line that London were soon back in the game. It took a benefit of the doubt decision by video referee Phil Bentham, but Australian winger Michael RobertsonÆs score stood despite the efforts of Briscoe to drag him into touch. LondonÆs possession near the Hull try-line had been a rarity and, despite drawing level, it stayed that way until late in the game as the hosts soon re-asserted control with two quickfire tries. First loose-forward Joe Westerman popped up to take Australian half-back Brett SeymourÆs offload and barge over, before full-back Wade McKinnon got on the end of a superbly-weighted Richard Horne kick behind the London defence. WestermanÆs impact was short-lived after leaving the field soon after scoring with a shoulder injury, which was deemed severe enough for him to be taken straight to hospital. Hull were undeterred however and marched on, Kirk Yeaman getting his second try of the season after good work by Willie Manu. Hull prop Moa was then shown the red card for a huge hit on Julien Rinaldi which laid the Frenchman out cold. Making the most of the extra man, Luke Dorn and then Chris Melling scored to give the Broncos some hope. But with an eight-point margin in their favour Hull were able to withstand the pressure and hold on for their first win of the season.