Round 14: Hull FC v Leeds Rhinos

Hull FC denied Leeds Rhinos a clear return to the engage Super League summit at the KC Stadium courtesy of a fine win that adds further mystery to their so far inconsistent season.

Although only scraping home by four points, coach Peter Sharp will no doubt highlight the huge improvement in their performance since their last league outing, a disappointing reverse against rivals Hull KR.

This, however, was only a third league success of the season at home for the 2006 Grand Finalists.

Sharp has identified the need for his side to improve and with their Challenge Cup quarter-final berth also secured, they may now well be moving in the right direction.

Leeds, who remain joint top alongside St Helens, ended up not far short of securing a win, although their error-ridden display would not have been deserving of the two points.

They spilt possession in key areas on several occasions although they could have stolen the game were it not for a fine tackle on Rob Burrow late by Shaun Briscoe.

After a lively start which saw Willie Manu almost create an opening for Briscoe, Hull opened the scoring thanks to a ninth minute penalty from Danny Tickle.

With a healthy crowd of just over 14,000 roaring them on, the home side were soon in full swing and five minutes later posted the game's opening try, Matt Sing the scorer.

The Australian winger was able to force his way through the Leeds defence from a tight angle after good work from Lee Radford and Craig Hall although the latter's pass which fed Sing was possibly forward.

Tickle added the touchline goal to extend Hull's lead to eight points.

Leeds were quick to respond however and soon posted their first try after Kevin Sinfield's wonderful loop pass from dummy-half found Jamie Jones-Buchanan who crashed over under the posts with Sinfield converting.

With Hull looking the livelier in attack, Richard Swain led them around the park well with a neat kicking game and, in a bid to prevent them gaining any momentum, Danny McGuire needlessly intercepted their attempted 20-metre restart to see himself sent to the sin-bin.

And, although Leeds looked the better side whilst a man down, Hull were able to end the half on a high.

After gaining some good field position, Richard Horne produced a deft kick which drifted through the Leeds line untouched, until Briscoe crept in to touch down.

Tickle's third goal of the half saw Hull lead 14-6 at the break.

With the Rhinos needing a positive start to the second half, their own profligacy with the ball did not help them as four times they spilt possession in their own half.

Hull's inability to punish them as a result of some poor last play options from Horne and Thomas Lee ensured the status quo.

Tickle's penalty from 45 metres then opened the scoring for the second half on the hour mark, extending Hull's lead to 10 points.

Brent Webb, the outstanding Leeds full-back, moved into the pivotal positions more as the game progressed in a bid to galvanise his side, which he did with his 15th try of the season after 67 minutes.

After Jamie Thackray sent Jordan Tansey racing clear, Sing appeared to have stopped Tansey in his tracks, only for Webb to support well and collect a pass to cross.

Burrow converted and then thought he had a chance to secure a win after racing clear down the left, only to see Briscoe appear to crunch him to the ground.

A spirited finale then ensued as Leeds probed for an opening but Hull, marshalled by the outstanding Swain, held on.

Hull FC (14) 16.
Tries: Sing, Briscoe.
Goals: Tickle 4.

Leeds Rhinos (6) 12.
Tries: Jones-Buchanan, Webb.
Goals: Sinfield, Burrow.

Hull FC: Briscoe, Sing, Hall, Yeaman, Raynor, R. Horne, Lee, Dowes, Swain, Carvell, Radford, Manu, Tickle.
Replacements: Tony, Domic, King, Maiava.

Leeds Rhinos: Webb, Donald, Toopi, Senior, Hall, McGuire, Burrow, Bailey, Kirke, Pea****, Jones-Buchanan, Ellis, Sinfield.
Replacements: Tansey, Thackray, Ablett, Leuluai.

Referee: P Smith
Attendance: 14,256

Source: http://www.SuperLeague.co.uk