DEWSBURY RAMS 22 - Hull FC 66
By Chris Osbaldeston

Attendance 2,062.

For this, the second successive home friendly against Super League opposition, the
main surprise was the inclusion of both Andy Bostock and Dean Lawford on the team
sheet, though the latter played no part in an interesting game. Alex Betherton was also
at the game with his wrist in plaster after dislocating and fracturing his thumb during
last week's game against the Bulls, an injury that will keep him out for the next eight
weeks. Better it happened at this time of the season rather than after the League games
get under way I suppose.

The Super League side put out a strong side and looked sharp from the start, though it
took them some ten minutes to get on the board. After centre Briscoe made the initial
thrust down the left, the ball was switched right for winger Ashley Thackeray to go
over in the corner, Hall adding the goal. Rams 0 – Hull 6. FC were getting into their
stride now, and couple of minutes later Briscoe was over on the left, Hall adding the
conversion.

Two minutes later Thackeray was over for his second try, though this time the goal
was missed. Rams 0 – Hull 16. At this point Hull were rampant, and five minutes
later, quick thinking from Motu Tony saw his cross kick from the left taken by Craig
Hall who scored to the right of the posts, an easy conversion stretched the score to
0 - 22.

Despite the pressure, the Rams stuck to the task well and got their reward after 25
minutes when centre David Clayton cut through to score on the left. Rams 4 – Hull
22. Five minutes later Hull were back, first Washbrook touched down a grubber kick
on the right, before Briscoe pounced on a Rams fumble to score wide on the left, and
the half ended with a further try from Briscoe on the left, goaled by Danny Tickle.
Half Time :- Rams 4 – Hull 36

Two minutes into the second half, the situation got worse. Two quick penalties gave
Hull the field position from which Whiting went over. Goal Tickle Rams 4 – Hull 42.
Anyone reading the bare bones of this report could be mistaken for thinking that this
was a one-way trip to disaster, but they'd be wrong. Oh sure, Hull were Super League
class and firing on all cylinders, but the Rams never gave up and centre Clayton
crossed for his second try, Patch Walker adding the extras to gain some reward for
their efforts. Rams 10 – Hull 42.

Australian Byrne crossed next, and referee Mr. Leahy allowed a debatable try to
Wheeldon who'd clearly been held short, and then compounded his error by giving
Richard Chapman ten minutes in the bin for querying the decision. A reaction which,
given the circumstances, I thought both foolish and unnecessary, though to be fair I
was too far away to hear exactly how Chappy voiced his concerns. Both tries were
converted by Tickle, and Hull were up by 10 – 54.

A man short, the Rams were always going to struggle, and despie a brave defensive
effort, Hull ran in further tries from Wheeldon and Hall, both converted by Hall, and
led by 10 – 66.

In all three games this season the Rams have shown great resilience, playing out the
full 80 minutes, and their fight was rewarded with two good tries late in the game.
First Luke Haigh touched down for his second try of the season goaled by Pat Walker.
Then, on the hooter, slick passing gave winger Gary North space to race over in the
corner, before Liam Finn's superb touchline conversion sent most of the Rams fans
home with a smile on their face. Final score Dewsbury Rams 22 – Hull F.C. 66.

All credit to the Hull fans who travelled across in some numbers and added to the
atmosphere, both during the game, and in the Royal Suite afterwards.

Despite the scoreline, many aspects of the Rams performance gave hope for the
future. Dominic. From the three games I've seen this season Dominic Maloney seems
to have stepped up a level, and thoroughly deserved his award as Rams Man of the
Match. With Aaron Trinder also showing well, Terre Glassie due to arrive any day
and Joe Helme due back from suspension, we should be well served in the front row.
The back rowers also played their part on what must have been a difficult day for
them with the big Hull pack in no mood to take prisoners.

It's good to see that Chappy has lost none of his fire after missing the whole of last
season, and Luke Haigh also had his moments. Luke Broady has gained in confidence
with every game he's played and could be a name for the future. The backs also had a
difficult day. Clayton's two tries were well taken and it was good to see Andy
Bostock in action again. Austin Buchanan and Bryn Powell both had their moments,
and Tom Colleran at full back must have felt as though he was under siege for most of
the afternoon.

Overall, a decent display, though for me, we'll have a better idea of how our season is
likely to go after the Railway Cup game against Featherstone on February 3rd..

TEAMS:- Dewsbury Rams. Tom Colleran; Bryn Powell; Jon Gledhill; David
Clayton; Austin Buchanan; Josh Weeden; Liam Finn; Jake Wilson; Luke Haigh;
Aaron Trinder; Martin Robinson; Liam Crawley; Pat Walker. Subs:- Luke Broady;
Richard Chapman; Dominic Maloney; Andrew Bostock; Gary North.

Hull F.C. Motu Tony; Ashley Thackeray; Craig Hall; Tom Briscoe; Todd Byrne;
Danny Washbrook; Tommy Lee; Ewan Dawes; Danny Haughton; Paul King; Lee
Radford; Mike Burnett; Richard Whiting. Subs:- Scott Wheeldon; Danny Tickle;
Nathan Freer; Josh Hodgson; Ryan Stean.

Referee :- Mr. J. Leahy.