Hull FC on top in local derby
Sunday, 20 Jul 2008 15:23
Willie Manu played a key role for Hull
Hull FC came from behind to earn an impressive 44-18 victory over local rivals Hull KR at the KC Stadium.
The hosts trailed 18-16 at the interval, but stormed back in the second half with a powerful display.
Rovers had taken a 12-4 lead with tries from Ben Cockayne and Ben Galea, with teenage winger Tom Briscoe getting on the score sheet for the third time in as many games for Hull.
Scott Wheeldon added a second Hull try before Chaz I'Anson - controversially starting ahead of former Hull stand-off Paul Cooke - went over for Rovers.
Kirk Yeaman pulled another try back for Hull shortly before the break.
Graeme Horne, Matt Sing, Yeaman, Briscoe and Craig Hall added more tries as Hull ran riot in the second half.
Hull had lost the last three meetings between the two teams and this victory is Hull boss Richard Agar's first derby win of his coaching career.
The result condemned Hull KR to their sixth defeat in seven games.
Rovers declined to explain why Cooke – who controversially resigned as a Hull player to join Rovers 15 months ago - had been dropped
The decision to exclude him will add to the mounting speculation about his future at the club.
The comprehensive victory will leave Hull full of confidence as they prepare for their Challenge Cup semi-final against Wakefield in seven days time.