Round 23
Hull FC 46 d. Warrington Wolves 14

2007 engage English Super League Index [Table] [Draw] [Player Stats] [Club Headlines]

Location: United Kingdom > National > First Grade Competition: engage English Super League

Hull FC jumps ahead of Warrington
Mon August 13, 2007
Source: www.superleague.co.uk

Hull FC claimed pole position in the race for fourth spot in the engage Super League courtesy of a comprehensive win over Warrington at the KC Stadium.

The two sides were tied on 22 points ahead of kick-off - a statistic not represented by their respective performances - and although third place still is not mathematically out of reach for either, the likelihood is the best they can do is finish fourth and claim home advantage for the play-offs.

Warrington led 14-12 a minute from the break but Shaun Briscoe's try sent Hull in 18-14 ahead, before Gareth Raynor struck the killer blow a minute into the second-half. From there, Hull never looked back clocking up eight tries in total while Paul Wood's 63rd minute dismissal did not help Warrington's cause.

In a patchy opening, Martin Gleeson wasted the field position Lee Briers had created with a 40-20 kick, and Briers then failed to find touch with the game's opening penalty.

The two made no mistake in the 13th minute though, when, allied with Jon Clarke, they combined and Gleeson opened the scoring in the corner, cushioning the blow of Chris Bridge's seventh-minute withdrawal through injury.

Any chance they had of extending their lead soon passed though as they conceded four penalties in as many minutes, the last of which was punished to full effect by Willie Manu.

The second-row forward has been the star of Hull's recent revival and, despite having Brent Grose ahead of him when he collected Matthew Head's 23rd-minute pass, there was little doubt that he would touch down.

Raynor then turned the game twice, albeit once inadvertently. His first telling contribution was to score his first home try of the season after a Craig Hall pass, the second was to hand Henry Fa'afili his 18th score of the season.

He allowed a innocuous Briers kick to bounce in goal but then, with a naivety that belied his three Great Britain caps did so again, which offered the Kiwi enough time to snaffle the loose ball and score.

His 19th try was not slow in coming either. Just two minutes later, Richard Whiting spilt an easy ball and, from the next set Fa'afili made light work of fending off both Raynor and Hall to cross. After allowing Ben Westwood to take and fail the former conversion, Briers made light work of slotting the latter from the touchline.

Briscoe, returning from two months out with a broken jaw, ensured Hull were ahead at the break though, reaching Motu Tony's kick ahead of Stuart Reardon.

The game then firmly swung in Hull's direction in a compelling opening minute to the second-half. Andy Bracek first had a try ruled out for a knock-on after Garreth Carvell had handed him possession, only for Hall to spill the ball after racing the length of the field in broken play.

Warrington then immediately returned the favour, before Raynor put an end to the sloppiness when he collected Tickle's superb cut-out pass to cross in the corner.

Carvell - also returning from a lengthy injury - then stretched out a hand to add a further score before Tony grabbed a deserved try when he ducked under the posts from close range.

With Head tearing the visiting defence apart with his range of passing, the Wolves were visibly deflated, a fact emphasised by Wood becoming the fourth player to see red this season for a high-shot on Scott Wheeldon.

Tony then added his second try a minute later, before Richard Horne collected a neat ball from Washbrook to canter over as the floodgates opened.

To Warrington's credit, they did show resilience for the final 10 minutes, but the damage had already been done.

Report source: www.superleague.co.uk

Article: Spirit cheers Sharp


Airlie News: Hull FC v Warrington
Fri August 10, 2007
Source: www.hullfc.com

Hull FC coach Peter Sharp takes a look at Sunday's match with Warrington Wolves.

It's a game vitally important to both clubs in their quest to secure a top four place.

With five rounds to go the two teams are locked together on 22 points with Warrington holding that crucial 4th spot on points difference.

After their four match winning run came to an end against champions St Helens at Knowsley Road, last Friday, coach Sharp says it is important his side bounce back.

"With all the senior players we had missing it was an outstanding performance at St Helens," admitted Sharp.

"We were a credit to ourselves and took a lot of positives from the game but we also have to remember that as well as we did and as proud of our efforts as we were we also lost and it is important we get back to winning ways again."

Sharp wants to see his side get back on the winning trail again when they face Warrington Wolves at the KC Stadium on Sunday, and he believes it is a big game for both clubs.

"It is a massive game," he said. "It is an opportunity for either side to strength their claims on a top four place and also cement a top six spot.

"I wouldn't say that losing would put you out the running but certainly as far as fourth spot is concerned it will make it that much harder.

"Therefore you'd have to say this is a massive game and we will need to be at our best to get those two vital points.

"Like us Warrington has hit some good form at the right time of the season. They are playing particularly well right now and have won their last four matches.

"They will be very confident and their leader Lee Briers is in fair form and he is very instrumental to what they do.

"He and his half back partner Chris Bridge are doing a lot for them, especially when their pack gets on top.

"Obviously, we need to nullify that service and then I am more than confident our halves, Matty Head and Richard Horne will do the business.

"They are building up a better understanding with every game and that's showing because I believe we're looking much more potent with the ball."

Great Britain star Horne agrees and he also believes Head's arrival had helped him improve his own form.

"Matt has made a big difference to the team and me," said Horne. "He is a very smart and clever player and it takes a bit of pressure off you, which he has done.

"You need two good halves who know how to play the game and can get the forwards around and help each other out.

"When you have that it helps your game and it allows you to play your own game. He is great to have around and good to play alongside."

TRIO BACK
Hull will have Shaun Briscoe (broken jaw), Garreth Carvell (groin), Garreth Raynor (ankle ligaments) back.

Sharp said: "It is a major bonus having these three players back because they will not only bring added skill and quality but also invaluable experience and we will need that against Warrington."

He has included Kirk Yeaman in his 20-man squad, but said: "I'm not expecting Kirk to come through this week."

INJURIES
Matt Sing - foot injury, at least two weeks

Wayne Godwin - broken bone in foot, hopes to be back next week.

HULL SQUAD
Briscoe, Carvell, Dowes, Hall, Head, G Horne, R Horne, Houghton, King, Lee, Maiava, Manu, Radford, Raynor, Tickle, Tony, Washbrook, Whiting, Wheeldon, Yeaman.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK
Warrington bound Chris Hicks after his devastating accident involving Hull bound Shaun Berrigan last weekend, which resulted in Berrigan suffering a fractured eye socket and cheekbone.

He is quoted as saying: "I knew something hit my knee. I wasn't sure what it was. It was obviously his face."

That's how the Manly winger recalled the moment Berrigan's glittering career with the Broncos came to an end.

HOME RECORD (Super League against Warrington):
Played 10, Won 6, Drawn 0, Lost 4

Last win for Warrington came in 2005 when Andrew Johns inspired them to a 30-16 victory on the final weekend of the season. They met at Warrington the following week in the Play-Off and Hull gained revenge 40-6.

Warrington's previous victory came in 2002 at the Boulevard. They won 19-16 with Lee Briers turning the game.

MILESTONES
Shaun Briscoe: two games short of his 100th for Hull FC

Gareth Raynor: still looking for his first try at the KC Stadium this season

Kirk Yeaman: six games away from his 150th and needs four points for 300

Garreth Carvell: four games away from his 150th Hull appearance. He has made 61 starts and has come off the bench 85 times. He also needs 12 points for his 100.

Motu Tony: 12 points away from his 100.

Craig Hall: also 12 points away from a 100 for the club.

Paul King: needs 15 more points to hit the century mark

Danny Washbrook: five games away from his 50th

Danny Tickle's four goals against St Helens have taken him over 150 for the club.

Richard Horne: needs three tries for a career century and five for his 100 for Hull.

BIRTHDAYS
No Hull player has a birthday in August.

September:
Kirk Yeaman - 15th
Danny Washbrook - 19th
Danny Houghton - 25th

LEADING POINTS SCORERS
TRIES:
12 - Craig Hall
12 - Matt Sing
10 - Richard Horne
8 - Shaun Briscoe
7 - Kirk Yeaman, Danny Tickle
6 - Willie Manu

GOALS:
63 - Danny Tickle
20 - Craig Hall

POINTS:
154 - Danny Tickle
88 - Craig Hall

LAST SIX:
2006:
July 15: Hull FC 36, Warrington 24

2005:
September 16: Hull FC 16, Warrington 30
February 27: Hull FC 32, Warrington 10

2004:
March 7: Hull FC 24, Warrington 18

2003:
July 20: Hull FC 38, Warrington 14

2002:
May 5: Hull FC 16, Warrington 19

Hull FC V Warrington Wolves
Sunday 12th August KO 3.15pm
Ticket Office 0870 837 0004

Hull FC Challenge Cup Wnners 2005
Grand Finalists 2006

News sent by: www.hullfc.com

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