Hull University 2nds – 14
NURL 2nds – 20
Venturing into the rugby league stronghold that is the slums of Hull, NURL 2nds knew today would be all out war. The Hull University hordes stormed onto the pitch in vast numbers while brave Rob Andrew and his 17 stood in wait, prepared for glory.
The match began with the Owls terrorising the Hull defence, driving them back to their own half, allowing Aidan Robson, to spot the narrowest of gaps, and with a step that would shame Michael Flatley, reached over the line for the first of many outstanding tries.
Soaring from a try within 10 minutes, the owls pressed on with their attack, shaming Hulls superior numbers. The barbaric adversaries found themselves driven back by the likes of Andy Lensky and George Matthews, pounding their way up the field. None made a clearer statement than Craig Richards, who refused to let even the post stand in his way, as he charged headlong before crashing over the line for a second try.
Fortune shone as an untainted, unrelenting Ryan Fletcher broke through the fearful Hull line, only to be brought down 5 meters from the try line. Capitalising on this magnificent break, the ball moved from owl to owl, until it found solace in the ever-safe grip of Leigh Murksmanymums as he dove for NURLs 3rd try.
Following a yellow card for Fletchers enthusiastic tackling, Hull eventually made their way to a score, despite some sterling defence from massive Massa and the ever enraged Andy Lensky.
The second half saw Hull draft in their fresh legs, which took them over for their second score followed by a penalty, resulting from poor discipline from a pumped NURL side. But this did not stop Matty Jones skipping past their inferior defence with some illustrious footwork to score another dazzling try.
The stand-up moment of the match came as Rory Williams and Sam Flowers executed a perfect switch that saw Flowers charge through unchallenged. The Owls swooped down on a perplexed Hull as Flowers found the hands of George Matthews, whose combination of a formidable form and blistering pace took him between the posts for a celebrated final score of 20-14.
Such a game prompted Fester lookalike Jono Cross to claim that this was the greatest game of rugby league he had ever seen.