The Knights began their pre-season campaign with a resounding victory away at Hull RUFC.

In a game that was split into four twenty-minute quarters, Griff’s charges looked in control throughout despite a determined display from the hosts. It took just two minutes to register the first score, Mat Clark broke from his own 22m after a lineout steal by the Knights pack. The Centre was well supported by Tyson Lewis and Paul Jarvis and put the former away to gallop home. Simon Humberstone opened his Knights account with a successful conversion.

The early pressure was relentless from the Knights and they were over again shortly after. Quick thinking from scrumhalf Brad Field saw the number nine break downfield before winning a penalty that was kicked to touch. A well-set driving lineout was quickly put in motion and Richard List crashed over from close range.

The hosts enjoyed a much-improved spell shortly after making inroads into Knights territory and whilst they were unable to threaten the Donny line, or scoreboard, prevented any further Knights scores in the opening quarter.

Clive and the coaching staff began to introduce players from the bench and the free flow of replacements continued throughout the course of the game. Hull had their best period of the game early in the second quarter, piling pressure on the Knights try line and had it not been for a thunderous tackle by Dougie Flockhart to kill an overlap may well have scored. The Knights rallied after this however and were over again moments later; good work from Ollie Stedman carried the team forward before Bevon Armitage carried to within a metre of the Hull line. Tyson Lewis was in support and picked up to dot down for his second of the afternoon. Donny managed one further try in the second period; Ollie Stedman finishing off some nice phase play to score.

The second half brought more of the same for the Knights, the introduction of Andy Bulumakau, Sam Edgerley and Will Hurrell kept the back line looking very sharp and the pack continued to hold authority upfront. Further tries came from Jarvis, Harry Betts, Hurrell as well as two from Latu Makaafi and a penalty try to complete the win. Hurrell’s individual effort on the hour probably mark probably the pick of the bunch; breaking several tackles before racing home.

Credit must go to Hull who fought until the final whistle and the Knights will face a step up in class next weekend at home versus Sedgley Park.

The Knights travelling support was once again impressive; probably outnumbering the home contingent.

Match Statistics

Starting XV; 15 Paul Jarvis, 14 Dougie Flockhart, 13 Mat Clark, 12 Bevon Armitage, 11 Tyson Lewis, 10 Simon Humberstone, 9 Brad Field, 1 Richard List, 2 Ted Stagg, 3 WillGriff John, 4 Glen Kenworthy, 5 Glen Young, 6 Latu Makaafi, 7 Michael Hills ©, 8 Ollie Stedman

Replacements (all used); Joe Sproston, Jack Bergmanas, Jake Armstrong, Harry Betts, Rhys Davies, Michael Heaney, Sam Edgerley, Declan Cusack, Andy Bulumakau, Will Hurrell.

Tries; Lewis 2’, 35’, List 6’, Stedman 40’, Jarvis 50’, Betts 54’, Hurrell 60’, Makaafi 64’, 80’, Penalty 73’,

Conv; Humberstone 2’ Cusack 35’, 40’, 50’, 54’, 60’, 64’, 73’, 80’

Pens