Hull 18 Hinckley 36

Hornets confirmed their resurrection at Chanterlands Avenue on Saturday with a thumping six try victory against a previously unbeaten Hull side who had not lost at home for over a year. After the travails of recent weeks and a stuttering victory last week against Luctonians it was just the sort of performance that Hinckley needed.

This was no runaway victory though. It was built on a superb defensive effort and an abrasive forward performance that eventually ground the home side into submission. Hull might consider themselves a little unlucky in that they lost their main play-maker, Simon Humberstone, to injury just before half-time and consequently looked somewhat devoid of ideas in the second period, but it is doubtful that, even with Humberstone, Hull could have broken the stranglehold Hornets had on the game in the last 30 minutes.

Director of Rugby Scott Hamilton was delighted. ‘That was undoubtedly our best performance of the season. Defensively we were outstanding. They had a number of big strong runners who will walk over some teams but we fronted up and kept them in check. We didn’t get going in the first 20 minutes and let them get ahead but we fought back well to go in ahead at half-time and it was a great performance in the second half. I couldn’t have asked for more from the lads.’

Despite the final outcome though, Hamilton was right to highlight Hinckley’s poor start. For the fourth weekend in succession, Hornets conceded an early try, although in fairness they did hold out this week until the ninth minute. This time, Hornets failed to deal with an attacking line-out 5m from their own line. Although the catch and drive was held, the ball was fed along the line for Hull centre Alex Heard to cross for a relatively simple try which Reece Dean converted.

With a stiff breeze behind them, Hornets did respond quickly going over five minutes later after Hull had been penalised in their own half, and Tom Wheatcroft was able to set up a similar attacking line-out at the other end. Jamie Skerritt took the line-out ball at the back of the line and the pack drove him over for the score. Joe Wilson hit the post with the conversion attempt.

But Hull went further in front on as the game moved into the second quarter when a deliberate knock-on 10m from the Hornets line gave Dean a relatively simple penalty opportunity which was gratefully accepted.

At this stage there was little to choose between the two sides but Hornets managed to get the next score after 30 minutes. A penalty for offside 30m from the Hull line gave Wilson the chance to set up the catch and drive and in a replay of the earlier try, Skerritt took the ball at the back, and the pack drove over. This time, Dave Peck claimed the score. Wilson converted to take Hornets 12-10 clear.

And that was how it remained until the interval, although Hull should have gone in ahead. With a couple of minutes remaining and wing-man Tomasi Tanumi in acres of space and the line open, a wayward forward pass to Tomasi was called by the referee – a let-off for Hornets.

In the second period, Hornets were playing into the breeze and it took a while for them to adjust their game. It was no surprise when Hull re-took the lead after 12 minutes from another Dean penalty. Replacement flanker Ollie Ashworth was carded for going off his feet in the ruck. Hull set up the line-out 10m out and, although Hinckley held the maul, they were adjudged to have done so illegally and Dean notched the score.

From that point on though, it was all Hinckley. After 17 minutes another penalty allowed Hornets to set up yet another catch and drive opportunity deep in the Hull 22m. The maul was held but the ball was recycled allowing Joe Glover to dart over from close range for the try.

A few minutes later, Hornets again forced the penalty and again set up a catch and drive opportunity 15m from the Hull line. The resultant try was beauty to the eye for any forwards coach as the pack set up the perfect maul and drove to the line with Luke Coltman claiming the score and the bonus point. Wilson kicked the extras.

The fifth try came shortly afterwards. Hinckley claimed the ball from a line-out on halfway and went through the phases to work their way to the line. In the end, it was Ollie Ashworth who drove over from short range.

The game appeared over at 13-29 but Hull did register another try with time running out. Hornets were penalised in their own 22m and the Hull pack forced their way over for a fortunate score. The ball was dropped over the line but the referee was unsighted and awarded the try.

With normal time almost up, Hinckley were still able to grab a sixth. Recovering the ball from the kick-off, a delightful passage of play saw the Hornets work the ball towards the line. A classic jinking Callum Dacey run took the ball deep into the Hull 22m. Hamilton went close but Ashworth was again on hand to collect the off-load and go over by the posts to end an eventful afternoon for the young flanker. Wilson claimed the extras to take the score to 18-36 and the referee blew for full-time.

Next week, Hornets return to Leicester Road to take on Otley who have struggled to make an impression so far this season having drawn two and lost two, both by narrow margins. They will be anxious to kick-start their season. Hornets will be looking to consolidate their own improved form. Kick-off is 3.00pm.

Nick Robinson