Black and Whites win derby
Hull came from behind to beat fierce city rivals Hull KR 44-18 in Sunday's derby clash at the KC Stadium.
Last Updated: 21/07/08 3:57pm
Hull came from behind to beat fierce city rivals Hull KR in Sunday's derby clash at the KC Stadium.
The home side were trailing 18-10 at one stage but scored 34 un-answered points to give their fans the bragging rights after the Black and Whites had lost the last three meetings between the two.
Before the kick-off, all the talk was about the future of controversial stand-off Paul Cooke after he was dropped from the Hull KR side against his former club, with youngster Chaz I'Anson selected in his place.
Cooke's omission overshadowed James Webster's absence for Hull as the former Rovers skipper failed to receive his British passport in time.
Stunning half
But the two sides shrugged off this talk to produce a stunning opening half that saw them share six tries and end up separated by just a failed Danny Tickle conversion for Hull.
Ben Galea powered over the line to put the visitors in front on 11 minutes, with Michael Dobson adding the extras in Cooke's absence.
But Hull responded seven minutes later when teenage winger Tom Briscoe crossed for his third try in as many games.
Rovers then re-took the lead when Ben Cockayne bounced over, only for Hull to strike for a second time with a Scott Wheeldon try on the back of a fine break from Shaun Berrigan.
But Rovers took the lead for a third time when I'Anson touched down, only for Yeaman to snatch his 12th score of the year shortly before the break.
Hull ahead
Hull finally went ahead for the first time five minutes after the interval through a Graeme Horne try.
They then produced the try of the game when Tommy Lee sent a wonderfully weighted flat kick above the visiting defence and winger Matt Sing completed the move with a towering jump above Jon Steel to score. Tickle slotted the goal for a 10-point lead.
The home side were in complete control by now with Lee and Berrigan outstanding in their dictation of the play.
Yeaman and Briscoe both grabbed their second tries of the match before a Craig Hall touchdown in the final minute completed the rout, to give Hull boss Richard Agar the first derby win of his coaching career.
The victory was also the ideal warm-up for Hull as they now focus on their Challenge Cup semi-final against Wakefield in seven days time.