Hull 13, Wirral 3

DESPITE going down to a Hull try in the first minute of this rain-soaked game, Wirral clung to their plan and were unlucky not to leave without some points.

After being exposed in Hull's first attack, Wirral gradually worked their way into the game but could not break down the strong defence.

Midway through the first half, Wirral were camped on the home side's line and repeatedly went for five-metre scrums rather than take the easy three points on offer but could not find a way across the Hull whitewash.

In the final minute of the first half, two penalties brought Hull up to the Wirral 20m area, whereafter two scrums with Hull having the initiative broke left and created the space for Mike Adlard to touch down, although there was some doubt as to whether there was a clean touch-down to give the home side a 10-0 lead at half time.

The second half was more even except for the period when Wirral were down to 13 players when the referee started producing yellow cards, when they were for the wrong decisions.

A Hull player then took out a Wirral player at the line-out with a neck tackle and in any other match it would have been a red but yellow was given.

Wirral were now in the ascendancy and a second yellow card against Hull resulted in James Annetts scoring a penalty to leave the score at 10-3 but a few minutes later a further penalty was missed.

Obviously Hull who consider themselves favourites for the runner up position in this league were getting nervous and extended their lead to 13-3 with a penalty from half-way.

The final minutes were all Wirral but they could not breakthrough the defence as Hull played out time.

Given the big defeat last year this was a much improved performance from a much changed Wirral team from the first game and new coach, Darren Hall was pleased with this gritty performance.