Hull FC’s season is over after defeat to Catalans.
Hull FC have battled and battled all year but in Super League’s final regular season round, they finally came unstuck, with Catalans Dragons running out 26-22 winners on Thursday night – and in the process, ensuring Wakefield Trinity took the final Super League play-off spot.
But the Black and Whites, who have dug in all season, didn’t throw in the towel. They gave it everything, taking the game to the very end, and in the process, fielding several of their promising young players. They had their moments – with their flying wingers Lewis Martin and Harvey Barron each scoring try braces. But it wasn’t enough.
Despite a valiant effort, it was Catalans who played their part and spoilt the party, with one of their own emerging stars, Guillermo Aispuro-Bichet, playing a huge part. The talented full-back scored two tries in the second half to take the game away from Hull – and that ultimately proved the difference.
The game started with 20 minutes of mayhem, and it was first blood to Hull, who scored after two minutes as Barron took Zak Hardaker’s kick to dive over the line.
But in what was a fast and open contest, Catalans soon hit back. They earned a penalty and soon rampaged downfield, with Nick Cotric outstretching an arm to score out wide.
The French side then took the lead through Tommy Makinson, who dived over in the corner, before the scoreboard changed hands again as Barron took Tom Briscoe’s pass from a quick tap-20 restart to race away.
But in what was a crazy passage of play, Catalans had the final say of it, with Reimis Smith taking a quick inside from Makinson before plonking the ball down.
The game then calmed down and became more attritional, with both sides fighting for possession. Hull continued to throw the dice but the French side stood firm, despite losing Luke Keary to the sin bin for a late shot on Hull teenager Callum Kemp.
To their credit, Catalans defended that period well and ensured they went into the break two points ahead. And after more Hull pressure was absorbed, Catalans then landed the sucker punch.
First, Hull coughed up possession in good ball and then conceded the try, with Aispuro-Bichet taking the loose ball to dive over and score. The young French full-back then added another, pinching one from close range to seemingly take the game away from Hull.
But John Cartwright’s side refused to lay down. They haven’t all year and they took the clash to the death. First Sezer broke the line and found Martin in support to score, and the duo then combined again, with Martin dotting down for his 25th Super League try of the season.
That set up a grandstand finish, with Hull taking the game to the final minute. However, it was Catalans who held on, ending their season on a high and, in the process, landing the final blow in Hull’s top six push. Down and out, but with their heads held high.
Teams
Hull Starting XIII: 23. Logan Moy; 2. Harvey Barron, 5. Tom Briscoe, 20. Davy Litten, 22. Lewis Martin; 30. Callum Kemp, 7. Aidan Sezer; 16. Yusuf Aydin, 9. Amir Bourouh, 41. Liam Watts; 3. Zak Hardaker, 12. Jordan Lane; 19. Brad Fash
Interchange: 14. Cade Cust, 21. Will Gardiner, 25. Denive Balmforth, 27. Matty Laidlaw. 18th Player: 31. Hugo Salabio
Catalans Starting XIII: 26. Guillermo Aispiro-Bichet; 2. Tommy Makinson, 5. Nick Cotric, 4. Reimis Smith, 22. Fouad Yaha; 6. Luke Keary, 21. Theo Fages; 20. Jordan Dezaria, 14. Alrix Da Costa, 9. Benjamin Garcia; 8. Tevita Pangai Junior, 19. Paul Seguier; 13. Oliver Partington
Interchange: 3. Arthur Romano, 10. Julian Bousquet, 15. Chris Satae, 33. Ugo Tison. 18th Man: 18. Cesar Rouge
Scorers
Hull Tries: Barron 2, Martin 2. Goals: Hardaker 3/4
Catalans Tries: Cotric, Makinson, Smith, Guillermo Aispuro-Bichet 2. Goals: Aispuro-Bichet 3/5
Scoring System: 6-0, 6-4, 6-10, 12-10, 12-14, HT, 12-20, 12-26, 18-26, 22-26, FT
Referee: Liam Moore. Video Referee: Chris Kendall
Attendance: 10,918