​York Knights secured a third consecutive Betfred Super League win for the first time in club history, as their remarkable march continued and Hull FC’s struggles away from home extended. Under the guidance of Mark Applegarth, York overcame a 16-8 halftime deficit to clinch their sixth victory of the season, moving above Hull FC in the league standings. Hull FC, despite an early burst that put them in front with three tries in the opening 12 minutes, could not sustain the pressure, recording just one win away from home all season.
York’s victory was built on a standout scoring display, including tries from David Nofoaluma, Jon Bennison, Denive Balmforth, and Nikau Williams. Bennison contributed two successful kicks, bringing his personal points tally for the match and helping to tilt the balance in York’s favor as the second half unfolded. The visitors’ early lead came courtesy of Sezer, Briscoe, and Batchelor, who crossed for Hull FC early on, setting a challenging tempo for the Knights to chase.
The encounter remained tense and physical into the latter stages, with York weathering Hull’s late pressure. A crucial defensive moment came when veteran York hooker Paul McShane made a decisive last-ditch tackle, forcing a knock-on by Herman Ese’ese inches from the line as Hull pressed to equalize. The intervention preserved York’s advantage and underscored the Knights’ resilience in a tightly fought contest.
York Knights were list-listed as Mataafa, Bennison, Galeano, Williams, Nofoalume, Hunter, McShane in the backline, with a forward pack featuring Martin, Inman, Va’a, Buchanan, Field, and Thompson. The interchanges for York included Balmforth, Vaughan, Foster, and Hingano, providing fresh impetus throughout the match. Hull FC named Moy, Barron, Briscoe, Hardaker, Martin, Arthur, Sezer in their backline and pack, with Ese’ese, Bourouh, Hill, O’Neill, Batchelor, and Bell in the forwards; their substitutes were Aydin, Clark, Cust, and Salabio.
The match official for the game was Tara Jones, whose handling of the contest helped to keep the game flowing despite the frantic phases. The game, packed with momentum swings and defensive heroics, underscored the Knights’ growing consistency in the Betfred Super League this season.
In summary, York Knights demonstrated their growing strength and team cohesion as they stretched their winning run to three straight Super League victories—an achievement the club had not previously reached in its history. Hull FC, while showing early ambition, could not sustain their initial momentum on the road, leaving them with a solitary away win this season. The result adds another chapter to York’s improving campaign and raises questions about Hull FC’s ability to translate home form into away results as the season progresses.
York Knights player lineup highlights included the backs: Mataafa, Bennison, Galeano, Williams, Nofoalume, Hunter, McShane; forwards featuring Martin, Inman, Va’a, Buchanan, Field, and Thompson, with Balmforth, Vaughan, Foster, and Hingano as the interchange options. Hull FC’s lineup featured Moy, Barron, Briscoe, Hardaker, Martin, Arthur, Sezer in the backline, Ese’ese, Bourouh, Hill, O’Neill, Batchelor, and Bell in the pack, with Aydin, Clark, Cust, and Salabio among the substitutes. The match was a high-energy Betfred Super League clash, delivering drama for York supporters and challenging Hull FC’s away form as the season continues.