Barnsley 10 vs 9 Hullensians

BARNSLEY 10 HULLENSIANS 9
A game filled with errors, tension and a heavy penalty card, the home side scored a lucky win when Hullensians twice failed to keep hold of the ball with the Barnsley line open. However, beyond the luck was a solid defensive effort, with no tries conceded despite a lack of possession. Both teams will probably figure near the table top by the end of the season, and over the years this fixture has been closely fought. This was no exception, with home supporters and players delighted by the result.
The game began with some long distance kicking by both sides, and although there was some slack tackling by the home team, Hull could not score until Harding converted a penalty. There was an unfortunate injury to two Barnsley players, when Gaunt and Hayward collided. Both continued after treatment, but it will be interesting to see if any damage was done. Hull extended their lead with another penalty and it took more than 20 minutes for Barnsley to mount a serious attack. The game had no flow although when in possession Hull looked threatening, but their inability to hold on to the ball alongside their determination to run across the pitch gave the home team time and space to defend very well. In this Robinson was outstanding, with Watt doing a lot of work in support of skipper Reed. Things were made more difficult when Jeffels was sent to the sin bin for 10 minutes, charged with the mis-use of his feet.
Finally Barnsley began to click and a superb break by Gaunt, passed on to Hayward was only prevented by a scrag of a jersey close to the Hull line but again the visitors had the chance to score- and again they failed to keep hold of the ball. Half time Barnsley 0 Hullensians 6.
Barnsley began the second half with some purpose and determination. Andrew Smith replaced Scorah, but it was the return of Jeffels which lit the touch paper. He excelled with several long clearance kicks and always threatened with ball in hand. After a tackle brought him down, Barnsley were awarded a penalty which Josh Smith coolly converted, though a second chance was missed, the home team sensed their opportunity but Hull broke out of defence, with a drive of some real power and were only halted on the Barnsley line. A further penalty by Harding restored the gap, with a score of 3 -9, but the decisive score came at the other end. The first step was a yellow card for the influential Conroy following persistent offences in their own 22, but the home pack forced its way over for Tyler Smith to emerge as scorer. Now Josh Smith converted the try to give Barnsley a 10-9 lead which they never surrendered.
The rest of the game saw either side miss chances, but Hullensians appeared more likely to score. Clearing kicks helped the home side get away, and there was more outstanding defensive work. Louw replaced Robinson, and Peel remained a cool head at the base of the scrum. His quick thinking was a feature of the Barnsley attack which seemed to lack a go forward pressure, and there was some relief when the referee finally blew for no side. A victory to counter balance an unlucky defeat the previous week, but there was no real satisfaction that the team has settled into a recognisable playing style.