SIDDAL RETURN WITH THE SPOILS...

Siddal came back from 14 points down to score a fine victory at the home of the champions, West Hull.

The Hull side came out of the blocks fast and were over for their first try after just two minutes. Following a scrum close to the Siddal line the ball was quickly transferred left to West Hull fullback Brett Turner who accelerated through a gap to score. Scrum half Ian Kerman added the conversion. Siddal couldn't get started and were also on the wrong end of the referee's whistle. With possession and territory in their favour West Hull capitalised with two further tries and a successful goal to race to a 14 point lead.

Siddal were facing another wasted trip to West Hull but rallied through forwards George Ambler, Gareth English and some fine kicking by scrum half Liam Coe. It was English who started the fight back on 30 minutes crossing for a try wide out on the right when, despite the attention of three West Hull defenders, he managed to get the ball down over the try line. Coe added a fine conversion. It got better for Siddal three minutes later when debutant, Taniela Bakosa, out on the left wing challenged for a high last tackle cross field kick by Coe, came down with the ball and ran 15 metres to score by the posts. Coe's conversion closed the gap to 14-12 and as the game reached half time Siddal could sniff the momentum.

Despite a sluggish start in the 2nd half Siddal kept West Hull out with great defence. Once they had some possession of their own Siddal were clearly the more threatening as centres Chester Butler and Billy Hammond ran hard at the West Hull defence and took energy out of the home defence. On 50 minutes Siddal went in front through a Ross White try and though Coe, surprisingly, missed the conversion Siddal had their noses in front and could sense the victory. West Hull were visibly tiring despite the efforts of their stand out performer, loose forward Ryan Steen, as Siddal began to stretch their line with quick handling through Coe, Shaun Garrod and fullback Freddie Walker who was joining the line more regularly. On the hour mark Siddal increased their lead through Hammond who ran onto an inside ball to cut through and though he was brought down inches short of the line he was able to stretch out and place the ball on the try line. Coe kicked the conversion and Siddal now had breathing space at 22-14.

The game became a little scrappy as the referee penalised both sides for interference at the play the ball and West Hull became more desperate to get back in the game. Siddal however clinched the two points on 70 minutes as Hammond collected his 2nd try. This time it was a little easier as the West Hull right wing dropped a high kick by Coe just feet from his own lineand Hammond had the easy task of picking the loose ball up and scoring. Coe couldn't add the goal from the right touchline but Siddal were home and dry.

Coe took the opposition man of the match award and there were great contributions by English, Hammond and Ambler.