Finals Week Three
Hull FC 19 d. Bradford Bulls 12

2006 English Super League Index [Table] [Draw] [Player Stats] [Club Headlines]

Location: United Kingdom > National > First Grade Competition: English Super League

Hull through to first Grand Final
Sat October 7, 2006
In front of over 16,000 screaming fans, Hull FC made history by downing defending Super League Champions, the Bradford Bulls, 19-12 after a 13-0 first half blitz.

The defending champions couldn't have had a worse start to their bid for a shot at back-to-back titles, conceded a try in the opening minute to Kull halfback Richard Horne. The try was duly converted by Paul Cooke for a 6-0 lead before many fans even had a chance to sit down in their seats. Horne's 50 metre effort was just the start the underdogs were after.

The match became more of an arm wrestle after the shock start, and it took until the 28th miunte for the scorers to be troubled again. Between the opener and the 28th minute, the Bulls had 3 tries disallowed - twice by the video referee and a third for a forward pass to winger Marcus Bai, ruled on by central referee Ashley Klein. An infringement from Bradford within kicking distance gave Paul Cooke a chance to add 2 points, which he did and the score was 8-0.

Unfortunately for Bradford, after the 3 close calls, the penalty was enough to break the back of their efforts. Just 2 minutes later, Motu Tony was the beneficiary of a great bit of play from half Richard Horne, kicking from a scrum on halfway for Tony to gather and sprint away for a try in the corner. Cooke missed the kick, but the damage was done and the Bulls found themselves down 0-12 and in desperate need of some momentum and luck.

Paul Cooke had two shots at field goal in the final 5 minutes of the half, raising the referees arm with his second attempt in the 37th minute and Hull were well on track for their first ever Grand Final appearance with a 13-0 lead. The scores stayed this way until half-time.

The defending champions struggled to contain the plucky underdogs in the first half, although they did create opportunities themselves. No doubt, the talk at half-time would have been about those opportunities and how they could score first to get back in the contest.

Bradford did just that, with a mistake from Motu Tony gifting Bulls' lock Brett Ferres a try in the 45th minute after a last-tackle kick from Paul Deacon. Deacon added the extras and the Bulls were back in the match at 13-6 with 35 minutes left to reel in the deficit.

The revival was short-lived, with Hull getting across the line courtesy of some quick-thinking from Shontayne Hape and some even quicker hands from Paul Cooke and Horne getting the ball out to centre Kirk Yeaman who scored in the corner in the 56th minute. Hape tapped back an unlikely kick from second-rower Lee Radford, which was scooped up by Paul Cooke and Hull's backline did the rest. Cooke capped off a good game with the boot by converting the try, leaving Bradford behind 19-6 with just over a quarter the game to go.

The bad luck and poor execution for Bradford continued, with a great try-scoring opportunity blown when interchange Karl Pryce missed the mark with his pass to Marcus Bai. Bai was unmarked but Pryce's pass when in to touch; another chance gone begging for the champions.

Eventually, the persistence and never-say-die attitude got the Bulls across the line with 10 minutes to go; some good work from Great Britain hooker Terry Newton helping Langley over the line. The successful conversion made it 19-12, but Hull hanged on for a famous, history-making victory.

Hull FC coach Peter Sharp, brimming with pride, was nonetheless speechless after the effort.

"I'm a bit lost for words to be honest," he said.

"I'm just overwhelmed.

"It was a magnificent defensive effort which set the platform for the win.

"Everybody contributed but there were some great individual performances, which there needed to be against a quality side like Bradford."

On the other side of the coin, Bulls coach Steve McNamara praised his players for their effort and attitude.

"It's been a really tough week for us but the players responded magnificently," said McNamara.

"I can't speak highly enough of them.

"If I'm honest, it hurts like hell but I'm proud to be associated with that bunch of players.

"We pushed hard but didn't quite get there. We missed some opportunities and when you do that it tends to come back and bite you. There is a fine margin between a victory and a loss."

Hull FC face St Helens in the engage Super League Grand FInal, to be played at Old Trafford next weekend. Their last meeting was during this finals series, with Hull going down to St Helens 12-8. St Helens will no doubt be looking to send Jamie Lyon out a winner as he plays his last game before returning to Australia to take up a contract with the Manly Sea Eagles. But after their last meeting and previous meetings during the regular season, this promises to be a cracking final.


Hull FC break 14,000 barrier
Thu October 5, 2006
Source: www.hullfc.com

The Kingston Communications Stadium is preparing to host the biggest crowd of the 2006 Play-Off Series.

Tickets sales of over 14,000 ensure the attendance on Friday evening (October 6th) is set to top last Friday's gate at Knowsley Road.

Home supporters have purchased over 12,000 tickets for the eagerly awaited clash and sales will continue until 5pm Thursday. Meanwhile across in West Yorkshire

Bulls' fans have snapped up 1,700 seats so far.

The fixture sees second place Hull FC take on current engage Super League and Carnegie World Club Champions, Bradford Bulls.

The prize for the winner is a place in the Grand Final at Old Trafford against table toppers and Challenge Cup holders St Helens.

Once again The Bulls are hitting their stride in the Play-off series and after impressive home wins over Salford City Reds and Warrington Wolves they will travel to East Yorkshire in buoyant mood.

After a superb run of form in the second half of the season Hull clinched second place and despite a narrow defeat against St Helens Peter Sharp will also be confident of progressing to the Theatre of Dreams.

Australian Sharp has been quick to praise the Black and White supporters who travelled to Knowsley Road in their hoards last week and out sang the home crowd from the first whistle to the last. Sharp is hoping for similar backing from the fans this Friday.

"They (the fans) are just superb aren't they," Sharp said. "Every week they impress me more, whenever I glanced over at Saints they were all singing and getting behind the boys, even after St Helens scored. We all want to repay their loyalty.

Bradford are doing well again in the Play-offs because they are a good side, it's as simple as that. They are well coached and are a big side physically, we must be aware of their threat. It's certainly exciting that's for sure."

Second rower Shayne McMenemy, says the FC camp are in great spirits: "There is a lot of desire and hunger in this team, this is a happy camp. We have worked towards this since last November we want to go one better and get to Old Trafford."

"There is a real belief that if we play like we did against St Helens then we are going to have a great chance of reaching the Grand Final."

"The Play-off games are so intense; the pace of the game at St Helens was one of the quickest I've ever experienced in my career. It all steps up a gear and you have to be ready to compete. Bradford are another fine team and the intensity of the game will be similar."

Supporters have until 5pm on Thursday to purchase tickets. NO tickets will be on sale on Friday.

Meanwhile, Hull FC is delighted to announce that the Boulevard Greyhound Association have kindly donated their car park for use by Hull FC fans on Friday (free of charge).

Please be aware that this will be locked up at 10.30pm and all cars will need to be removed. Any extra-time or late finish will be taken into consideration. Hull FC would like to thank Mr D Hickin (owner of the Boulevard Greyhound Association) for his kind gesture.

News sent by: www.hullfc.com

Thu October 5, 2006
• Super League Preliminary Final Stat Pack
  
Wed October 4, 2006
• Important Play Off and Grand Final News
  
Wed October 4, 2006
• Radford - Another Tough Encounter Ahead
  

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