Hull's Head Coach, John Widdowson, was very disappointed with the manner of his team's defeat to Loughborough. He said effort and commitment were not in doubt but his side's failure to capitalise on good field positions gained through the hard work of everyone in the side was frustrating and ultimately cost Hull the game.
The match started well for Hull as they put the pressure on the visitors and were rewarded with a well struck penalty by James Cameron.
Loughborough were quick to respond but their pacy back division were well held but a resolute Hull defence.
Both sides found it hard to create chances but Hull had several promising moves halted by forward passes or spilt the ball at the vital moment.
Hull's chances to go further ahead in the 33rd minute did not materialise as Cameron's difficult penalty attempt just fell wide.
Hull's narrow three point lead at half time, having had the elements in their favour, did not look enough to prevail and so it proved.
As the second half started Hull's defence attempted to run the ball out of their own 22 metre area and a dropped pass handed Loughborough's back row forward, Atkinson, a gift of a try.
Hull were looking good in the tight phases of the game and always posed a threat but a fine counter attack by Hull after 47 minutes led by Maka broke down again and Loughborough assumed control of the ball. It was as a result of their constant pressure that Loughborough scored again. Having secured possession some 25 yards from Hull's line two quick short passes saw their second row Parker plunge in at the corner too far out for Hall to make the conversion.
With Hull making changes in the front row as Plevey and Stout were replaced by Fullman and Lamping, Hull's scrummage continued to give the visitors plenty of problems but although Loughborough were continually pushed back or wheeled almost 360 degrees they managed to weather this storm without conceding either possession or penalties.
Hull's cause was not helped when their new scrum half, Matt Rhodes, was yellow carded and then Loughborough's Hall kicked a penalty to put the visitors well in command at 13-3. The last nail in the coffin came as the game went into the last couple of minutes when Loughborough secured their own scum ball five yards out and a concerted series of drives saw their other second row, Conquest, awarded the try which replacement off-half Katz easily converted to give the visitors a slightly flattering 20-3 winning margin.
Match Report by Richard Gore