RUGBY UNION

HULL coach Dan Cook paid tribute to his squad and the impact his subs made as they earned a 15-3 victory at Nuneaton.

The first half saw Hull play with the elements and, although having the better of the territorial battle, they never really threatened the home side's line, thanks to a well-marshalled and committed defence.

Hull opted for their favourite catch and drive ploy from a couple of kickable penalties, but when the score failed to materialise they took the chance to take the lead via the boot of James Cameron on 23 minutes.

That remained the score at half-time and as Nuneaton now had the wind to assist them, it seemed Hull would have a hard time maintaining their lead.

The start of the second half emphasised their task when home scrum-half Palmer slotted over an easy penalty in the first seconds.

Nuneaton then pressed the Hull line and, just when it seemed they must score, Phil Murphy appeared in the centre to intercept a pass and send Hull's Slingsby on an 80-yard run to score under the posts, giving Cameron an easy conversion.

Nuneaton were by no means finished but as the substitutions began, Hull's pack, bolstered by the arrival of Plevey and Dutton in the front row, Lewis in the second row, and brothers Dan and Matt White at scrum-half and on the wing, took an ever-tighter grip on the game.

Nuneaton were hampered by changes to their pack and their scrum all but disintegrated.

It came as no surprise when Hull scored the decisive try, thanks to quick handing after a good ruck, and Cameron was on hand to touch down in the corner. The missed conversion was of no consequence.