Millom 32 University of Hull 14

MILLOM progressed into round two of the Challenge Cup – but they had to work hard against the Humbersiders before going through.

The visitors fought until the end – well led by former Barrow hooker Andy Ellis – and stunned their hosts by taking a 4-0 lead after sixteen minutes.

The Woollybacks sprung into action then and swift attacking rugby saw them bag sixteen points between the 20th and 27th minutes.

Steve Dawson was to the fore, with his forceful running causing problems throughout the 80 minutes, ably supported by Matt Palmer.

The home side had to overcome the early loss of hooker Marcus O’Brien who left the field with an arm injury. They adjusted well, with Jonathan Hodgson taking over the pivotal role.

Millom took the game to the visitors and after sustained pressure Hodgson was held up over the line.

Dawson then went close following a storming run before further pressure came to an end because of a crossing offence.

Hull came back strongly with Ellis driving his team on. He, along with half-back partner Ronan Newton, sent full-back Nathan Hill deep into Millom territory. However his intended pass to winger Ben Holdstock went to ground.

Swift play from the visitors saw them take the lead when Sam Bowring crossed out wide.

It took only four minutes for the Woollybacks to open their account. Adam Kelly, Ricky Donaghue Hodgson and Liam Saunders swept downfield before Palmer crashed over from close range, Kelly tagging on the goal.

This spurred on the home side as another surging Dawson run saw Hodgson and Ian Armstrong link to send the supporting Joe Shaw in for the first of a hat-trick of tries, Kelly landing a touchline goal, 12-4.

And when Hull were penalized minutes later quick hands along the line involving Donaghue and Ross Brookes enabled Shaw to complete the attack with his second touchdown. Two successive penalties for the Humbersiders saw them pile on the pressure which resulted in prop Jake Hampshire being called back as he headed for the line. A forward pass was ruled in the build up.

Hull then put in a dangerous kick from Newton only for Owen Myers to gather and make good yards with a strong run out of defence.

Hull were penalised for ripping the ball out of the tackle and from the tap Saunders took play to the posts where, from a quick play the ball, Donaghue fed Armstrong who plunged over the line, Kelly adding the extra two for 22-4 at the break.

Hull, not lying down, came back strongly early in the second half and made the home side work hard in defence. This ended when a neat ball from Ellis saw Adam Reading knock-on.

Sixteen minutes into the second half Millom increased their lead when a neat step from Hodgson saw him round full back Nathan Hill to touch down between the posts, Kelly adding the goal.

Not to be outdone Hull hit right back when, following a fine break from loose forward Luke Saunders, in support was prop Hampshire to touch down under the posts. The conversion attempt from Reading rebounded off the crossbar after the ball blew off the tee when making contact. Millom almost responded when Dawson was on target to race over following a fine break courtesy of a neat ball from Palmer, but a forward pass was ruled.

Hull were never to give up the chase and hit back with six points. Ellis was pushed back in trying to cross, but from the play the ball Dave Gitence forced his way over for Tommy Laughton to convert, and at 28-14 they were back in the race.

However their joy was shortlived when, following a sweeping attack upfield, Shaw was on hand to complete his hat-trick– 32-14 and game, set and match.

Millom: Ross Brookes, Owen Myers, Joe Shaw, Ricky Donaghue, Josh Wright, Jonathan Hodgson, Adam Kelly, Paul Carter, Marcus O’Brien, Dane Kelly, Ian Armstrong, Steve Dawson, Matt Palmer. Subs used: Dave Thompson, Gary Heasley, Chris Warren, Liam Saunders.

Hull: Nathan Hill, Ben Holdstock, Crawford Matthews, Josh Milner, Tommy Laughton, Ronan Newton, Josh Hamilton, Andy Ellis, Jake Hampshire, Elliot Townsend, Adam Reading, Luke Saunders. Subs used: Dave Gitence, Chris Bowler, Connor Grawger, Theo Tyrer.

Referee: Curtis Braithwaite.

Man of the match: Steve Dawson.

Other results: Wath Brow 26 RAF 4; Egremont 64 Bridgend Blue Bells 0; Kells 30 Nottingham Outlaws 0.