WHEN things are not going your way they can tend to pile up and that was certainly the case for Warrington Wolves at Hull FC on Easter Monday.
It all culminated in a controversial 78th-minute Manu Ma’u winning try for the Airlie Birds, breaking Wire hearts.
With gutsy teenager Ellis Longstaff getting his body underneath the big New Zealander as he steamrollered over the try line – and others making smother tackles – it seemed more likely the ball stayed off the turf than on it.
But unsighted referee Chris Kendall’s live call was a try and video referee Marcus Griffiths had no footage evidence to disprove that decision and so the baying Hull fans got their wish, with Luke Gale’s conversion proving to be the only difference between the sides.
Wire head coach Daryl Powell made it clear afterwards what he thought of the incident, accusing referee Chris Kendall of 'guessing' and he was in the camp that felt he 'guessed' wrong!
Surely when a ref goes upto check a try if he's unsure they should be able to say I'm unsure if it's a Try / No try can you confirm. Yesterday was unlucky thanks for the travelling fans, we get ready for this week. 🐺🐺
— Joshua Charnley (@Joshuacharnley) April 19, 2022
Manu Ma'u 𝗣𝗢𝗪𝗘𝗥𝗦 over for Hull FC! 🔥
— Sky Sports Rugby League (@SkySportsRL) April 18, 2022
The video referee gives the try after a review 👀 pic.twitter.com/TCnl34ORv3
Officials’ decisions had been chipping away at Wire’s efforts throughout the contest.
Stefan Ratchford was obstructed by Ma’u in the build-up to Jamie Shaul’s opening try and Gale’s pass that put Brad Fash over was forward, but neither were spotted by officials who were earlier incorrect twice in blowing the whistle on Daryl Clark ‘line balls’ and wrongly penalising Wire twice for being offside from kicks.
They may not have been try-scoring moments, but those calls prevented an enthusiastic and spirited Warrington side from piling on pressure early in the game, while the sin-binning of Ben Currie for obstruction moments before Hull broke the deadlock also seemed harsh just prior to the bad luck of losing skipper Jack Hughes with a dislocated shoulder.
Wire did not crumble under the setbacks though, as they might have done in weeks gone by, and it could have been a different story had they made the most of a Mike Cooper break and an attacking Josh Thewlis high-kick claim in the second half when the scores were tied at 12-12.
Cooper, Rob Mulhern, Joe Bullock and Joe Philbin were not outshone by the much vaunted bigger Hull pack, while half-backs Stefan Ratchford and Gareth Widdop - who were among the leaders in the tackle count - produced a decent kicking game.
Quick thinking, quick tap 🌪️
— Warrington Wolves (@WarringtonRLFC) April 19, 2022
🐺 @Darylclark9 pic.twitter.com/PwHx9cHDbN
Seeing Daryl Clark in sprightly form during his time on the field, which was capped by an opportunistic 50-metre tap-penalty try, and the threatening left edge being rewarded with two Matty Ashton tries shows further reasons to be optimistic.
Matty Ashton grabs a 𝐂𝐑𝐔𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 second try of the game! 🔥
— Sky Sports Rugby League (@SkySportsRL) April 18, 2022
Hull FC 12-16 Warrington Wolves
📺 Live now on Sky Sports Arena 📺 pic.twitter.com/DMzT7JHn02
Better luck next time, lads!
Tough Easter weekend over! Couple of days now to rest up and we go again Saturday 🔷🔶
— Ben Currie (@BenoCurrie) April 19, 2022
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