York Knights secure third consecutive Super League win

By Oliver Harrington — 10 July 2026 — 3 min read

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York Knights secure third consecutive Super League win

The York Knights achieved their third consecutive Super League victory, a first in the club’s history. This result continued Hull FC‘s challenging away form. The Knights secured their sixth win of the current campaign, moving them to ninth in the table and placing them above Hull FC, who have recorded only one away win this season.

Mark Applegarth‘s side overcame a half-time deficit, having been 16-8 down, to clinch the win. Tries from David Nofoaluma, Jon Bennison, Denive Balmforth, and Nikau Williams, along with two successful kicks from Bennison, contributed to York’s success. Hull FC had initially taken the lead at half-time after scoring three tries within 12 minutes but experienced an error-prone second half.

As the match neared its conclusion, York faced significant pressure. Veteran hooker Paul McShane made a crucial last-ditch tackle, dislodging the ball from Herman Ese’ese just inches from the try line as the Hull forward attempted to level the score.

Hull FC’s challenging campaign continues

For Hull FC, currently under the interim charge of Andy Last, there has been a sense of awaiting the end of a difficult campaign, with anticipation for the arrival of new head coach Steve McNamara. The team’s performance against York highlighted ongoing issues, particularly in discipline.

York scored the initial two tries of the game. Nofoaluma expertly finished in the left corner in the eighth minute, followed by Bennison collecting a try after two clever chips from Cody Hunter, putting York ahead. However, Aidan Sezer brought Hull back into the game in the 25th minute with a solo effort, scoring a try.

Hull capitalized on this momentum, with Tom Briscoe scoring in the 30th minute from a close-range routine. Joe Batchelor then completed the turnaround by receiving an offload from Hugo Salabio. With Zak Hardaker converting twice, Hull held a strong position at the interval.

Second-half turnaround and disciplinary issues

York’s fightback began early in the second half, with Balmforth scoring a try just three minutes after the restart. Bennison added the extras, and a subsequent penalty from him leveled the score at 16-16. This period highlighted a lapse in Hull’s discipline, as they conceded six penalties in the first 20 minutes of the second half.

Williams then jinked through to score, giving York the lead and seemingly draining the belief from the visiting Hull side. Despite this, Hull continued to press, and it was to their credit that York had to hold on for the victory.

McShane, who had earlier spilled a loose pass after making 10 metres in defense, became a hero with his crucial covering tackle on Ese’ese. As Hull pressed near the posts and Ese’ese charged, McShane’s intervention forced a knock-on, preventing a potential try.

Mark Applegarth, head coach for York Knights, expressed pride in his team’s character, particularly after a challenging first half. He noted that the team responded well to his half-time challenge, despite defending non-stop in their own half during the final 15 minutes.

Andy Last, interim head coach for Hull FC, conveyed his disappointment with 60 minutes of his team’s performance, citing a lack of attitude in the first 20 minutes and ill-discipline in the second half. He mentioned that the team’s discipline was a point of discussion the previous week and expressed frustration over missed opportunities to build pressure.

Last also acknowledged that the departure of Jed Cartwright to St Helens caused some disruption and required late changes to the squad, but stated it was not an excuse for the performance. The 21-man squad for Hull FC included players such as Harvey Barron, Ethan O’Neill, and Yusuf Aydin, who returned from injury protocols or suspension. Notable absences due to injury included Will Pryce, John Asiata, and Sam Lisone.

The match was officiated by referee Tara Jones.