Yeaman stars again

Salford 20 - Hull 44

An outstanding individual display from the 20-year-old centre Kirk Yeaman spearheaded a nine-try victory that consolidated Hull's second place in Super League. But they found Salford much sterner opposition than the hapless outfit that lost 82-6 at the KC Stadium nearly four months ago.

Yeaman scored a splendid first half hat-trick and laid on two tries for his winger, Richie Barnett Jnr. "He is really developing as a player and improving with every game," said the Hull coach, Shaun McRae. "After the previous game this was always going to be a tough physical and mental challenge for us. I was pleased by the way we responded."

Yeaman opened his account after five minutes and though Salford replied with a well-worked try from Chris Charles, Hull dominated the rest of the half. Shaun Briscoe supported Paul King's bursting run and Yeaman profited from a ghastly mix-up involving Joel Caine and Anthony Stewart to notch his second try before cutting through Stewart's grasp for his third.

Salford fought back to 18-14 when Andy Coley burrowed over for a converted try to add to a Charles penalty but Yeaman set up Barnett twice in three minutes just before the hour. Hull finished with a flourish, as Richard Horne kicked deep for Colin Best to score and then finished off a flowing move himself before kicking for Briscoe's second. Neil Baynes' late effort was a mere consolation for the hosts.

"Hull took the chances that we presented," said Salford's coach, Karl Harrison. "We gave them five tries - that's why they're at the top and we're at the bottom. We played well today but we still need one win, maybe two, to stay in the competition."

Salford: J Flowers; J Caine, T Stewart, S Littler, A Kirk; K McGuinness, K Fitzpatrick; N Baynes, M Alker, P Highton, A Coley, M Shipway, C Charles. Substitutes used: A Johnson, S Baldwin, G Haggerty, T Jonkers.

Hull: S Briscoe; C Best, R Whiting, K Yeaman, R Barnett Jnr; P Cooke, R Horne; E Dowes, R Swain, P King, S McMenemy, P McNicholas, J Smith. Substitutes used: L Higgins, A Bailey, P Lupton, G Horne.

Referee: A Klein (London)