SAINTS produced a performance of real effort and commitment at the KC Stadium but ultimately came up just short against Hull FC.
Losing their pivot scrum half within the first minute, they battled on to lead 18-14 at the break – after being 12-0 down.
But despite a try from Jack Ashworth in the second half – and a hefty penalty count – Hull went on to win 32-24.
The home side took the early lead courtesy of Gareth Ellis and Mahe Fonua – both taking advantage of the reshuffle as a result of the loss of Walsh.
But Saints hit back with two tries in two minutes – Adam Swift finishing off a great move before Jonny Lomax crossed.
And it got better as just before the half time hooter Atelea Vea notched his fourth of the season to give Keiron Cunningham’s side the advantage.
Carlos Tuimavave and Scott Taylor scored in the second half but the impressive Jack Ashworth made it game on with ten minutes to go.
But Danny Washbrook’s late try – courtesy of a harsh penalty on Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook for what looked like a one on one ball steal – sealed FC the win… and the Steve Prescott Cup.
Match Summary:
Hull FC:
Tries: Ellis, Fonua, Tuimavave, Taylor, Washbrook
Goals: Sneyd (6 from 6)
Saints:
Tries: Swift, Lomax, Vea, Ashworth
Goals: Owens (4 from 4)
Penalties:
Hull FC: 13
Saints: 2
HT: 18-14
FT: 24-32
REF: G Hewer
ATT: 11,247
Teams:
Hull FC:
1. Jamie Shaul, 20. Curtis Naughton, 2. Mahe Fonua, 24. Kirk Yeaman, 5. Fetuli Talanoa; 3. Carlos Tuimavave, 7. Marc Sneyd; 8. Scott Taylor, 9. Danny Houghton, 10. Liam Watts, 12. Mark Minichiello, 21. Sika Manu, 11. Gareth Ellis.
Subs: 16. Jordan Thompson, 17. Dean Hadley, 22. Josh Bowden, 30. Danny Washbrook.
Saints:
1. Jonny Lomax; 22. Jack Owens, 21. Matty Dawson, 3. Jordan Turner, 5. Adam Swift; 19. Theo Fages, 7. Luke Walsh; 13. Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, 9. James Roby, 10. Kyle Amor, 12. Jon Wilkin, 11. Atelea Vea, 28. Morgan Knowles.
Subs: 8. Alex Walmsley, 14. Lama Tasi, 15. Greg Richards, 27. Jack Ashworth.