Sunday 12th August 2012, 15:00 - Round:24

Hull FC dismantled a powerful Catalan Dragons side at the KC Stadium in a convincing win that displayed their credentials of claiming a top-four spot.

The Black and Whites closed the gap between themselves and the French side to two points as Ben Crooks grabbed his fourth try in as many games and Jamie Foster scored 14 points.

Willie Manu grabbed the first try of the match before Vincent Duport hit back for the Dragons to level it up. Either side of the break Tom Lineham, Chris Green and Tom Briscoe extended the home side’s lead to 24-6 and, after Duport pulled a try back, Foster sealed it with a late try in the corner.

The Dragons came into the game level on points with both St Helens and Leeds Rhinos in fourth spot but soon found themselves under pressure when Manu’s tackle dislodged the ball from Damien Blanch inside the visitors’ 20.

The Airlie Birds were over seconds later when a short pass from Danny Houghton found Manu for a try under the posts, and Foster added the two points.

Lineham looked to be on his way to a sensational long-range try after 15 minutes, but a penalty was called against his side for obstruction. That gave the visitors good position and some nice hands from Louis Anderson allowed Duport to crash over in the corner, with Scott Dureau levelling it up with the conversion from the touchline.

After seeing off some concerted pressure from the Dragons, Hull forced a drop-out on the half-hour from a well executed Brett Seymour grubber kick. Jordan Turner sent Lineham on his way to score in the corner - showing great finishing skills in the process - before Foster converted for a six-point lead.

Hull started the second half the stronger and Manu broke two tackles before stepping inside and laying on a score under the posts for the onrushing Green; Foster converted again to extend the lead to 12.

The visitors found themselves close to the Hull line on 50 minutes, but a kick from Dureau was blocked and picked up by Briscoe, who then ran 90 metres untouched for a great try.

A penalty from Foster extended the hosts’ advantage, although the Dragons regained the ball from the restart and reduced their arrears to 14 when Duport bulldozed his way over in the corner.

With just over 10 minutes to go Catalan forced a drop-out, but subsequent pressure was not utilised as Remi Casty knocked on in a good position.

Foster then sealed the win for Hull as he went over by the touchline.