Rugby League: Winning start to tour for Kiwis

10.30am

The Kiwis broke the stranglehold on a tight first half to romp away with 28-11 win over Hull in their opening rugby league tour match of Great Britain today.

A competitive Hull led 7-6 at halftime after having much the better of the first half. A tour-opening try to David Vaealiki late in the half got the Kiwis on the scoreboard.

Minutes after the resumption young halfback Lance Hohaia latched on to a loose Hull pass, toeing the ball ahead for a charging Henry Fa'afili to follow up and score.

That loosened the shackles and the Kiwis became more enterprising as Hull were pressured into error after a fiesty start.

The Kiwis made some punishing runs from dummy half and Nigel Vagana increased the lead with a kick and chase to add New Zealand's third try.

Fa'afili scored his second try before Francis Meli intercepted a Hull pass close to his own line, cantering away to score between the posts at the other end to put the match beyond doubt.

Fittingly the home team had the last say, with Hull's Paul Parker scoring a diving try in the corner in the last act of the match and the last at the famous Boulevard ground which has been Hull's headquarters since 1895.

Hull will move to a plush new stadium just down the road next season.

Scores:

Kiwis 28 (Henry Fa'afili 2, David Vaealiki, Nigel Vagana, Francis Meli tries; Lance Hohaia 4 goals) Hull 11 (Richard Horne, Paul Parker tries; Matt Crowther goal, Graham Mackay field goal). Halftime: 6-7.

- NZPA