Hull FC 24 Catalans 28: Lineham finishes on a high but Hull slump to defeat

Hull coach Lee Radford admitted his frustration as the Black and Whites ended their 2015 Super League campaign with a 28-24 defeat at home to Catalans.

The hosts trailed 20-0 midway through the first half, but four tries either side of half-time pulled Hull to within four points.

Catalans edged the game late on, despite Tom Lineham grabbing four tries for the club on his last appearance before the winger departs for Warrington.

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Radford praised his team’s effort, but he explained errors cost his men.

“I would have loved to have signed the season off with a result, but that wasn’t the case today,” Radford said.

“The effort was faultless again, but we probably didn’t start with the intent we should have early in the game. That gave us too much of a hill to climb.

“You can’t fault their effort for each other. They have been a really tight group throughout the season.

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“Where we have been deficient throughout the year is our skill set, and hopefully our recruitment for 2016 will sort out those problems. There were too many fundamental errors in the first half.”

Laurent Frayssinous explained he was delighted to end the season on a high with a hard-fought win away from home, only the French team’s second victory on the road in 2015.

The French boss paid tribute to departing second rower Elliott Whitehead, who grabbed one try and created another.

“It was pleasing to pick up a win to end the season in the right manner. We have been criticised because of our poor away record, which is fair,” Frayssinous said post-match.

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“But today we had six reserve grade players and still picked up the victory and credit to the boys for showing the desire.

“I’m happy we finished the year with a very good performance.”

Hull FC: Rankin, Lineham, Logan, Yeaman, Naughton, Abdull, Sneyd, Paea, Houghton, Watts, Minichiello, Whiting, Thompson. Substitutes: Paleaaesina, Turgut, Fash, Bowden.

Catalans Dragons: Escare, Inu, Gigot, Garcia, Sigismeau, Bosc, Dureau, Elima, Henderson, Bousquet, Anderson, Whitehead, Baitieri. Substitutes: Maria, Guasch, Perez, Robin.