When hero Prescott held his nerve to celebrate milestone in style

There are ample reasons why Hull FC fans respect Steve Prescott even before taking into account any of the gruelling charity events which thrust him fully into the spotlight.

The former Airlie Birds full-back received an honorary doctorate from the University of Hull earlier this week after raising more than £300,000 for cancer research, a product of his relentless endeavours after being diagnosed with a rare form of stomach cancer five years ago.

Prescott, who was only given months to live in 2006, has already earned an MBE for his unstinting and inspiring work, whether it be arduous cycle treks or marathon walks, to increase awareness and funds.

He may hail from St Helens, where he started out his Super League career, but he is undoubtedly an adopted son of the East Yorkshire city where he showed his class on numerous occasions.

One such instance was, fittingly, on his 100th appearance for Hull FC when he typically held his nerve to land a pressurised stoppage-time penalty that shared the points in a top-of-the-table encounter with Leeds Rhinos.

In 2003, the Black and Whites defied the odds to come away from Headingley with a point which barely seemed possible given their decimated squad was down to its last 17 fit players.

Eight first-teamers, such as ex-Kiwi captain Richie Barnett, who was a late withdrawal, Kangaroo Jason Smith, fellow Australian Scott Logan and prolific winger Gareth Raynor, were all sidelined to leave Shaun McRae’s men facing an unenviable task made even tougher when captain Tony Smith was stretchered off with a leg injury after just 20 minutes.

Leaders Rhinos, littered with esteemed internationals like Gary Connolly, Keith Senior, Barrie McDermott, Danny McGuire and Kevin Sinfield, had gone nine games unbeaten and were virtually at full strength.

However, a fulsome, dedicated performance from a Hull squad including novice 20-year-old Glen Donkin among others, conspired to stun Leeds as the brave visitors forged 8-0 ahead.

Their struggling hosts failed to adapt to the greasy conditions allowing Australian winger Colin Best to give Hull a 10th-minute lead following Smith’s 40/20 kick.

Prescott – playing on the wing with teenager Richard Horne switched to full-back – improved from the touchline and then added a penalty.

But, as expected, Leeds responded following the interval with the towering Australian second-row, Matt Adamson, impressing on his return from injury.

The former Penrith man was colossal as they regained control although it was Horne’s gaffe that led to the Willie Poching try which gave Daryl Powell’s side a foothold.

Hull’s control of the ball slipped fast and soon ex-Australian international centre Chris McKenna added a second try from Sinfield’s pass.

The captain was off-cue with both his conversions so the scores remained level, but Sinfield was successful with a 65th-minute penalty when Chris Chester was penalised for interference.

From that point, it seemed Leeds would only grow stronger and they did press hard for further points.

However, the desire which had seen them fight back was instantly dissolved when winger Francis Cummins was deemed offside after Keith Senior had struck down a pass in the dying seconds and Prescott did the rest.