York Acorn 6
Hull FC 52
by Ian Judson
Hull FC started their 2025 season with a convincing win over amateur side York Acorn in the Betfred Challenge Cup third round.
A youthful Hull side were given a stern test by the community club but showed great professionalism to move a step closer to Wembley.
The Airlie Birds showed patience and their now-trademark enthusiasm in a match that was never in doubt, with highlights including a hat-trick for Lewis Martin and a brace for Harvey Barron.
John Cartwright named seven debutants in his side: Joe Ward, Lloyd Kemp, Cade Cust, Oliver Holmes, and John Asiata were all in the starting 13, with Will Hutchinson and Hugo Salabio on the bench.
A youthful line-up also featured Will Kirby and Ryan Westerman, who both played one Super League game last year.
Both teams started in entertaining fashion, but the part-timers certainly made their presence felt with some bone-shuddering tackles – not all of them entirely legal – leading to early penalties for the Black & Whites.
After a period of pressure, Hull got the first points as Lewis Martin skirted around the outside of the Acorn defence to score, with Ryan Westerman adding the touchline conversion.
A penalty for a high shot put the amateur side in a promising position, followed by a scrum after a knock-on. The resulting pressure caused a sensation as Clayton Shepardson followed a grubber kick to score. The boot of Matt Chilton brought the scores level.
Acorn continued to impress with their enthusiasm and desire, as Denive Balmforth was held up over the line to prevent Hull from regaining the lead. However, a breakthrough was well supported soon after, and Cade Cust sprinted away to score a debut try, which Westerman goaled from in front of the posts.
Hull were suddenly able to offload and make breaks as their superior fitness started to tell, but their opponents kept giving as good as they got as half-time edged closer.
John Asiata was next on the scoresheet, dummying his way through some tired defending for another try that was goaled by Westerman.
Another try duly arrived as a knockdown was scooped up and Denive Balmforth pounced, with Westerman on target again.
Lewis Martin bagged his second try early after the restart as Acorn failed to deal with a kick, though Westerman was off target with the conversion.
Hull extended their lead as Lloyd Kemp became the latest debutant to grab a try, with Westerman back on target.
With the scoreline no longer in doubt, Hull kept trying different combinations but were guilty at times of over-elaborating and spurned various chances.
However, another try did arrive as Westerman provided the try-scoring pass for Martin to complete his hat-trick in the corner. The centre added the extras again.
Hull then provided an extra bit of quality as Harvey Barron raced 70 metres to score another try, which was improved by Westerman.
Barron then brought up the half-century as he forced his way over from close range, with Westerman adding yet another goal.
Hull FC: Logan Moy, Joe Ward, Harvey Barron, Ryan Westerman, Lewis Martin, Lloyd Kemp, Cade Cust, Jack Ashworth, Denive Balmforth, Yusuf Aydin, Brad Fash, Oliver Holmes, John Asiata. Subs: Will Hutchinson, Hugo Salabio, Will Kirby, Will Gardiner.
Tries: Lewis Martin (9, 43, 64), Cade Cust (24), John Asiata (34), Denive Balmforth (39), Lloyd Kemp (49), Harvey Barron (66, 71).
Goals: Ryan Westerman 8/9.