Hull FC 16-12 Leeds Rhinos

Hull FC denied Leeds Rhinos a clear return to the engage Super League summit at the KC Stadium courtesy of a fine win that adds further mystery to their so far inconsistent season.

Although only scraping home by four points, coach Peter Sharp will no doubt highlight the huge improvement in their performance since their last league outing, a disappointing reverse against rivals Hull KR.

This, however, was only a third league success of the season at home for the 2006 Grand Finalists.

Sharp has identified the need for his side to improve and with their Challenge Cup quarter-final berth also secured, they may now well be moving in the right direction.

Leeds, who remain joint top alongside St Helens, ended up not far short of securing a win, although their error-ridden display would not have been deserving of the two points.

They spilt possession in key areas on several occasions although they could have stolen the game were it not for a fine tackle on Rob Burrow late by Shaun Briscoe.

After a lively start which saw Willie Manu almost create an opening for Briscoe, Hull opened the scoring thanks to a ninth minute penalty from Danny Tickle.

With a healthy crowd of just over 14,000 roaring them on, the home side were soon in full swing and five minutes later posted the game