However having sent a much weakened side to the North Premier Champions the result, scoreline apart, was in little doubt. Yet having suffered a series of injuries to key players through the middle part of the campaign Rossendale still managed a creditable fifth place. However they have taken the opportunity 'blood' some of the younger players who will be challenging for further recognition so there is much to build on for next season and no doubt if they can remain injury free they will be well capable of mounting a challenge.
Having only lost two of their matches all season Hull were in mood to to grant their east Lancashire visitors anything and starved of ball for much of the game there was little Rossendale could do about it.
The home side ran in a total of eight tries through Alex Hurd who crossed for a hattrick, Steve Hiheta who bagged two followed by Steve Johnson, Keil Naylor and Lee Birch with one apiece. They also forced a penalty try to make it nine with Simon Humberston successful with three conversions and Johnson two.
As far as the league is concerned Hull move up to National Two North, Blaydon who finished second will play off away to Luctonians who were second in Midlands Premier, the winner also joining National Two North.
Vale of Lune and Wilmslow who only came up last season are relegated along with Kendal. At the moment sides promoted into the league will be Carlisle who finished top of North One West, and Morpeth champions of North One East. Blaydon who finishe second will play off in the East v West tie away to Scarborough.
With two games to go in the league above it is too early to call as to who will come down although Macclesfield look the club in most danger.
Geoff Lightfoot