Hull Ionians 11, Bradford & Bingley 14

Bees secured a vital victory with a Tom Davidson penalty in the fifth minute of injury time to boost their survival hopes.

The Ionians pack infringed at a maul 35 metres out, straight in front of the posts, Davidson showing no nerves as he slotted home.

There was still time for Ionians to be awarded a penalty from a scrum but Joseph Wright was unable to match Davison’s accuracy and the ball sailed wide.

The game began in fine conditions but then the heavens opened and both sides had no option but to keep the ball tight.

After Wright and Davidson had exchanged penalties in the opening 15 minutes, the home side deservedly took the lead as Chris Cusack skipped through a hole in the defensive line to touch down.

Bees hit back as hooker John Graham charged down a kick on the half-hour to pull the scores level.

Both sides added another penalty before Davison held his nerve at the death.

Bees can be proud of their defensive display, especially in light of losing Richard Hughes and then Sam Hobbs to the sin bin.