Radford’s up for challenge
LEE RADFORD could not hide his delight after holders Hull FC dumped Castleford out of the Challenge Cup and set up a mouthwatering semi-final showdown with rivals Leeds.
Radford, right, famously steered his hometown club to glory last season when victory over Warrington saw the Black and Whites win at Wembley for the first time in the club’s history.
On the evidence of yesterday’s gruelling quarter-final played in baking conditions, Radford’s men have the desire and indeed the quality to retain the famous old trophy.
Castleford are six points clear at the Super League summit but Hull ran out worthy victors and will now face the Rhinos at the end of next month, with Salford meeting Wigan in the other semi-final.
Radford said: “You’ve got to have high intensity against a side like Castleford so I was very pleased with our effort.
“I don’t think some people gave us any sort of chance today but that pumped our boys up for the match.
“This is the juicy bit of the year now and where the excitement starts, so if you’re on it in these games, that’s when it counts.
“Leeds will be tough opponents in the semi-finals. It will be a very challenging game and a Yorkshire derby but I’m really excited about it.”
Castleford were punished for an atrocious start as Hull ran in two tries inside the opening and stepped past Hull prop Liam Watts before crossing for his second.
Gale’s conversion made it 18-16 and put Castleford in front for the first time but Hull took a firm grip on the match thanks to two quickfire tries in the final quarter.
First, centre Mahe Fonua finished off after a brilliant run from Mark Minichiello before Jamie Shaul plunged over after fine work from Tuimavave.
Although Minikin barrelled over late on to make it four tries apiece, Hull were home and dry after Connor’s kicking harvested eight goals from nine attempts.
Tigers boss Daryl Powell, whose side tasted defeat in a league encounter at the KCOM Stadium in April, was honest enough to admit his side got what they deserved. He said: “I thought it was a poor performance from us. We made a really bad start to the match.
“They beat us with a fair bit of intent but we need to make sure we react well from this.”
SAM TOMKINS admitted his nerves were shredded after making a match-winning return in Wigan’s dramatic 27-26 win at Warrington on Saturday.
The England full-back marked his first appearance in nine months after a broken foot with a decisive late drop-goal.
Tomkins said: “The last few minutes weren’t enjoyable because it was so close but the winning feeling was definitely worth it.”