Marc of a super player
STAR SNEYD ENSURES IT’S WEMBER-LEE ONCE AGAIN
Hull................43
Leeds............24 by Julie Stott MARC SNEYD led a superb masterclass by Hull as they stormed into the Challenge Cup Final.
Hull coach Lee Radford had predicted a jittery semi-final but instead his men looked like they had not got a worry in the world.
The holders led 18-12 at half-time thanks to two tries in the last five minutes from Carlos Tuimavave and Chris Green.
And then they let rip with a dazzling display in the second half to crush Rhinos into the ground.
Radford said: “Everything was executed to nigh on perfection and that is super pleasing when you see it come to fruition.
“Their effort and willingness to work for each other was phenomenal. I was really confident with the result but it went better than I anticipated.”
Hull’s tactics were clear from the off – target Leeds winger Tom Briscoe and play on his nerves.
The former England player has been off form this season and he crumbled under the pressure. He got away with his opening mistake when video referee Rob Hicks disallowed a Mark Minichiello try for obstruction.
But he was horribly exposed when Albert Kelly got Hull’s first try in the 23rd minute and he was also at fault when Tuimavave went over for his second try.
Coach Brian McDermott said: “It is something he will have to address and it is something we are addressing.
“At the same time Ryan Hall scores two tries by going over their winger but as usual when Tom concedes some, it is a big issue.”
Hull stayed away from Hall’s wing and with good reason, with the England star’s strength in the air twice catching out Mahe Fonua and earning him two first-half tries.
Danny McGuire and Kallum Watkins also showed up well for Leeds but too many of their players fell off tackles far too easily.
McDermott said: “We could be critical of some areas and we would want to be better but it is about Hull being very good.”
A place at Wembley was still up for grabs after an hour when Watkins scored a brilliant try to cut Hull’s lead to seven points.
But Hull, who had started the second half with Tuimavave’s try and a Sneyd goal and a drop-goal to take control.
Stand-off Kelly sent in excellent front rower Liam Watts and full-back Jamie Shaul then raised the tempo even more with a 90-metre solo try.
Scott Taylor dived over from close range, with Sneyd taking his goal tally to seven, before Ash Golding grabbed a late consolation.
Radford said: “That will cement us a spot among the elite teams. We are up there with the big boys now.”