JAKE MAKES IT A TRINITY DIRTY DOZEN
JAKE CLIFFORD pulled the strings again as Hull FC eased to a third straight win – and sent Wakefield crashing to a 12th successive loss.
The Aussie scrumhalf was influential as Tony Smith’s side brought down leaders Wigan last week.
And he dictated once more as tries from Adam Swift, Carlos Tuimavave and Liam Sutcliffe saw Hull build up a 20-0 advantage.
How Wakefield – stuck at the bottom after losing all their games this season so far – could do with someone of his craft.
At least coach Mark Applegarth didn’t have to witness his side get nilled for a sixth time in this horrid campaign. But he had to wait until the 67th minute for skipper Matty Ashurst to plough over, Will Dagger improving, by which time this game was dead and buried.
Applegarth must have wished he had thrown ex-England scrum-half Luke Gale in for his debut after signing the veteran from part-timers Keighley.
And the former Man of Steel can’t even make his bow against Leigh in the Challenge Cup next Friday as he’s cup-tied. But even Gale in his 2017 pomp might struggle to rescue Trinity from relegation.
Wakefield got close numerous times in the first half but just couldn’t apply the finish.
Instead, Hull took the lead through Swift in the 19th minute after a bizarre passage of play.
Wakefield centre Lee Gaskell conceded three penalties in barely 30 seconds to give the visitors the chance.
The ex-St Helens schemer illegally dragged a player into touch, was then pinged for interference before being marched another 10 metres for dissent.
Clifford made the most of the gifts, picking out a brilliant long pass for winger Swift to dive in.
Clifford added the first of his five goals and they were up and running.
Smith’s side doubled their lead in the 47th minute when Brad Dwyer’s electric break and some abysmal defending saw captain Tuimavave go over.
Clifford added a penalty and then converted when classy Sutcliffe slipped through for his sixth try of the season.
Ashurst responded but impressive exEngland prop Scott Taylor had the last word, barging over in the 78th minute for ninth-placed Hull.