Hull hang on to seal Wembley place
HULL are back at Wembley after edging a fiercely fought Challenge Cup semi- final at Doncaster last night.
Three years after losing to Wigan without scoring in their last final appearance, Lee Radford’s side took sweet revenge as they target winning the trophy for the first time in 11 years.
The surprise Super League leaders turned the game in a dazzling spell early in the second half thanks to tries by Steve Michaels and Fetuli Talanoa.
But in the end it was the metronome kicking of Marc Sneyd with two penalties and two conversions that proved crucial.
Wigan, already hit by injuries, desperately missed the influence of suspended top try-scorer Josh Charnley, especially with new signing Frank-Paul Nuuausala also banned for throwing a punch during last week’s defeat by St Helens. But Shaun Wane’s patched-up side lacked nothing in determination as they stood up to Hull’s early onslaught and then took the lead thanks to a brilliant darting run by England half back George Williams.
Their courage was summed up by Dan Sarginson, who had his nose broken but carried on after having it manipulated back into place and then taped up.
But when Hull stepped up the pressure after half-time they were always likely to crack, and excellent off-loads by Carlos Tuimavave and Frank Pritchard set up Michaels to finish off in the corner.
And the power of their attacking told again as Wigan winger Dom Manfredi let a high kick from Sneyd slip through his hands in the in-goal area giving Talanoa the easiest chance to touch down.
The Warriors refused to cave, however, with Willie Isa going over to give them hope 10 minutes from the end. But Matty Smith sliced the attempted conversion and Hull clung on to book their date against either Warrington or Wakefield, who meet today.