SHAUL IS A GREAT WAY TO TRIUMPH

Jamie inspires top FC fightback

JAMIE SHAUL gave Wayne Bennett a timely reminder of his talents as Hull achieved their best Super League comeback to climb back into second place.

The FC full-back contributed two tries and two assists as the Challenge Cup holders roared back from 22-0 down after 39 minutes.

Shaul was included in Bennett’s early-season England’s elite performance squad but overlooked for Saturday’s Samoan Test.

“Jamie looked sharp but he is going to have to be really good to get back into the picture,” said coach Lee Radford (above).

“Everyone has a different team on paper and Wayne is paid the big bucks to make those decisions.”

On Hull’s record-breaking revival Radford added: “We gave ourselves a difficult job to do but thankfully we scored just before half-time. We know there is more to come as well, which is pleasing for the group.”

In last season’s corresponding game Radford was asked to leave the dressing room by his players following a 46-6 beating on the Vikings’ plastic pitch.

So, he might have feared an interval repeat with Widnes on a roll after two Patrick Ah Van tries, further touchdowns by Rhys Hanbury and Chris Houston plus three Tom Gilmore goals.

Instead, former England Academy skipper Jansin Turgut touched down within seconds of the half-time hooter to ignite a stunning comeback.

And when Shaul went over for the first of his double within 30 seconds of the restart, Hull’s Houdini-style escape act was definitely on.

The full-back produced his second assist after 58 minutes for centre Carlos Tuimavave to cross and Marc Sneyd to goal. Six minutes later FC levelled after a spectacular 60-yard breakaway by quicksilver half-back Albert Kelly.

Sneyd’s third goal tied the scores at 22-22.

Livewire Kelly broke clear again he found Shaul in support to cut inside and race over for another six-pointer.

Sneyd landed one of his easiest career drop goals before Danny Washbrook rounded off the scoring in the final minute.

Widnes coach Denis Betts: said: “It’s a pity you don’t get a point for winning a half. Over the last five or six weeks we have won a half of football in every game.

“But I am at a loss to understand why we looked so flat in the second half.

“We gave them too many chances and we finished up chasing shadows.”