Hull FC will never win at Wembley, so the famous song goes on the other half of the city, from Hull KR fans. Well, it may be found out next month whether that really is the case. Hull have looked a side capable of winning trophies for much of 2016 but this Challenge Cup semi-final against a Wigan side appearing in a record-equalling 46th last-four tie was tipped to be one where it would really be seen what Lee Radford’s side are made of.
Hull sides have often faltered when the going has got tough but in the final 10 minutes here they were given the sternest examination and the result was an emphatic tick in the box for Hull’s trophy-winning credentials this year.
They now stand within a game of ending the sport’s most infamous hoodoo, just as they did three years ago. Seven times they have been Wembley losers and are yet to win a Challenge Cup final in the capital. The most recent of those, a 16-0 defeat by Wigan three years ago, is still openly spoken about within Radford’s group but this Hull side are a different beast from the class of 2013.
“I know people talk about us never being able to win in the capital but with this team we’re capable,” Radford said. “Let’s take that black and white army down with us and let’s right 115 years of wrongs. To lift the trophy would be an unbelievable occasion for this city.”
For Wigan the consolation that they played their part in a game which had everything will mean little to them with the pain of defeat still raw but this was an evening that showed up many of the sport’s good qualities.There was drama, unquestionable commitment from all 34 players and effort that simply could not be faulted. The difference? A glance at the scoreboard suggests it was the kicking of Marc Sneyd, who kicked four goals to Matty Smith’s two, but in truth Hull had that fraction more guile and creativity when it mattered to become the first team to book a place in this year’s final.
Their effort, much like Wigan’s, was applaudable throughout. Sometimes it is easy to forget what players put themselves through for the good of those watching: Wigan’s crumpled in a heap at full-time, with Hull’s on their feet by virtue only of the adrenaline that comes with victory.
“I’m very proud of my guys,” said the Wigan coach, Shaun Wane. “The best team won but they know they’ve been in a game. We’ll use that as a strength and make sure it doesn’t happen again.”
Wigan led 6-2 at half-time after a half dominated by the forward tussle, in which the Warriors scored the half’s only try when George Williams, one of several Warriors who did not deserve to be on the losing side, provided a real moment of class close to the line to dance over.
A penalty from Sneyd, the Hull scrum-half who, with his captain Gareth Ellis, was outstanding all night, reduced the gap to four but Matty Smith’s penalty early in the second half restored Wigan’s six-point lead. However, a four-minute blitz which yielded tries for Steve Michaels and Fetuli Talanoa, with Sneyd converting both, turned the game on its head. That put Hull six points in front before another penalty from Sneyd made it 16-8.
A grandstand finish seemed inevitable and, when Willie Isa crossed from a Williams pass, it seemed as if Wigan would be the side striking the telling blow late on. Somehow, though, Hull survived to edge a thrilling contest. History awaits for Hull – and as Radford alluded to afterwards, it will be one hell of a party if they finally end their Wembley hoodoo.
Wigan Tomkins; Tierney, Sarginson, Gildart, Manfredi; Williams, Smith, Sutton, Powell, Flower, Isa, Bateman, O’Loughlin. Interchange Mossop, Tautai, Crosby, Bretherton.
Tries Williams, Isa. Goals Smith 2.
Hull Shaul; Michaels, Fonua, Yeaman, Talanoa; Tuimavave, Sneyd; Taylor, Houghton, Watts, Manu, Minichiello, Ellis. Interchange Thompson, Pritchard, Washbrook, Green.
Tries Michaels, Talanoa. Goals Sneyd 4.
Referee B Thaler (RFL). Attendance 10,488.
