Hull have given warning that they are not ready to loosen their grip on the Challenge Cup any time soon, after booking their place in the semi-finals with victory here against Castleford Tigers.
Few teams have found the formula to beat the Super League leaders, Castleford, this season. Yet of the four games Daryl Powell’s side have lost in all competitions this year two have been against Hull: their coach, Lee Radford, has the Tigers’ number.
While their league win in March was notable, given how they played with 12 men for more than an hour, the celebrations at full-time here in the baking sunshine underlined the importance of this victory. Hull’s quest to become the fourth team in only a decade to retain the Challenge Cup is still very much alive.
Standing in their way next are Leeds Rhinos, in a mouthwatering all-Yorkshire affair, while Salford will face Wigan in the other semi-final. “We’ve not beaten them for nine games, Leeds, so it’ll be a challenge but it’s a Yorkshire derby and it’ll be a cracker,” Radford said.
The Hull coach spoke in pre‑season about ensuring his side were able to peak at the right time in 2017 after seeing their title challenge fade away following their Challenge Cup triumph at Wembley last season. This was the first real indicator that his plans are bearing fruit as the business end of the season approaches.
For Castleford defeat in this match has ended hopes of challenging on all fronts this year. They were below the high standards they have set this season but, as they sit six points clear at the top of Super League, it is perhaps the lessons they learn in this match of how to manage a sudden‑death game which will shape the remainder of their season.
“I just thought it was a poor performance,” Powell said. “That’s a play‑off game in warm conditions and there’s lessons to be learned but, when we’ve lost before, we’ve responded really well.”
This was a heartening afternoon not just for Hull but also for those who allege the cup is losing its lustre. A bumper crowd, a sea of colour and two entertaining sides created a wonderful backdrop and the action on the field did not disappoint.
Large parts of this contest mirrored the previous meeting between the sides in April, including the start, as Hull forged an early 12-0 lead after tries from Carlos Tuimavave – with an 85-metre dash after an interception in the fourth minute – and the outstanding Fetuli Talanoa.
It took Castleford 28 minutes to score their first points but they did respond well to level via Ben Roberts and Zak Hardaker. At that stage the Tigers appeared to have weathered the storm and taken control. But Jake Connor, whose eight goals proved vital, then kicked Hull back into the lead with two penalties either side of half-time before Castleford went ahead for the first time as Roberts claimed his second try.
“The way we managed it after going in front was crazy, to be honest,” Powell said. He was not wrong.
The searing heat was far from idealfor Castleford’s usual free-flowing, expansive style of play and, as they began to offload at will after going in front, Hull made them pay. The Tigers wilted in the final quarter and the hosts secured their place in the last four with tries from Mahe Fonua and Jamie Shaul, the latter a wonderful team effort epitomising how far this Hull side have come under Radford in recent years.
Castleford rounded off the scoring with a Greg Minikin try but the celebrations had already begun for Hull fans – who now find themselves within one game of a return to the scene of their great triumph 12 months ago.
Hull FC Shaul; Michaels, Fonua, Tuimavave, Talanoa; Kelly, Connor; Bowden, Houghton, Watts, Washbrook, Minichiello, Watts. Interchange Thompson, Taylor, Turgut, Watts.
Tries Tuimavave, Talanoa, Fonua, Shaul. Goals Connor 8.
Castleford Hardaker; Minikin, Webster, Shenton, Eden; Roberts, Gale; Lynch, McShane, Massey, Sene-Lefao, McMeeken, Massey. Interchange Millington, Patrick, Larroyer, Foster.
Tries Roberts 2, Hardaker, Minikin. Goals Gale 4.
Referee P Bentham. Attendance 11,944.
