A dramatic second-half comeback fron the Wigan Warriors wasn’t enough to prevent Hull FC picking up their fourth consecutive victory to send them top of Super League.
The Black & Whites ran into an 18-0 after 21 minutes with three sensational tries from Steve Michaels, Albert Kelly and Jake Connor. Jamie Shaul scored right after the restart but Shaun Wane’s side hit back in dramatic fashion.
Wigan showed real resolve to score 20 unanswered points in the final half hour, but it wasn’t enough to prevent a memorable win for Hull.
Lee Radford’s side went into the game without Fetuli Talanoa or Carlos Tuimavave, both missing out through injury. Steve Michaels and Jake Connor replaced them.
Meanwhile, despite the Warriors huge injury crisis, they still managed to field a strong side, with Williams and Leuluai the half-back pairing.
Hull’ first chance came in the 9th minute; Mahe Fonua broke away down field and looked to have beaten the Wigan chasers, but Phil Bentham called the play back with the Hull man being offside.
It was first blood to the visitors though with a brilliantly worked move on the left flank. Marc Sneyd’s chip into the corner found Steve Michaels in acres of space who touched down in the corner.
And despite Wigan dominating possession and having the majority of the ball in Hull’s half, it would be the Black & Whites who bagged another try just 4 minutes later; Albert Kelly broke away and despite being caught by Wigan’s defense, kept going towards the try and and forced his way over to score.
Albert Kelly, wont be stopped. 🔥#HullFC pic.twitter.com/zjvHQ42Qvs
— Kieron (@Wegglet) March 24, 2017
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A concerning moment for Hull though came when Danny Houghton left the field, and wouldn’t return.
After 21 minutes, FC were in again, this time through Jake Connor. Some sublime play from Mark Minichiello and Sika Manu allowed the centre to find space behind the Wigan defense and score under the posts.
Despite an 18-0 scorelinet, the play was all Wigan. Multiple sets on the FC line came after consecutive penalties, but they couldn’t break through.
The 30th minute could have changed the game though: Hull made two sensational try saving tackles, first from Jamie Shaul who held up Sam Powell over the line, and then from Stevie Michaels who prevented a brilliant diving finish in the corner from Tom Davies.
Hull held on for an 18-0 lead at the break. But it wouldn’t take long for Radford’s side to grab another after the break; breaking down the left flank in the first minute, Jamie Shaul dodged and dived close to the line to make it 22-0.
Marc Sneyd then missed his first conversion of the season. Booo!
Wigan were somehow denied another try in the corner. With the Warriors 4 on 1 at one point on the left edge but Hull scrambled once again.
The Super League Champions had to wait until the 53rd minute when Liqm Forsyth went over in the corner.
Wigan began to get a foothold in the game, and George Williams try in the 69th minute from a chip over the top set up a nervy finish.
3 minutes later, Tom Davies’ diving finish in the corner had the Wigan fans believing a sensational comeback was possible.
And when Liam Marhsall went over with 3 minutes to play, hearts were in mouths in the Hull end. Escare, who had a kick to equal the scores, missed his first of the evening to the relief if the Hull fans.
Hull FC held on in the most dramatic of circumstances to earn a memorable victory against the Champions at the DW Stadium.
Thanks to all the FC fans for making the trip out to Wigan, got us across the line. 👍🏻 Tough game, great result at the DW stadium.
— Mark Minichiello (@mminichiello360) March 25, 2017
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Mark Minichiello was our man of the match this evening after running some fabulous lines. Josh Bowden also put in a top performers in the pack.
Massive effort by the boys!! Shout out to my man of the match @Washy85 #trumpy thanks for the support 😘⚫️⚪️ #oldfaithful
— Scott Taylor (@ScottTagTaylor) March 24, 2017
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Josh Griffin had one of his best performances in a Hull FC shirt while Albert Kelly was the star again in the middle scoring in his 5th consecutive game.
