Agar relieved after semi win

Hull coach relieved after coming through semi-final test of nerves.

Last updated: 27th July 2008

richard agar hull fc

Agar: Relieved man

But it's made me superstitious beyond belief. I've had the same pair of underpants on for seven weeks.

Richard Agar
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Hull coach Richard Agar was delighted his side managed to hold on against a fighting Wakefield side to make the Challenge Cup final.

The Black and Whites emerged with a 32-24 victory from their clash with the Wildcats at the Keepmoat Stadium, but it was a real test of nerves at time.

Although Agar's men took an early 18-0 lead inside ten minutes, the coach believes that may have hindered his side as complacency crept in.

"I thought the start probably hurt us a bit - we took our eye off the ball with what we had been working on," said Agar.

"We had a plan. We stuck to it a bit and got a lead but then we fell away from it and indiscipline crept in.

"I thought both sides looked very edgy and nervous and showed a distinct lack of composure at times but it was a big occasion."

Dream

It is a dream scenario for Agar, who was promoted in mid-season after the sacking of Peter Sharp.

"I thought, when I took over, there were a couple of things that could keep us going," Agar added.

"The way we were travelling and the way we were playing, the play-offs were becoming distinctly unlikely.

"When I looked at the fixture list, I felt we could redeem ourselves in the derbies and have a good cup run.

"But it's made me superstitious beyond belief. I've had the same pair of underpants on for seven weeks!"

Wakefield coach had to watch his firmer side make the final again while the Wildcats missed out on a first appearance in the showpiece event in 29 years.

Start

Kear was bidding to claim a third victory with a third different team but bemoaned Wakefield's shocking start to the game.

"I think everyone is hurting," said Kear.

"It wasn't the worst possible start because we had an opportunity to score but they went to the other end, came away with a 50-50 contest and the next time we touched the ball we were 18 points down.

"If you are going to come back from 18 down, it's going to be very tough indeed.

"They almost did it, they gave themselves an opportunity and I'm going to compliment them on the commitment and desire they showed to do that."

Kear refused to attach any blame to Danny Brough, who missed three kicks while opposite number Danny Tickle made six out of six.

"He wins more games than anything with goalkicking.

"You have to compliment Danny Tickle, his kicking was impeccable. It is a sickener when they score out wide and he tags on the two without problem."