Hull hit back to break duck

Hull gained their first win of the Super League season, producing a stirring fightback to beat Wigan 24-22 at the KC Stadium.

Danny Tickle crossed for the match-winning try in the 71st minute to get the Airlie Birds soaring up the table after a poor start.

Defeats to Warrington and Harlequins had left Peter Sharp's side without a point heading into their third match.

It looked like their losing run would be extended to four as Wigan, coming into the contest off the back of two wins, led 16-8 and then 22-14.

However, Hull had the last laugh when former Warrior Tickle followed up his own high kick to score and end his new team's four match losing run against Brian Noble's outfit.

Kicking trouble

It was not the first time during the night that defences had been undone with the bomb.

The home side seemed particularly vulnerable to anything sent skywards, with full-back Motu Tony setting the tone by dropping the opening kick-off.

Despite the poor start it was Hull who scored first, Shaun Berrigan crashing over with seven minutes on the clock.

Despite Tickle converting and then adding a penalty to put Hull 8-0 ahead, Wigan came roaring back with three tries before the break.

Gareth Hock's 24th-minute touchdown from Thomas Leuluai's pass was quickly followed by George Carmont notching his first try for the club.

The Australian centre then turned provider for Pat Richards to score, taking advantage of defensive confusion after a kick to slip a neat pass out to the winger.

Second-half rally

Facing the prospect of a second home defeat in the space of five days, the Black and Whites battled back into contention with the first score after the break from teenage hooker Danny Houghton.

Wigan replied with a try on the hour mark when Leuluai found the right pass to send Phil Bailey scampering over the line.

But, Hull captain Lee Radford narrowed the deficit again when he took a Tickle pass to score on his return from injury.

Hull were now streaming forward at every opportunity and Wigan began to lose their discipline, conceding two vital penalties in a row.

The constant home pressure eventually paid off as Tickle found his way to the line and converted to secure two priceless points for Sharp and his troops.