Wigan hold off Hull

Sam Tomkins: crucial try for Wigan

Wigan overcame a spirited second-half fightback from Hull to win 30-16 at the KC Stadium and move three points clear at the top of Super League.

The Black and Whites hauled themselves back to within six points midway through the second half and looked on course to inflict just the Warriors' second away defeat of the season.

But Sam Tomkins returned off the bench to race 70 metres for a superb individual score and seal the points for the visitors.

Hull had started with all the intensity to be expected of a side clinging on to a place in the top eight and went ahead inside two minutes. Joel Tomkins gifted them field position with a high shot and when the ball was spun out wide, Kirk Yeaman slid in for his 19th try of the season.

A Ryan Hoffman penalty and an Andy Coley knock-on meant Wigan spent the first 10 minutes defending, but they hit back with their first attack as Brett Finch's grubber kick was briliantly converted by Sam Tomkins with a one-handed twist, reach and score.

Sam Obst was denied a score by the video referee for an obstruction on 20 minutes and Hull proceeded to ship three quick tries.

First Pat Richards intercepted Danny Tickle's pass and ran 90 metres to score, although the effort may have played a part in the winger for once missing his kick.

Wigan's next try was fortunate, as Sam Tomkins' grubber kick bounced over Cameron Phelps as he stooped to collect and George Carmont pounced on the loose ball to score.

Gift

But Richards' second try was a gift; a dreadful pass in front of his own posts from Jordan Turner going to ground for the reigning Man of Steel to pick up and stroll in unopposed.

To Hull's credit they rallied before the half, with Turner making amends on the hooter as he touched down Obst's kick.

That meant Hull trailed 22-10 at the break and they quickly cut the deficit again after successive sets on the Wigan line, with Willie Manu powering over beneath the posts.

Wigan were wobbling and almost conceded again, only for Danny Tickle to knock on.

Relief came when Epalahame Lauaki gave away a penalty in front of his own posts and Richards stretched the lead to eight points.

But Hull continued to batter away and it took the reintroduction of Sam Tomkins - withdrawn apparently with next week's cup semi-final in mind - to settle the contest.

Sean O'Loughlin was first to a loose ball and the Hull defence was in disarray as he took a quick play-the ball to Tomkins.

The mercurial full-back took full advantage, skipping through tackles then racing clear, waving cheekily to the booing Hull hordes as he touched down the winning score.