Wildcats hurt by Hull loss

Hull FC laid down a marker ahead of their Carnegie Challenge Cup semi-final against Wakefield with a 26-18 victory at Belle Vue.

Craig Hall grabbed two tries for the Airlie Birds as they bounced back from a 12-6 deficit to end a three-match losing run in the engage Super League.

The win moves Richard Agar's side up into 10th spot in the table but more importantly, gives them a psychological edge ahead of the cup clash between the same two teams in a fortnight.

Knowing a win would have taken them into the top six above Bradford, Wakefield failed to fire and will now be hoping they can perform much better when a trip to Wembley is up for grabs.

Tribute

Before the kick-off both sets of players and the fans shared in a minute of applause in memory of the late David Topliss, who served both clubs in his stellar career.

Despite falling behind to an early try from Danny Houghton, who managed to drop on his own grubber kick after it deflected off the base of the post, it was the Wildcats who edged a scrappy opening half.

Brad Drew twice hacked on to set up Jamie Rooney for an easy run-in and then a high bomb from Danny Brough bounced kindly into the arms of Damien Blanch, the Ireland international holding off Gareth Raynor to reach the line for his ninth try in his last 10 outings.

Although Brough missed his second conversion attempt he did slot over a late penalty and the Wildcats' advantage could have been even greater had Dale Ferguson not had a try chalked off for obstruction by team-mate Jason Golden.

However, the second half belonged entirely to Hull, the visitors scoring four tries to one to claim just their sixth win of an otherwise disappointing league campaign.

Marvellous Manu

Although he did not cross himself Willie Manu was the key man in their comeback, the powerful forward causing Wakefield a massive headache down their right flank.

It was his burst and offload, despite him nearly losing his shorts in the process, that allowed Kirk Yeaman to score, Danny Tickle's conversion levelling the scores.

Manu was also involved in Hall's first of the contest, another pass out of the tackle being knocked in the air by Shaun Berrigan, who then palmed it on for his team-mate to finish out wide.

Hall's second, which came after Tom Briscoe had touched down Yeaman's grubber, sealed the two points and was by far the highlight of an otherwise scrappy match.

Feeding off a loose ball near his own line, the utility back weaved past three tacklers as he tip-toed down the touchline to race 80 metres.

Although Drew grabbed a third try for the hosts it was no more than a late consolation, and Wakefield will hope for much better in the semi-final showdown at Doncaster's Keepmoat Stadium on July 27.