Hull FC retain Challenge Cup after Wembley win over Wigan Warriors

Hull FC have won the Challenge Cup for a second year in a row after beating Wigan Warriors 18-14 at Wembley.

Just two conversions separated the teams, who scored three tries each. Marc Sneyd’s perfection with the boot led Hull to victory while George Williams could only convert once.

John Bateman put Wigan ahead after just five minutes. Thomas Leuluai’s kick was retrieved by Anthony Gelling who threaded the ball to Bateman to cross.

Hull replied eight minutes later through Fetuli Talanoa. He leapt highest to retrieve Sneyd’s kick out wide and level the score at 6-6.

Another aerial duel gave Hull the lead. This time, Mahe Fonua touched down and the television match official confirmed the try.

It was Wigan’s turn to attack and Oliver Gildart pulled four points back. Leuluai and Williams combined to unlock the Hull defence and Gildart finished the move. Crucially though, Williams’ missed conversion meant Hull stayed two points ahead.

Fonua broke through again at the start of the second half to give Hull an eight-point lead. Albert Kelly offloaded and Fonua touched down near the corner and Sneyd converted.

Both teams had tries ruled out in the space of two minutes. First, Fonua thought he had completed a hat trick but there was an obstruction in the buildup.

Then, Wigan’s Tony Clubb was denied by the video referee who deemed him to have lost control before grounding the ball.

Wigan did go to within a try of Hull with six minutes remaining when Joe Burgess crossed in the corner and they nearly levelled late on but Williams was held up at the line.

Burgess did cross again in the final minute but the play was pulled back after a forward pass and Hull held on to win the Challenge Cup.

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