Hull FC verdict as Black and Whites left heartbroken after late Wigan winner
The Black and Whites were dealt a golden point by Wigan.
Hull FC lost in the cruelest fashion at Wigan on Friday night with a thunderous Harry Smith golden point drop-goal winning the game in the 88th minute. After a period that was nothing short of sheer carnage, the young half-back stepped up when his side needed him the most to land the decisive blow from over 40 metres out.
The golden point period was for sure the most frantic in Super League’s history to date, with Hull hanging on for dear life as Wigan threw the kitchen sink at them. The Black and Whites gave it absolutely everything in an heroic defensive display, losing three players including Davy Litten late on, but they showed plenty of effort and spirit in what was a gut-wrenching defeat.
Having led for most of the second half, Hull looked likely to edge what would have been a huge victory, but it wasn’t to be, with Wigan coming home strong in what is a massive win in the context of their own season. They had enough about them to hit back, with Hull hanging on after a series of desperate scrambles in defence.
Hull lost Danny Houghton in the first minute of what might turn out to be a costly night for the club. The hooker was involved in a major collision and was quickly removed from the field, never to return. Tony Smith’s team also lost Scott Taylor in the first half due to a hamstring injury.
The Black and Whites, on the other hand, dug in without their veterans and held their line. After Liam Sutcliffe’s penalty goal, they rolled up their sleeves and dominated the first half.
In an error-plagued first forty minutes, Wigan ultimately got across for the first try through Liam Marshall, who slid over after the home side kept alive a Harry Smith bomb.
However, amid heavy rain, Jake Clifford’s chip kick rebounded brilliantly for Adam Swift to react, scoring his tenth Super League try in his past eight outings. Hull had a half-time advantage they deserved following some tenacious defense and a never-say-die attitude.
In a close game, the first goal after the break was critical, and Hull got it. The decision was contentious, as Wigan expressed their displeasure, but Brad Dwyer was awarded four points after getting his hand to the ball in the in-goal following a Clifford bomb that caused mayhem.
Wigan then struck back through Toby King, who ran a fine line to cross. Harry Smith’s missed kicks, on the other hand, would be a problem. Hull maintained a four-point advantage going into the last ten minutes, however Carlos Tuimavave was sent off late in the game. Soon after, Jake Wardle delivered a suckerpunch to Hull, bringing the game to golden point with a late try.
Wigan pressed hard for a winner in overtime, but some truly inspired defense from the visitors kept them out. After multiple last-ditch tackles, Dwyer charged down one attempt, and half-time of extra time was soon called.
The second session was much calmer, and in the third set, Smith sank a one-pointer, leaving Hull, who had fought valiantly all night, heartbroken on the DW Stadium turf.
Good day for
Wigan. They’re sat in second spot with three wins on the spin.
Bad day for
Hull. A proud defeat but still a defeat.
Bigger picture
The play-off push isn’t over but there is a feeling now that Hull must defeat Warrington next week to keep their season alive.
Teams
Wigan Starting XIII: 1. Jai Field; 23. Abbas Miski, 3. Toby King, 4. Jake Wardle, 5. Liam Marshall; 2. Bevan French, 7. Harry Smith; 34. Tyler Dupree, 22. Brad O’Neil, 10. Liam Bryne; 17. Kai Pearce-Paul, 12. Liam Farrell; 13. Morgan Smithies
Interchange: 9. Sam Powell, 20. Patrick Mago, 26. Harvie Hill, 27. Junior Nsemba
18th man: 19. Joe Shorrocks
Hull Starting XIII: 25. Davy Litten; 2. Adam Swift, 4. Liam Sutcliffe, 3. Carlos Tuimavave, 5. Darnell McIntosh; 6. Jake Trueman, 7. Jake Clifford; 30. Scott Taylor, 9. Danny Houghton, 20. Jack Brown; 17. Cam Scott, 11. Andre Savelio; 15. Joe Cator
Interchange: 33. Brad Dwyer, 12. Jordan Lane, 14. Joe Lovodua, 10. Chris Satae
18th man: 27. Will Gardiner
Scorers
Wigan Tries: Marshall, King, Wardle
Goals: Smith 0/3. Drop Goal: Smith
Hull Tries: Swift, Dwyer
