Hull FC 18-14 Wigan Warriors

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Mahe Fonua is in his last season with Hull FC, as he is set to return to Australia at the end of the campaign

Challenge Cup final: Hull FC v Wigan Warriors
Hull FC (12) 18
Tries: Talanoa, Fonua 2 Goals: Sneyd 3
Wigan Warriors (10) 14
Tries: Bateman, Gildart, Burgess Goal: Williams

Challenge Cup holders Hull retained their trophy as they edged Wigan to win a dramatic final at Wembley.

Following John Bateman’s early try, Tonga international wingers Fetuli Talanoa and Mahe Fonua both scored to put Hull 12-6 up.

Oliver Gildart crossed again for Wigan but George Williams missed the kick.

Fonua’s second, converted by man of the match Marc Sneyd, took Hull clear before Joe Burgess gave Wigan hope and Burgess had a late try disallowed.

That was the third try ruled out, the second for Wigan after Tony Clubb had been denied by the video referee for losing the ball over the line, closely following a Fonua try chalked off for obstruction.

Having matched Hull on the try count, Williams’ two missed conversions meant Wigan paid a heavy price for not having as a reliable a kicker as Sneyd.

Having also won the Lance Todd Trophy in the victory over Warrington in 2016, Sneyd won the award again for his 100% haul with the boot – as well as the part he played with his kicking from hand in all three Hull tries.

Full report to follow.

Hull FC: Shaul; Fonua, Griffin, Tuimavave, Talanoa; Kelly, Sneyd; Watts, Houghton, Taylor, Manu, Minichiello, Ellis.

Interchanges: Green, Washbrook, Bowden, Connor.

Wigan Warriors: Tomkins; Davies, Gelling, Gildart, Burgess; Williams, Leuluai; Nuuausala, McIlorum, Clubb, Bateman, Farrell, O’Loughlin.

Interchanges: Isa, Sutton, Powell, Tautai.

Referee: Phil Bentham