Hull thrash Catalans to book their place in the Challenge Cup semi final.
MATCH DETAILS
Hull bounced back from an Anfield drubbing by running in eight tries past current Challenge Cup holders, Catalans Dragons.
Jake Connor opened the scoring with Bureta Faraimo adding another soon after.
A Lewis Tierney double gave Catalans hope, however Hull struck with 39 unanswered second half points to end any chance of Catalans retaining their title.
Lee Radford’s side came into the fixture having scored only two points last weekend and with only six minutes on the clock they had already surpassed that. Ratu Naulago knocked the ball back into the arms of Connor hope had an open try line to give the Black and Whites’ an early lead.
The lead quickly extended when Faraimo dived in the corner. Hull 12-0 ahead after less than ten minutes played.
Steve McNamara’s side did fight back with two tries from Lewis Tierney in the space of five minutes. Both resulting in similar finishing. However, that was as good as it got for the Dragons.
Marc Sneyd converted a penalty, before Albert Kelly’s short pass put Sika Manu on the scoresheet. Ratu Naulago also got on the scoresheet when Connor intercepted Kenny Edwards flick pass and the England international set Naulago away.
Kelly got over which near enough sealed the match. Sneyd made sure with a drop goal to ensure a third semi final in four years. However, Hull weren’t done there. A knock out 25 metres away from the Dragons line was capitalised on by Naulago, who barged over for his second of the evening.
Jamie Shaul followed up on a Hull break to dive under the sticks. Hull made sure of the 50 when they kept the ball alive and the inside flick from Sneyd was received by Houghton who raced over to complete a dominant second half performance for the former back to back winners.
FOUR POINTERS
Can Hull regain the Cup
The 2016 and 2017 champions put on an impressive display in the second half as they look to secure a third Challenge Cup in the last four years. When winning their previous two titles they faced Catalans both times on route to Wembley. Is it going to be three in a row?
Find of the Season
Many people would argue Ratu Naulago is the find of the season, after his successful trial period early on in the year. The Fijian scored twice including a long range effort. He surely has to be in Lee Radford’s plans for next season, despite announcing the signing of Adam Swift earlier this week.
Unpredictability of Rugby Leagueย
Catalans had already travelled to Hull this season and won. The fact Hull were poor last weekend and the Dragons had won their last four, they must have fancied their chances. However, after conceding over 50 last weekend it was Hull who bounced back to inflict similar damage to what Huddersfield did last weekend.
Dragons must focus on the League
The defeat means Steve McNamara’s side must concentrate on the league. With the French side in third they must be hopeful to make the playoffs. They have grown as a side under the former England boss and surely they could be challenging at the end of the season, especially as they have already beaten the top two sides in the league already this year.
THE RESULT
Hull FC 51
Tries: Connor, Faraimo, Manu, Naulago 2, Kelly, Shaul, Houghton
Goals:ย Sneyd 9
Drop Goals:ย Sneyd
Catalans Dragons 8
Tries: Tierney 2
SQUADS
Hull FC : Shaul, Naulago, Connor, Griffin, Faraimo, Kelly, Sneyd, Green, Houghton, Paea, Minichiello, Manu, Westerman
Interchanges:ย Bowden, Fash, Hadley, Savelio
Catalans Dragons: Gigot, Yaha, Mead, Wiliame, Tierney, Langi, Tomkins, Bousquet, McIlorum, Moa, Whitley, Garcia, Casty
Interchanges:ย Edwards, Da Costa, Baitieri, Kasiano
