Hull Choke as Warriors Win

If the 1985 Challenge Cup final between Hull and Wigan is considered a Wembley classic, with all the drama and theatre you’d expect from a successful Hollywood blockbuster, this fixture some 28 years on is the poorly imagined remake.

On a damp and dull August afternoon, it was Wigan Warriors with a 0-16 scoreline, who clinched Rugby’s oldest competition for a dominating 19^th time.

A second triumph under the Wembley arch in 3 years, and the first ‘nilling’ since Wigan beat St Helens 27-0 way back in 1989.

Hull’s last triumph in the final came in 2005 at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff against Leeds. However the black and whites have in their last seven outings at Wembley never mustered a victory.

Poor handling and inconsistent territorial and possession play marred the game itself. Warriors Iain Thornley on 21 minutes and Sam Tomkins late on with the only tries of a forgettable contest.

Hull Captain Gareth Ellis coming off early into the game and missing the majority after picking up a rib injury.

In his absence his side were guilty of not getting the basics right in key areas, too often the ball was treated like a bar of soap.

Through Hull’s errors, Wigan would capitalise, 21 minutes in former Sale Sharks and Leeds Carnegie player Thornley picked up a loose ball 20 yards out, a swift dummy and charge for the line allowed the Wigan born winger to touch down in the left corner. Richards converted the kick.

After the break, the game was much like the weather, dull.

However it was sparked into life through an individual piece of brilliance, 10 minutes into the second half.

Full back Jamie Shaul, evaded three Wigan players, and darted for the left corner from his own 22.

However, Wigan winger Josh Charnley chased down Shaul in full flight, to deny Hull a memorable Wembley try.

Wigan’s cherry and white brick wall would remain unbreached.

Talisman Sam Tomkins with a touch of class at the death, matching brother Joel’s try in the 2011 final.

Richards added the extras, taking his tally for the competition to 100.A superb contribution as the Aussie winger returns home at the end of the season.

In contrast, the future of Tomkins remains shrouded in mystery, rumours rife he may switch codes or trade in sunny Wigan for sunnier Australia in the NRL.