In a thrilling turn of events at the Brick Community Stadium, Hull FC managed to produce an astonishing comeback against the formidable Wigan Warriors, securing a 26-22 victory in the Betfred Challenge Cup fourth-round tie. Winger Lewis Martin emerged as the hero of the day, scoring a hat-trick of tries to lead his team to an unexpected win over the holders, Wigan Warriors.
Wigan Warriors, a powerhouse in the competition with a record 21 wins under their belt, started the match strong, establishing a commanding 22-6 lead over Hull FC by halftime. The home team seemed poised for a smooth entry into the quarter-finals, with tries from Zach Eckersley, Jai Field, Junior Nsemba, and Liam Farrell propelling them into a comfortable advantage.
However, the tides turned dramatically in the second half as Hull FC, under the guidance of new coach John Cartwright, launched a spirited fightback. Despite a seemingly insurmountable deficit, Hull FC refused to back down, mounting an impressive resurgence that caught the Warriors off guard. A converted try from Herman Ese’ese was only the beginning of their remarkable comeback.
The momentum shifted further when Jai Field, a key player for Wigan, was forced off the field due to a hamstring injury. Seizing the opportunity, Hull FC capitalized on their opponent’s vulnerability, with tries from Amir Bourouh and Lewis Martin narrowing the gap between the two teams. Martin’s second try, scored just eight minutes from time, set the stage for a nail-biting finale.
With a mere four-point difference separating the teams, Aidan Sezer’s precise kick and relentless pressure from Hull FC culminated in a breathtaking moment. In the dying minutes of the game, Lewis Martin completed his hat-trick in spectacular fashion, crossing the try line in the corner after a perfectly executed pass from Sezer. The stadium erupted in celebration as Hull FC clinched a stunning victory, defying the odds and leaving Wigan Warriors stunned.
Moving on to other match highlights, Cheshire rivals Widnes and Warrington engaged in a fierce battle at the DCBL Stadium. Warrington managed to stage a remarkable comeback, with late tries from Ben Currie and Zane Musgrove breaking Widnes’ resolve and securing a hard-fought 26-16 win. Despite Widnes’ valiant efforts and a promising performance, Warrington emerged victorious, demonstrating resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
Meanwhile, Catalans Dragons delivered a dominant performance against Featherstone, cruising to a convincing 46-18 win in Perpignan. The Dragons showcased their attacking prowess, with Nick Cotric and Sam Tomkins each scoring twice in a display of clinical finishing and strategic play.
As the Betfred Challenge Cup unfolds with thrilling encounters and unexpected twists, rugby league fans can look forward to an exciting season ahead. With Sky Sports broadcasting every game of the Super League live, the stage is set for more captivating moments, heart-stopping action, and unforgettable triumphs in the world of rugby league.
In the wake of Hull FC’s remarkable victory over Wigan Warriors and the exciting developments in the competition, the rugby league community eagerly anticipates the next chapter in this gripping saga.
