Hull FC edge past brave Wakefield

Hull made the perfect start, racing into an 18-0 lead inside nine minutes, but were forced to withstand a tremendous fightback from Kear's Wakefield before securing a place in the final against St Helens at Wembley on August 30.

Hull were the last team to defeat Saints on their way to winning the Cup under Kear in 2005 but they will need to markedly tighten their defence if they are to be competitive against the holders, who were impressive 26-12 winners over Leeds in the first semi-final.

With both sides scoring five tries, Sunday's match was decided by the sure boot of Hull's former Wigan forward Danny Tickle, who succeeded with all six of his attempts at goal as well as scoring two tries in the first eight minutes and was fittingly named man of the match.

In contrast, former Hull scrum-half Danny Brough, the goalkicking hero of the Black and Whites' triumph over Leeds in Cardiff three years ago, managed just two successes from his six attempts and also hit the woodwork with a drop-goal effort.

Sunday's victory represents a remarkable achievement for Hull coach Richard Agar, who only succeeded Peter Sharp two months earlier and will now emulate his father Alan, a former Featherstone coach, by leading his team out at Wembley.

Kear had masterminded the biggest shock in Challenge Cup history with Sheffield Eagles' victory over Wigan in 1998 but he must have known there would be no fairytale 10 years on after his side got off to the worst possible start.

Tickle helped himself to two tries, with Graeme Horne, Peter Cusack and Danny Washbrook also crossing for Hull.

Australian winger Matt Petersen scored the Wildcats' opening try, while Damien Blanch crossed twice and although Tevita Leo-Latu and Ryan Atkins also scored tries, their scores proved to be in vain.