Jake Clifford’s early class leaves Hull enough room to fend off Wigan’s charge

Hull survived a second-half onslaught from Wigan to secure back-to-back victories for the first time in 2023 and move further out of trouble at the bottom of Super League.

The Black and Whites looked in real relegation danger as recently as a fortnight ago, having won just two of their opening nine games. But consecutive wins, first over Huddersfield and here against the league leaders in dreadful conditions, have moved them eight points clear of bottom side Wakefield.

Wigan battled back well to reduce a 14-0 deficit midway through the first half to just four points heading into the final quarter. However, Matt Peet’s side could not find the decisive score to complete the comeback, and they will be knocked off top spot on Friday if Warrington beat Wakefield.

It took Hull just five minutes to break the deadlock. The outstanding Jake Clifford was influential, as his inventive kick caught the Wigan defence cold and Darnell McIntosh was on hand to stretch out and break the deadlock. Clifford converted, and he would turn from provider to scorer soon after to extend Hull’s lead.

The Australian forced his way close to the Wigan line before just about grounding the ball under pressure. He converted to put Hull 12-0 ahead and on the balance of play inside the opening quarter of the match, it was a lead the hosts fully merited.

Wigan had their moments in attack, but on crucial occasions, the final pass and the touch of quality required to breach the hosts’ line was lacking. Clifford then added a penalty to make it 14-0 before, two minutes from the break, Wigan finally struck.

It was a superb break from Iain Thornley that saw the centre put the visitors in prime attacking position and while he was halted close to the line, the