Rugby League: Hull make headway in tempest

First Division champions Hull are on course to complete a double after beating Whitehaven 45-18 in their Premiership Trophy semi-final. They now face Huddersfield at Old Trafford next Sunday.

This match was full of drama with Hull's Graeme Hallas and Whitehaven's David Fatialofa being sent off following a scuffle in the 34th minute.

Then four minutes later the Whitehaven coach Stan Martin was also dismissed after a touchline argument with the referee.

By then Hull had put themselves in a commanding position after storming into a 14-0 lead after 11 minutes.

Tries by Steven Holmes and Brad Hepi plus three Mark Hewitt goals gave the champions the perfect start.

Having gone into a 24-point lead at the interval winger, Mark Johnson kept up his scoring run with his 11th touchdown in eight matches.

Johnson scored a wonder try following a blistering 50-yard touchline run which saw him beat three defenders on the way, but Whitehaven battled bravely and struck back with tries by Aaron Lester and Lee Kiddi.

Hull, however, had all the firepower and finished off with three more tries.

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