By Chris Lord
April 27 2005

Henry Fa'afili's hat-trick of tries inspired Warrington to a thrilling last-gasp victory against Hull. Henry Fa'afili's hat-trick of tries inspired Warrington to a thrilling last-gasp victory against Hull.

Hull's slick passing sent Sean O'Briscoe over after two minutes, but Warrington responded with three tries to lead by six points after 24 minutes.

The visitors hit back again and led 34-30 with only moments remaining.

But Nathan Wood's grubber kick eluded the Hull defence and Graham Appo touched down, with substitute Chris Bridge landing the decisive conversion.

Half-back Lee Briers, who later went off injured, was at the heart of the home side's creative moves in conjunction with Nat Wood.

Briers freed Martin Gleeson, who in turn found Fa'afili for his first try, and it was Wood's kick that unsettled Hull and allowed the New Zealander to ghost over in the corner for his second.

Michael Eagar ensured the gap at half-time was only six points when he finished off a long-range run from Richard Whiting.

Although Warrington scored twice early in the second half, three Hull tries in five minutes levelled the scores.

Then, 15 minutes from time, Paul King powered over from close range to give them the lead, only for the home side to have the last word.

Warrington boss Paul Cullen was delighted with his team's performance.

He said: "I didn't think at any time we had blown it. What I've seen in our four victories is character that has not been present for a considerable time.

"Hull are a genuine top-four team and to come back and play like that is remarkable. All 34 players deserve credit for playing in heat like that."

Hull boss John Kear felt his side did not deserve to lose.

"The game had everything but we gave them one try too many. It was a shame there had to be a winner but it was a great comeback by ourselves.

"We showed great urgency and desire and it was a much improved performance on our last two matches."