ADVANTAGE Hull. Two weeks before the two sides cross swords in the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup, Hull stole what could prove to be a telling psychological edge by grinding out a rare Super League victory.

A three-match losing streak was brought to an end by an impressive second-half performance as Wakefield were undone by repeated raids down Hull’s left side that brought four tries in a sparkling display.

The highlight was a spectacular 70-metre try by centre Craig Hall who pushed off one defender, held off another and escaped the clutches of a third to grab his second try of the half.

Wakefield, whose playoff hopes have crumbled alarmingly, were powerless to stop opposition transformed in the second period after a dismal first half.

Hull have stumbled from one injury nightmare to another throughout 2008 and the continued absence of key personnel has had a destructive effect on their cohesion and confidence.

While they were able to carve open a series of gaps in Wakefield’s defence before the interval, Hull could not convert that pressure into points as a combination of poor decision-making, miserable handling and woeful execution repeatedly undermined their efforts. Fortunately for the visitors, Wakefield were not much better.

Wakefield did manage to make the most of the few chances they created to take a 12-6 advantage into the interval.

Hull’s opening try came when Danny Houghton, the 19-year-old reserve hooker, chased through his own low kick and pounced when the ball rebounded off an upright.

Wakefield were soon level with a try by Jamie Rooney, the stand-off, who strode through unopposed. Danny Brough, the former Hull scrum-half, landed the conversion but could not add the goal to a try he set up for Sean Gleeson midway through the half with a towering high kick that hung in the breeze.

A penalty from Brough opened up a six-point gap in the closing seconds of the half but within four minutes of the restart Hull were level.

Their second try was scored by Kirk Yeaman but he was deeply indebted to a fine piece of play by Willie Manu, the strong-running Tongan second row, who broke three tackles before flicking out a deft pass.

Star man: Shaun Berrigan (Hull) Tries: Wakefield Rooney, Gleeson, Drew Hull Hall 2, Houghton, Yeaman, Briscoe Cons: Wakefield Brough Hull Tickle 3 Pens: Wakefield Brough Referee: R Silverwood Wakefield:M Blaymire; D Blanch, S Gleeson, K Hend-erson, M Petersen; J Rooney, D Brough; R Moore, B Drew, O Wilkes, B Ferres, J Golden, J Demetriou (capt). Replacements: R Bibey, D Ferguson, S Obst, D Sculthorpe. Hull:M Sing; T Briscoe, G Horne, K Yeaman, G Raynor; D Washbrook, S Berrigan; E Dowes, D Broughton, J Thackray, W Manu, L Radford (capt), D Tickle. Replacements: J Broughton, C Hall, S Wheeldon, P Cusack.