Hull remain on course for the treble after overcoming Wigan in an action-packed Challenge Cup semi-final at Doncaster’s Keepmoat Stadium to secure their place at Wembley.

The Airlie Birds, whose 7,000-strong army of fans outnumbered the Wigan supporters in the 10,488 crowd, trailed 8-2 early in the second half but turned the tie around with two tries in three minutes and were ultimately good value for their 16-12 victory.

Hull were inspired by skipper Gareth Ellis and halfback Marc Sneyd while there were major contributions from their overseas players Carlos Tuimavave, Mark Minichiello, Sika Manu and Mahe Fonua as they held off a late Wigan onslaught to clinch their 16th final appearance.

An early 50m break from winger Fetuli Talanoa demonstrated Hull’s attacking threat but Wigan’s defence was up to the task throughout an absorbing first half.

The Warriors scored the only try of the first half from their first meaningful attack, five-eighth George Williams unhinging the Hull defence with a dummy 20 metres out before using his pace and guile to take him all the way to the line.

Smith stretched his side’s lead to 8-2 with a penalty early in the second half but Hull finally found their scoring touch and turned the game on its head with two tries in three minutes from their wingmen.