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Rugby League

Yeaman inconsolable after Wembley heartache for Hull

30/08/2008

Hull star Kirk Yeaman has admitted his devastation at his side's agonising 16-28 defeat to St Helens in the Challenge Cup final.

St Helens looked to be cruising to victory after leading 10-0 at the break with tries from Matt Gidley and Francis Meli.

Hull mounted a sensational second-half comeback with Yeaman crashing over twice to give them a 12-10 lead. But the Saints' experience came through in the latter stages with Meli, Jon Wilkin and Leon Pryce crashing over to seal victory.

Yeaman, who was in the side that beat St Helens in the 2005 semi-finals, said it was one of the worst days of his career.

"I'm devastated. I played in the 2005 victory and that felt great but this is devastating," Yeaman said.

"We were still in it at half-time and we had to dig deep for the final 15 minutes but we just couldn't hold on. It was a massive effort from everyone."

Meanwhile, Hull coach Richard Agar said his side ran out of steam once Meli touched down on 65 minutes.

"We gave ourselves a good chance at half-time and we were confident that we could come back into it," Agar said.

"But it was difficult conditions played in searing heat and we just didn't have enough petrol in the bank at the end."