Challenge Cup: Castleford 8-32 Hull FC - Adam Swift hat-trick helps Black and Whites knock out Tigers

Hull FC conjured up thoughts of a first Wembley trip in six years as they scored six tries to win comfortably at Castleford and reach the Challenge Cup quarter-finals.

Hull had the game virtually sewn up inside half an hour as they led 22-0.

After an opening try from Josh Griffin, two for winger Adam Swift and one for Jack Brown, Mahe Fonua got one back.

But Swift completed his treble and Jordan Lane crossed too - and Will Tate scored the lone Cas second-half try.

• Butterworth's debut hat-trick sends York through

• Hull to host St Helens in quarter-finals

Jake Clifford kicked four of his six efforts at goals as the Black and Whites eased to victory.

Hull have not been to Wembley since their back-to-back Challenge Cup final wins over Warrington and Wigan in 2016 and 2017.

But head coach Tony Smith is a three-times winner himself, having coached Warrington to Challenge Cup final wins in 2009, 2010 and 2012.

And Smith's current side seem capable of going further, having looked right back on song after their poor start to the season.

Their fourth straight win booked a home tie with St Helens in the quarter-final draw made straight after the game at Wheldon Road.

Josh Griffin came off the bench to score the first of the six Hull tries at Wheldon Road.

After having one early try disallowed by video referee Ben Thaler, it took eight minutes for Hull to go ahead when full-back Tex Hoy picked out back-row forward Griffin to score.

Hull then scored again on 24 minutes when Clifford's teasing grubber kick down the left channel ricocheted kindly back for him to regain possession and send Swift over.

Swift then scored again five minutes later when he exchanged passes with centre Liam Sutcliffe before diving over in the left corner. And more superb handling again cut Castleford apart to set up try number four for Brown.

Tigers finally responded in the 38th minute when ex-Black and Whites winger Fonua collected a fine pass from Alex Sutcliffe to go over in the right corner.

Hull winger Adam Swift scored two of his side's three tries before the break

But Lane finished well from Jake Trueman's pass before Swift completed his hat-trick try on 61 minutes when Clifford threw an exquisite long pass to send him over in the left corner.

Castleford added a second try when Tate finished a neat move but Paul McShane again missed the conversion.

Hull then finished with 12 men after Griffin was sin-binned for dissent after having a try ruled out late on.

Castleford head coach Andy Last:

"In the first half, they exposed a bit of our team selection. We managed to get to grips with it in the second half but they scored in the third set.

"Credit to Hull. They looked sharp and it's tough times for us. We've got to galvanise, work hard and stick together.

"Hull are a good example. We need to do exactly the same as them. It's quite clear that we aren't good enough at the moment. We're low on confidence and have too many players out of form."

Hull coach Tony Smith:

"The players had to work hard and dig deep right from the kick-off, but we came through that and almost every time we went down the other end, we scored points. Our combinations are getting better and, as long as we're doing that, it gives us a chance to be competitive.

"I like what both Jakes did [Clifford and Trueman]. They complemented each other well - and also took pressure off each other. And Swifty was good and full of energy, but he always is. He gets to the point where he can't run any further, but he was strong and good in defence.

"At least we've got St Helens. Saints at Saints would have been a bit tougher, but if you want to win the Cup then you have to cause some upsets. Upsets happen in the Cup and in Super League and I'm not saying we're definitely going to do it, but we'll give it a crack."

Castleford: Broadbent; Fonua, Sutcliffe, Turner, Tate; Westerman, McShane; Massey, Lawler, Matagi, Martin, Mellor, Hall.

Interchanges: Griffin, Mustapha, Robb, Hookem.

Hull: Hoy; Swift, Sutcliffe, Tuimavave, Scott; Trueman, Clifford; Fash, Houghton, Satae, Griffin, Lane, Cator.

Interchanges: Brown, Dwyer, Gardiner, Staveley.

Sin-bin: Griffin (75).

Referee: Liam Moore.