A 24-point haul from centre Craig Hall was the highlight of a less than impressive victory for Hull FC over the Sheffield Eagles in the Carnegie Challenge Cup.

Hall crossed for three tries and kicked six goals - but it was not until late in the second half that the hosts finally asserted their authority with four tries coming in a late spell.

Less than 4,500 people braved persistent rain and deserved better from two teams a league apart.

At times, the Co-operative National League One Eagles matched their engage Super League opponents and did not deserve to be on the end of the heavy final scoreline.

The home side led 18-6 at half-time with hooker Wayne Godwin giving Hull a sixth-minute lead with a try, converted by Hall.

In the 23rd minute Hall grabbed the first of his hat-trick and added a superb touchline conversion for 12-0.

Just after the half hour, stand-off Richard Horne and Hall's third goal extended the Black & Whites' lead.

But, undeterred, the Eagles fought back with a try from Tom Bookenham and a goal from full-back Johnny Woodcock.

As the rain got heavier in the second half, Hull seemed to improve.

But it was not until just before the hour when they extended their lead even further, courtesy of a Sean Briscoe try.

Man-of-the-match Willy Manu combined with Tommy Lee for a Kirk Yeaman try which extended the lead to 28-6.

Hall then scored twice in 13 minutes to complete his hat-trick before substitute Hutch Maiava added Hull's final try three minutes from time confirmed their place in the last eight.