ULTIMATELY, it is results and not performances that go down in the record books.

Against St Helens last month, for example, Warrington Wolves were fantastic – better than they have been all season – but came away with nothing other than pride.

Were they as good in this game? Absolutely not, nowhere near. But in terms of what really matters in their current situation, they gained so much more.

By hook or by crook, Wire just had to win this game. It was about as far from pretty as it gets, but they did just that.

At times the fayre on offer bordered on turgid, particularly in a first half when neither side was able to string together any sustained pressure.

Efforts to do so were scuppered by errors, with both sides equally lacking when it came for respect for the ball.

And yet by the closing stages, watching two sides who have been scratching around for form desperately trying anything to get over the line became weirdly captivating.

This was a huge test of the resolve and fortitude that has been lacking on so many occasions from this Wire side. This time, it was an exam they came through well.

While Hull’s ability to carve them open was no doubt hindered by the patched-up look of their spine, grit and steel were still needed when Brett Hodgson’s sizeable pack tried to simply batter the door down and they found it in spades.

Josh Thewlis was once again nerveless out on the right wing, coming up with several excellent yardage carries to get his side out of trouble on the night his new long-term deal was revealed.

James Harrison showed promise on debut and fellow benchman Thomas Mikaele gave more glimpses of the power he will aim to provide.

Wire should gain confidence and belief from this game, but it has to now turn into something sustained.

The next step is recording back-to-back wins for the first time since the season’s opening month. Then, and only then, can eyes truly be cast upwards.

This is a start, but the margin for error remains painfully slim.