Wigan Warriors secured a record-extending 22nd Challenge Cup triumph with a dominant 40-10 victory over Hull KR at Wembley. The match was effectively decided in the first half, thanks to the performance of 20-year-old Jack Farrimond, who scored two tries and set up another to lay the foundation for the win.
Farrimond, earning less than £30,000 per year due to Super League salary cap rules, was a late inclusion after Bevan French was named on the bench despite a hamstring injury. By the time French entered the fray, the result was already beyond doubt. Farrimond's two solo tries gave Wigan a 12-6 lead at half-time, and his assist for Junior Nsemba's try early in the second half sparked a rout.
Centre Adam Keighran added two tries in four minutes to make it 28-4, and French eventually scored a sensational solo effort after coming on. Hull KR's Peta Hiku scored twice, but the holders were outclassed. Coach Willie Peters admitted: 'There were a lot of moments in that game that weren't us. We've got to own that performance.'
Wigan coach Matt Peet, winning his seventh trophy, said: 'In games like this you'd take a one-point win, so to win in that manner – I'm very, very proud.' The win was marred only by a late red card for Sam Walters, who became the first player sent off in a Challenge Cup final since 1993.
