Wigan Warriors produced a stunning performance to defeat St Helens 32-0 in the Challenge Cup semi-final, booking their place in the final at Wembley on 30 May. Despite entering the match as underdogs after four successive Super League defeats, Wigan dominated their fierce rivals from start to finish.
Jack Farrimond opened the scoring with an early try, but St Helens failed to capitalise on possession. Wigan then struck three times in nine minutes before half-time, with winger Zach Eckersley scoring twice and Jake Wardle intercepting a pass to add another, leaving Saints 22-0 down at the break.
St Helens, joint-top of Super League and on a five-game winning streak, offered little in attack. Coach Paul Rowley lamented the loss of captain Matty Lees to injury in the first tackle, but admitted his side were lacking in ideas. “We’ll be disappointed by the fact we didn’t put ourselves in the picture,” he said.
Wigan added two more tries in the second half through Farrimond and Adam Keighran to seal a comprehensive victory. Coach Matt Peet praised his side’s desire, saying: “The desire to really turn up for one another, get the job done and make some special efforts was brilliant.”
Wigan will face either Hull KR or Warrington Wolves in the final, seeking a record-extending 22nd Challenge Cup triumph.
