Warriors reach Wembley – Wigan Warriors

• Match report as Wigan Warriors beat Hull KR in the Betfred Challenge Cup semi-final at the Eco-Power Stadium in Doncaster.
• The Warriors scored seven tries in an emphatic performance to progress to the Betfred Challenge Cup final at Wembley Stadium.
• FT | Hull KR 6-38 Wigan Warriors.

Wigan Warriors scored seven tries to beat Hull KR 38-6 in the Betfred Challenge Cup semi-final to progress to Wembley Stadium.

The Warriors made one change from the 17 who beat Huddersfield Giants the previous week as Sam Walters made his long-awaited Wigan debut in place of the suspended Liam Byrne.

Report

Wigan stormed the stand holding their own fans in the first half as both sides finished their opening sets before Wigan took the lead four minutes in when play switched from right to left. Hull KR did their best to stop Jake Wardle but his long range completed the touchdown. Harry Smith’s touchline conversion attempt drifted wide but Wigan had an early advantage.

The Warriors were forced to defend repeated sets in the 12th minute but the defense held firm to keep Hull KR at bay. The siege on the Wigan line ended when Liam Marshall bravely dived to collect a chip from Mikey Lewis in the corner before heading past two advancing Hull KR players to safety outside his goal area.

Wigan moved upfield and a brilliant chip in the corner by Bevan French was collected by Abbas Miski, who dived over live at an incredible angle to touch down. Chris Kendall referred to the video referee who awarded the try. Smith’s conversion went straight between the posts to extend Wigan’s lead.

Lewis almost scored for Hull KR in the 20th minute when he kicked forward at the fifth tackle, caught it himself and chipped forward, however the ball went over the dead ball line.

Wigan went ahead in the 28th minute when Junior Nsemba headed over. The set began with Wardle smartly picking up the ball from a high kick from Smith, before play was spread from left to right to send the second rower over. Despite a missed kick, Wigan led 18-0.

Hull KR went close when veteran Ryan Hall dived in the corner despite the presence of three Wigan defenders. The video referee took time to review the decision, however, the score was disallowed due to Hall not having control of the ball as it was grounded.

The Warriors upped the ante before the break as two consecutive tries built a 24-0 lead. First Miski went over after Wigan capitalized on a Hull KR handling error before a smart inside kick from Marshall was collected by Smith who scored. Adam Keighran took over the kicking duties to add extras on the hooter.

Wigan’s first attack of the second half resulted in a penalty which Adam Keighran opted to slot home to put the Warriors five points ahead before Hull KR hit back when Lewis’ clever offload found on Joe Burgess who dived in the corner. Extras reduced the score to 26-6.

From the restart, an error gave possession back to the Warriors and after several carries through the middle, a short pass from Leeming put Dupree over from close range. Keighran added the extras to make it 32-6 in the 54th minute.

Sam Walters made his long-awaited debut on the hour before tempers flared minutes later when Keighran and Tom Opacic were shown yellow cards for an off-the-ball incident.

Wigan quickly regrouped and a cross from Miski passed through several pairs of hands before Jake Wardle scored his second try on 66 minutes. Harry Smith resumed his kicking duties with Keighran in the sin bin and his shot it was accurate and gave Wigan a 32 point lead.

Hull KR threatened in the closing stages of the match, however, Wigan held firm to hold on to a 38-6 lead to return to Wembley Stadium.

Hull KR : Niall Evalds, Joe Burgess, Peta Hiku, Tom Opacic, Ryan Hall, Tyrone May, Mikey Lewis, Sauaso Sue, Jez Litten, Jai Whitbread, Dean Hadley, James Batchelor, Elliot Minchella

Exchanges: George King, Matt Parcell, Sam Luckley, Kelepi Tanganoa.

18^th Player: Matty Storton

Try: Burgess (50′).

Objectives: Lewis (1/1).

Sin Bin: Opaque (64′).

Wigan Warriors: Jai Field, Abbas Miski, Adam Keighran, Jake Wardle, Liam Marshall, Bevan French, Harry Smith, Ethan Havard, Brad O’Neill, Luke Thompson, Junior Nsemba, Liam Farrell, Kaide Ellis.

Exchanges: Patrick Mago, Kruise Leeming, Tyler Dupree, Sam Walters.

18th player: Harvey Hill.

Try: Wardle (4′, 66′), Miski (14′, 35′), Nsemba (28′), Smith (38′) Dupree (54′).

Objectives: Smith (2/5), Keighran (3/3).

Sin Bin: Keighran (64′).

Referee: Chris Kendall

Present: 11,163.