Challenge Cup: Wigan Warriors coach Shaun Wane pleased with 44-point win over Widnes
Shaun Wane feels his Wigan side are getting back to their best after they demolished Widnes at the DW Stadium.
Last Updated: 16/07/13 8:05am
England winger Josh Charnley scored a first-half hat-trick as the Warriors eased to a facile 48-4 victory that sets up a semi-final clash with London on 27 July.
Wigan snatched a last-gasp victory against Bradford in their last Super League outing to avoid a third successive loss but the return of England stars Sam Tomkins, Sean O'Loughlin and Lee Mossop transformed them at the DW Stadium.
"I thought we played well and scored some good tries," Wane said. "It was good to get Lockers and Sam back.
"We were crisp in our attack. It was our best performance for about three weeks, it just shows what a difference Lockers makes."
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Wigan are now favourites to secure a second trip to Wembley in three years but Wane will not start to look at the semi-final until after next Monday's Super League derby with St Helens.
"I'm pleased the hard work the players have put in has been rewarded with a semi-final," he said.
"We've got a massive game next Monday with our arch rivals and that's all I'm looking at now. It's a big month for us."
Widnes coach Denis Betts admitted his side paid the price for their cavalier approach, which was punished by Charnley's deadly finishing.
"It was pretty frustrating all round," Betts said. "I don't think Josh will score an easier hat-trick in his life.
"They scored nearly 50 points against us but 24 of those we just left on the floor for them.
"We talked about wanting to come here and play and expand our game a little bit.
"It was nothing lost, nothing gained for us today. We chanced our arm but we were a little bit too cavalier at times."