Noble: Resounding win

It was a shocking effort and we had no desire or enthusiasm.

Richard Agar
Quotes of the week

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Brian Noble heaped praise on his players after Wigan romped to their biggest win of the season by demolishing Challenge Cup finalists Hull 66-6 to end a run of three straight defeats.

The Warriors players faced severe criticism over their performance last time out when they were booed off by their own fans after defeat by Huddersfield.

And the Wigan coach said: "I'm really pleased and delighted for the players because I think some of the things said about them last week were unfair.

"I thought we were very vigorous tonight and forced a few errors. We took care of the ball and Hull didn't touch it in the second half.

Standing ovation

"It was similar to our story last week. But there's no dramas or crisis at the club. We just didn't play well last week and you don't become a bad team overnight."

Wigan ran in five in the first half with three coming inside the opening quarter.

Jeered off last week, the Warriors were given a standing ovation by the fans as they made their entrance on to the JJB pitch, and their backing was rewarded in style.

Young loose forward Joel Tomkins went on to claim a hat-trick and Aussie star Pat Richards rattled up another 26 points from nine goals and two tries.

Micky Higham, Cameron Phelps, Iafeta Paleaaesina (two), Thomas Leuluai and George Carmont (two) also crossed for the home side.

Agar anguish

Shell-shocked Hull coach Richard Agar said: "I always knew it would be tough tonight but there was a complete lack of intensity from us from the start.

"It was a shocking effort and we had no desire or enthusiasm.

"There's no excuse for what we have seen tonight."

Jamie Thackray's converted try proved the only bright spot on an otherwise miserable night for Hull.