Scare for Warriors
Shaun Ainscough scored a hat-trick as Wigan beat Barrow 32-20 to reach the fifth round of the Carnegie Challenge Cup.
Last Updated: 05/04/09 6:17pm
Wigan have reached the fifth round of the Carnegie Challenge Cup thanks to a 32-20 victory over Championship side Barrow.
There was little between the two sides during the opening hour, with a hat-trick of first-half tries by Shaun Ainscough therefore proving crucial for the Super League side.
His first came after six minutes following a break by George Carmont. However, the Raiders drew level five minutes later when Liam Finch touched down.
Ainscough went over for a second time after 17 minutes - Carmont again the inspiration - but the favourites found themselves behind three minutes later.
Barrow's move was started by Jamie Butler on their 20-metre line, with Liam Harrison making further headway before James Nixon sprinted clear to touch down.
Ainscough completed his hat-trick on the half-hour before Carmont scored a brace either side of half time.
If Warriors fans thought the unanswered scores were the beginnings of a rout they were to prove mistaken as William Campbell then crossed for Barrow following another break by Finch.
Paul Noone's second penalty cut the deficit to four points and the home side then looked to have levelled when Harrison went over in the corner.
However, a forward pass saw the try disallowed.
To rub salt into Barrow's wound, Wigan were then awarded a try even though Karl Pryce appeared to have dropped the ball.
The visitors wrapped up victory when Sam Tomkins crossed five minutes from time.
