Wigan dance around Wolves

Wigan gained instant revenge for their Carnegie Challenge Cup loss at the hands of Warrington with a 36-16 victory over the Wolves.

After suffering semi-final heartbreak against the same opponents less than a week ago in Widnes, the Warriors ran riot at the DW Stadium.

George Carmont scored two of the home side's seven tries as they proved too strong for a Wire line-up missing several of their leading lights, including hat-trick hero Matt King, from their 39-26 triumph just six days ago.

Despite the absentees they still took the lead, Chris Bridge getting on the end of Michael Monaghan's short grubber to break the deadlock.

Early enthusiasm

Having already gone close through Vinnie Anderson, the try was no more than Tony Smith's side deserved during a hard-fought opening to the fixture.

However, the early enthusiasm in their patched-up side soon disappeared under an avalanche of Wigan points that opened up a 22-4 lead.

Pat Richards cut back to dive over out wide before the hosts ran in three tries in the space of six minutes before half time, a scoring feat their rivals had achieved themselves in the cup clash.

Sean O'Loughlin had the vision to kick into space to set up Amos Roberts on the right before Cameron Phelps darted over from dummy half straight after a fine solo burst from Sam Tomkins.

Before Warrington had any chance to recover, Thomas Leuluai had produced a series of steps, combined with the odd hand-off, to break free to the line. Richards landed three conversions to help give Wigan a healthy cushion.

With Lee Briers sitting on the sidelines for the second half with a facial injury, the Wolves seemed to have settled for damage limitation.

They held out for just four minutes after the interval before Martin Gleeson glided over against his former employers.

Quick-fire brace

Carmont had set up his fellow centre with a well-timed pass and then bagged a quick-fire brace himself, the second of which was courtesy of a fabulous flick out the back of the hand by substitute Mark Flanagan.

Despite Richards having a rare off day with the boot - the Ireland international landed just four of his seven attempts - Wigan still found themselves 36-4 ahead and coasting towards a fifth straight triumph in front of their own fans.

To their credit, Warrington continued to battle bravely, finally scoring their second try shortly after the hour mark through Vinnie Anderson.

Chris Riley also crossed in the left corner for a late consolation having had an earlier effort ruled out for an apparent push on opposite winger Roberts.