Wigan defeated in Semi Final

• Wigan Warriors lose in the Coral Challenge Cup Semi Final to Leeds Rhinos.
• Tries from Zak Hardaker and Harry Smith not enough for Adrian Lam’s men.
• Full time: Leeds Rhinos 26-12 Wigan Warriors.

Wigan Warriors missed out on a place at Wembley following their defeat to Leeds Rhinos in the Coral Challenge Cup Semi Final.

A spirited second half performance was not enough to overturn the half time scoreline as Richard Agar’s side progress to the Cup Final.

After an impressive opening ten minutes with both sides displaying excellent completion and solid defending, Leeds made the break though via a converted penalty. Wigan were judged to have attempted a ball steal 32 metres out. Rhyse Martin stepped up and added the two points.

The Rhinos then grabbed their first try of the game in the 18th-minute, Martin again getting on the scoresheet. A 40-20 gave the Yorkshire side good field position, which presented Martin with an opportunity to cross the whitewash.

Agar’s men increased their lead in the 22nd-minute when Martin kicked another penalty successfully. Captain Sean O’Loughlin conceding a high tackle presented the chance for the Rhinos.

Leeds grabbed their second try of the game in the 35th through winger Ash Handley. A kick on the last from Luke Gale was kept alive and finished in the corner.

Leeds ended the half with another score in the 39th through Luke Briscoe; the winger going over in the corner on the last.

After a rough and tough 27 minutes, the first score of the second half arrived via Leeds’ Handley, getting his second of the match.

The Rhinos added two more points to their total in the 72th-minute through another Martin converted penalty.

Wigan got on the scoresheet for the first time in the 75th-minute thanks to half-back Harry Smith. An error from Richie Myler provided the youngster a chance to steal the ball. Smith then ran it home from 80 metres to score.

Wigan snatched another in the 77th through centre Zak Hardaker. Great play down the right saw Dom Manfredi switch back inside to the supporting Hardaker to score.

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Leeds Rhinos: Richie Myler, Ash Handley, Konrad Hurrell, Liam Suttcliffe, Tom Briscoe, Robert Lui, Luke Gale, Ava Seumanufagai, Kruise Leeming, Mikolaj Oledzki, Alex Mellor, Rhyse Martin, Matt Prior.

Interchanges: Tom Holroyd, Brad Dwyer, Cameron Smith, James Donaldson.

Tries: Martin (18’), Handley (35’, 68’), Briscoe (39’)

Conversions: Martin (2/4)

Penalties: Martin (14’, 22’, 72’)

Wigan Warriors: Bevan French, Dom Manfredi, Zak Hardaker, Jake Bibby, Joe Burgess, Tommy Leuluai, Jackson Hastings, Ethan Havard, Sam Powell, Oliver Partington, Willie Isa, Liam Farrell, Sean O’Loughlin.

Interchanges: Joe Bullock, Joe Greenwood, Joe Shorrocks, Harry Smith.

Tries: Smith (75’), Hardaker (78’)

Conversions: Hardaker (2/2)

Referee: Chris Kendall

Video Ref: Ben Thaler