You are in > manchester.com  > News > Wigan advance in Challenge Cup

Rugby League

Wigan advance in Challenge Cup

12/05/2007

Wigan will be in Tuesday's draw for the Challenge Cup quarter-finals after edging out Super League leaders Leeds 22-18 at Headingley.

The Warriors had teased out a ten-point lead after starting the second half at 12-12, but ended the match needing some stout defence to hang onto victory as the home team rallied strongly.

The opening 40 minutes had failed to separate the sides as Clinton Toopi's try was cancelled out by a touchdown from Chris Ashton.

The visitors then took the lead through Sean O'Loughlin, but it was then Leeds' turn to peg back parity as Brent Webb crashed over before the half-time hooter.

However, after two penalties from Pat Howard re-established their lead, Trent Barrett's glorious long pass set Mark Calderwood free to make it 22-12 to Brian Noble's men.

And the former Great Britain coach triumphed over his successor as Tony Smith's side could only conjure another try from Webb in response as some ferocious Wigan defence shut down their options.

Kevin Sinfield slotted the conversion but, unlike in Cardiff last weekend, there was no last-minute score to seize victory for the Rhinos.

© Adfero Ltd