Challenge Cup heartbreak for Wakefield Trinity as Wigan Warriors seal semi-final spot after thriller

The record books will show that Wakefield lost 22-26. But that will not tell the story of a remarkable game which had everything from quality tries, a sin-binning, an impressive individual milestone and one of the most extraordinary kick-chases you are ever likely to witness, as Trin were unable to make it into what would have been just a third Challenge Cup semi-final since reaching the final in 1979.

But they gave it an unbelievable go against the record-breaking 21-times winners. From flying out of the blocks to lead 12-0 thanks to converted tries from Jake Trueman and Ky Rodwell, and then responding galliantly with a great Tom Johnstone try to go 16-12 in front after the Warriors had levelled.

The compelling tie, however, turned again just three minutes before half-time when Jazz Tevaga was sent to the sin-bin for appearing to kick out at Liam Marshall who had scored Wigan’s second try - with Trin punished with tries either side of the hooter which gave the visitors a 22-16 lead.

Cam Scott then got Daryl Powell’s men back on level terms before Eckersley second ensured Wigan would progress into the semi-finals, where St Helens now await.

Since Wakefield last lifted the famous trophy in 1963, Wigan have won it on 15 occasions. But they came out like a team possessed - or even like a team which won its past five games in all competitions.

It only took Trin six minutes to make the breakthrough when Trueman combined expertly with skipper Mick McMeeked to break clear.

The DIY Kitchens Stadium was still bouncing when Rodwell somehow forced himself over and ground the ball despite being surrounded by what looked like half of the Wigan defence.

The Warriors looked like rabbits caught in the headlights. Or like a team which had lost their previous two games against Huddersfield Giants and arch rivals St Helens.

But they fought back well. Harry Smith, who was creator-in-chief throughout for the visitors, launched a high kick to the corner which was knocked back by Liam Farrell allowing Patrick Mago to pounce.

And by the half-hour mark it was all level at 12-12 as Marshall finished a flowing move from right to left.

Trin fans did not have to wait long to see their side hit the front though as an equally impressive team move, from right to left, ended with Johnstone diving over in the corner.

But when Tevaga, who was just the one change to the Trinity 17 which convincingly beat neighbours Castleford Tigers 34-0 last Sunday, was sent to the sin-bin - it could easily have been a different coloured card - for seemingly lashing out at Marshall with his boot, Wigan took full advantage.

Field produced an outrageous solo kick-chase, as he moved his side deep into Wakefield’s half after knocking the ball over the Wakey defence after the ball had gone dead. And when Wigan got the ball back, the full-back got on the end of Smith grubber kick to give Wigan the lead for the first time in the contest.

Wigan, still with the numerical advantage, extended their lead less than 90 seconds into the second half when Smith kicked to the corner and Zach Eckersley crossed.

A first Challenge Cup semi-final since 2016 looked out of reach for Trin.

But back they came through a great individual try from Scott, with Jowitt’s conversion making it 22-22 - and 1,000 points scored for his hometown club.

There was a late sting in the tail as Eckersley strolled over for his second to put the Warriors back in front. And they held on to ensure Trinity’s long, overdue wait for success in the game’s most prestigious knock-out cup competition continued.

Wakefield: Jowitt, Pratt, Scott, Hall, Johnstone, Trueman, Lino, McMeeken, Smoothy, Rodwell, Nikotemo, Vagana, Pitts

Interchanges: Tevaga, Hamlin-Uele, Smith, Lolesio

Tries: Trueman, Rodwell, Johnstone, Scott

Conversions: Jowitt (3)

Wigan: Field, Eckersley, Keighran, Farrell, Marshall, Farrimond, Smith, Eseh, O’Neill, Thompson, Nsemba, Walters, Ellis

Interchanges: Mago, Partington, McDermott, Hodkinson

Tries: Mago, Marshall, Field, Eckersley (2)

Conversions: Keighran (3)

Attendance: 8,051