Wigan Warriors produced a masterclass in defence and clinical finishing to crush St Helens 32-0 in the Challenge Cup semi-final, booking their place at Wembley Stadium for the final on May 30. The record 21-time winners shrugged off recent Super League struggles to overpower their fierce rivals in a one-sided contest at Warrington.
Jack Farrimond and Zach Eckersley each scored two tries, while Jake Wardle and Adam Keighran also crossed the whitewash. Keighran added a conversion and a penalty, and Harry Smith kicked two conversions to complete the scoring. Farrimond was instrumental in creating opportunities as well, showcasing his all-round game.
St Helens suffered a major setback inside the opening minute when prop Matty Lees went off with a knee injury. Despite dominating early territory and possession, Paul Rowley's side could not find a way past Wigan's stubborn defence. Lewis Murphy and Jackson Hastings both squandered good chances, and the Saints were left to rue their inability to turn pressure into points.
Wigan opened the scoring on their first real attack after a brilliant run from Brad O'Neill, who offloaded for Farrimond to touch down. Keighran added a penalty before Eckersley finished two tries in quick succession, first pouncing on a loose ball and then acrobatically touching down in the corner following Farrimond's floated pass. Wardle intercepted a short pass from Joe Shorrocks to score just before the interval, giving Wigan a commanding 22-0 lead at half-time.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with St Helens throwing everything at Wigan but coming up short. Alex Walmsley, Deon Cross and Jack Welsby all went close, but the Warriors held firm. Welsby's frustration boiled over and he was sin-binned for interference in the ruck with 15 minutes remaining. Farrimond surged over for his second try of the half in the 75th minute, and Smith's neat kick set up Keighran to cross on the hooter, completing a perfect performance.
The result ends St Helens' five-match winning run and sends Wigan to their third Challenge Cup final in five seasons. They will face either Warrington Wolves or Hull KR, who meet in the other semi-final on Sunday. The final is scheduled for May 30 at Wembley.
Both teams now turn their attention back to Super League duty. St Helens travel to Huddersfield Giants on Thursday, live on Sky Sports+ from 8pm. Wigan host Leeds Rhinos on Friday, with coverage starting at 7.30pm on Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports+.
This emphatic victory underscores Wigan's resilience and firepower as they head to Wembley with confidence. Based on reporting from SkySports | News.