Round-Up: Warrington show their cup pedigree with French win

 

Dave Hadfield
Sunday 13 May 2012 22:03 BST
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Paul Wellens scored an early try for St Helens but Wigan knocked
them out of the Challenge Cup
Paul Wellens scored an early try for St Helens but Wigan knocked them out of the Challenge Cup (Getty Images)

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Warrington, Challenge Cup winners in 2009 and 2010, are within one match of a return to Wembley after a 32-22 victory over the Catalan Dragons in Perpignan.

The Wolves looked well in control when Brett Hodgson guided them to a 20-6 half-time lead, but tries from Michael Simon, Ben Fisher and Vincent Duport brought the French within range. Chris Bridge's interception try, however, ended their fightback.

The cup holders, Wigan, beat their great rivals, St Helens, with surprising comfort on Saturday. Saints took the lead with a try from Paul Wellens, but after that it was the Wigan pack, all six of whom came through their youth-development programme, who were firmly in charge.

They won 18-4, with tries from Sam Tomkins, Sean O'Loughlin and a brilliant solo effort from their man of the match Brett Finch. It was the first time in 12 years that Saints have failed to reach the cup semi-finals.

Last year's beaten finalists, Leeds, had a resounding 60-12 win at Leigh, swiftly banishing any thoughts of the famous Wembley upset of 1971.

The Rhinos' captain Kevin Sinfield led the way with 28 points, from two tries and 10 goals from 10 attempts.

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