Semi Finals
Wigan Warriors 26 l. Warrington Wolves 39

2009 Challenge Cup Index [Draw] [Club Headlines]

Location: United Kingdom > National > First Grade Competition: Challenge Cup

Warrington's Wembley dream becomes a reality
Sun August 9, 2009
Source: www.warringtonwolves.com

80 minutes of knock-out Rugby League with the prize, a place at Wembley in the Carnegie Challenge Cup Final - Wolves against Warriors.

The Primrose & Blue army were behind their team awaiting a match that promised to have everything, and it didn't disappoint.

The Wolves kicked off yesterday's semi final at the Stobart Stadium. Tension was high amongst all fans as the ball left the boot of Chris Bridge.

20 metres out from the Warrington try line Matt King pulled off a one-on-one tackle gaining Wolves' possession and their first chance to attack. On the last tackle Briers' kick was knocked on by Amos Roberts and the Wolves attacked the line yet again. With only 2 and a half minutes passed Briers had come close twice but it was Ben Westwood who crossed first only to have it ruled out when referred to the video referee.

Wigan picked up and a gap opened for Pat Richards for what looked like an easy score in the corner. This was also ruled out on 5 and half minutes seeing the score remain at 0-0 but with Wigan awarded the penalty attack. This was all they needed and on 6 minutes Phil Bailey crossed for the Warriors with Roberts making the conversion.

This lead was extended on 11 minutes following a penalty kick, 8-0.

Then came the first half comeback from the Wolves. The defence picked up forcing errors from the Warriors. Carvell came close to crossing on 16 minutes but the Wolves' first try came from Matt King on 17 minutes following a Warrington scrum.

The Wolves dominated the first half from here on in. The next score was on 19 minutes from a Louis Anderson touch down. Monaghan made a clear break with a quick pass out to Ben Harrison. A Lee Briers kick into the corner was not claimed by King or Wigan's Amos Roberts, it was Anderson that picked up the loose ball to score.

Soon after the restart the Wolves were awarded a penalty and it was from this that Briers powered his way over the line on 22 minutes to score their third try, converted yet again by Chris Bridge.

Lee Briers' kick on the last of the next set saw Chris Riley unlucky not to score on 27 minutes in a very dominant period for Warrington.

Mike Cooper came on for Morley on 29 minutes and with his first touch of the ball crossed the try line under the sticks to take the Wolves lead to 8-24.

In the closing stages of the first half Wigan pressured the Wolves' line with Leuluai and Coley both held up.

Wolves' final try of the half came after another penalty with Matt King scoring in the corner after another break from Monaghan and quick pass out.

Half-time saw Primrose and Blue in the lead 8-28. The question being'what would the next 40 minutes have in store?

The second half started with alternating sets from both teams. The tension was clear with both sides forcing errors from the opposition with both losing the ball.

The first inspirational play of the half came from Briers with his one-on-one interception and break to half way. Monaghan was held up over the try line on 48 minutes but a touchdown came a minute later from King who leapt to collect a high kick from Briers on the last. Score was now 8-32.

Then came the Wigan comeback. The restart saw a goal line drop out for the Wolves. Young Sam Tomkins produced an excellent chip kick play. Following up his own kick he crossed for the Warriors' second try of the afternoon under the sticks on 55 minutes. A Pat Richards' conversion took the score to 14-32.

Play was stopped on 57minutes whilst Chris Riley was stretchered off the field of play following a hard tackle as he did well to collect an O'Loughlin cross-field kick.

It was Wigan who scored soon after with Coley crossing on 60 minutes bringing the score now to within 2 converted tries.

Wigan's momentum put a lot of pressure on the Wolves to keep up their defence, which despite a few knock-ons they managed to do, until 67 minutes when Paleaaesina drove forward, passed out to Leuluai who twisted over to score.

The pressure was now on and it was inspirational play by Briers that gave Warrington a lifeline. His infamous drop goal on 70 minutes. 26-33.

10 minutes to go and both sides were still striving to win. Leuluai's kick on the last was charged down for Briers to collect. A pass out wide to Hicks gave him the winning try on 75 minutes. A cross-field run saw Hicks fly over in the corner. Bridge converted this difficult kick taking what was the final score to 26-39.

The Barmy Army cheered the Wolves' lads home. Primrose and Blue showered the Stobart Stadium.

Warrington ARE going to Wembley!!!!

Tony Smith & Lee Briers Comments and Audio


Wigan squad for Cup Semi v Warrington
Sat August 8, 2009
Wigan Head Coach Brian Noble named his 19-man squad for Saturday's Carnegie Challenge Cup Semi-Final between Wigan and Warrington at the Stobart Stadium (Widnes), 2:30pm kick off.

As expected the Warriors welcome back both Skipper Sean O'Loughlin after a four week lay off with a knee injury and second row forward Phil Bailey who has recovered from a dead leg and has missed the last two games. Missing is Darrell Goulding who damaged his shoulder last Friday at St Helens.

Wigan Warriors 19 man squad

Amos Roberts, George Carmont, Pat Richards, Thomas Leuluai, Stuart Fielden, Mark Riddell, Iafeta Paleaaesina, Phil Bailey, Sean O'Loughlin,Joel Tomkins, Andy Coley, Harrison Hansen, Paul Prescott, Karl Pryce, Cameron Phelps, Martin Gleeson, Lee Mossop, Sam Tomkins, Mark Flanagan.

Coach: Brian Noble

Sat August 8, 2009
• Warrington squad for Cup Semi v Wigan
  

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