Wembley in Warriors' sights
Wigan became the first team to reach the semi-finals of the Carnegie Challenge Cup with a 28-6 win over Salford.
Last Updated: 30/05/09 5:02pm
Wigan moved a step closer to making their first appearance at Wembley since 1998 with a 28-6 win over Salford in the Carnegie Challenge Cup quarter-finals.
A hat-trick from Pat Richards helped the Warriors triumph at the JJB Stadium and secure a place in the last four of the competition.
The Reds, bidding for a first win over the Cherry and Whites since 2006, battled bravely but never really threatened to pull off an upset on their travels.
They did trail 10-6 at half time before Wigan moved clear thanks to Richards, who also kicked four goals to finish with a personal haul of 20 points.
Early try
Gareth Hock also crossed for the hosts, the second-rower getting the first of his brace of tries inside the opening two minutes.
Thomas Leuluai's pass put Hock into space and he skillfully sidestepped full-back John Wilshere to break the deadlock.
Boosted by their early success, Wigan came close to scoring again through George Carmont, who lost control of the ball as he surged for the line.
Salford did well to survive the onslaught before replying with a try of their own when Jordan Turner's inside ball allowed Luke Adamson to dive over.
Jon Wilshere's successful conversion levelled matters at six apiece and with Richie Myler, a rumoured target for the Warriors, looking dangerous, the Reds were firmly in contention.
Even when Richards' first try of the night gave Wigan a half-time advantage the game was still firmly in the balance going into the second 40 minutes.
Defensive work
Only some fine defensive work by Sam Tomkins stopped Salford centre Willie Talau from getting over before the home team finally seized control.
Richards slotted over a penalty to extend the lead and then found his way to the line again following good work by Leuluai and Sean O'Loughlin.
From then on Wigan - whose last appearance at Wembley saw them suffer a shock loss to Sheffield - turned the screw, Michael McIlorum going close before Richards completed his treble with 10 minutes to go.
There was still time for Hock to grab a second, after Sam Tomkins had touched down only for his score to be disallowed for a double movement.
