IT’S ONE GIANT LEAP TOO FAR FOR SALFORD
WIGAN overcame a spirited Salford in the Challenge Cup semifinal to set up a repeat of 2013’s final at Wembley against Hull FC. The Warriors raced into a 12-0 lead as tries from Oliver Gildart and Willie Isa were improved by two George Williams conversions. But they surrendered their advantage to trail 14-12 at the break as Salford hit back through debutant Tyrone McCarthy and winger Greg Johnson. The romantics wanted Salford to win — the last time they got to a Challenge Cup final, mankind was yet to step on the moon. They had their chances too, as the Warriors played 20 minutes with 12 men as both Sam Tomkins and Anthony Gelling were both sin-binned. But Wigan had other ideas as Williams’s penalty drew them level early in the second half. Michael McIlorum touched down to regain the lead, before Tomkins added a drop goal and Gildart’s second try sealed the win. ‘I’m very happy,’ said Wigan coach Shaun Wane. ‘Without sounding cocky, I thought we deserved it. I thought we did some really good things today.’