Tickle sees red as Wigan down Hull KR
Danny Tickle was sent off as 19-times winners Wigan Warriors reached the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup quarter-finals with a 28-10 victory over Hull Kingston Rovers at KCOM Craven Park.
The veteran forward’s dismissal against one of his former clubs left Rovers to play the entire second half with 12 men. Tickle, 35, reacted with an apparent punch after clashing with Warriors second row John Bateman in the final set before the interval hooter.
Bateman was sent to the sin-bin for his part in the flare-up, and with calm restored, Rovers were awarded a penalty for the first offence. Rovers also had full-back Adam Quinlan yellow-carded for preventing Sam Tomkins taking a quick restart.
The hosts, who were missing 13 players, handed a debut to Elliot Wallis three days after his 18th birthday. Josh Woods, making his competition debut for the Warriors, set Shaun Wane’s side on the way to the last eight with an 11thminute try converted by Tomkins.
Rovers responded through Woods’ ex-swinton half-back partner, Chris Atkin, 10 minutes later.
Winger Liam Marshall restored Wigan’s lead, with Tomkins failing from the kicking tee.
Rovers hit back after the restart. Centre Junior Vaivai touched down after 50 minutes, and Ryan Shaw was then on target with a 57th-minute penalty to gain parity at 10-10.
Suddenly an upset looked on the cards, but thanks to Tomkins, Super League’s second-placed side eased through. The former New Zealand Warrior grabbed Wigan’s third try after 62 minutes, and tagged on the goal. They finally made their extra man pay with late tries by Tony Clubb and Tom Davies.
Toronto paid the price for indiscipline as Warrington ran out 6610 winners in an ugly sixth-round tie. The Canadian side had Andrew Dixon dismissed after 38 minutes for punching, while winger Liam Kay was shown yellow for a dangerous throw, and captain Josh Mccrone and prop Darcy Lussick were sent to the sin-bin for dissent.