Late-man Liam helps sinners break Saints’ hold on the cup
By JULIE STOTT at Elland Road
LIAM MARSHALL broke the hearts of Challenge Cup holders St Helens with his breathtaking late winner.
The Wigan winger almost gave up the game because of injuries a few years ago to become an accountant.
But the numbers all stacked up perfectly for him here, to send Wigan into their first cup final since 2013.
He pounced for the opening try in the third minute, on the back of a blunder by Saints winger Josh Simm.
And, with Saints threatening to pull off a terrific second-half comeback, Marshall then struck again.
He snapped up a loose pass by Jonny Lomax and raced 80 metres to snatch back the lead and steer the Warriors home.
Man of the match and team-mate Harry Smith said: “I was buzzing that it was Marshy because I knew he would finish it. It was brilliant from him.” Coach Matt Peet (right) said: “There were times when both teams were dominant but credit to the resilience of our group and the trust they have in each other.”
Wigan came into the semi-final at Elland Road in better form than league leaders Saints and it told in the first half.
Marshall’s opener gave them the ideal start and they then went for Saints’ throats with further tries from Cade Cust and Liam Farrell for a 14-0 half-time lead.
But Kristian Woolf ’s half-time team talk worked wonders on
Saints and they came out like men possessed.
Three tries in 10 minutes from Konrad Hurrell, Lomax and James Roby gave them an 18-14 lead to set up a thrilling final quarter.
Marshall’s long-range effort proved the killer, sparking wild celebrations from the Warriors.
Peet, in only his 14th game as head coach, said: “Saints are still the benchmark and this game doesn’t change that.
“But that’s what sport is about – on any given day you have a chance and it’s credit to our endeavour.
“This is our first chance and we’ve taken it and it’s important we
celebrate. There is no point in working so hard if when you get there it isn’t fun.
“We will enjoy it but we know this is only a stepping stone. We will be judged on our final performance.
“We want to get to the point where we are expected to be there. It’s important for some of the younger players that they don’t get used to being gallant losers.”
Saints, who had Joe Batchelor sin binned in the first half for a professional foul, had plenty of heroes despite defeat.
None more so than Lomax who played despite rupturing his bicep in the win over Salford a week ago.
Woolf said: “He is extremely brave. Not many players could have copped that injury and played a week later.
“We have not lost one of these big games for a number of years but it’s something we have to deal with.” WIGAN: Tries: Marshall (2), Cust, Farrell. Goals: Smith (2).
ST HELENS: Tries: Hurrell, Lomax, Roby. Goals: Makinson (3).