Challenge Cup: Wigan 60-10 Leigh

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Sam Tomkins celebrates

Sam Tomkins ran in four tries at the DW Stadium as 18-times Challenge Cup winners Wigan eased past neighbours Leigh to reach the last 16.

Pat Richards and Josh Charnley also claimed hat-tricks as the Cherry and Whites eliminated the 1971 victors.

The prolific Richards also kicked seven goals for a personal 26-point haul, sub George Williams marking his debut with a try, which he then also converted.

Leigh's two tries came from Rob Parker, who converted, and Ryan Brierley.

Wigan coach Shaun Wane, a Wembley winner in 1988, showed what he still thinks of the famous old competition by fielding a very strong team, missing only Blake Green, Michael McIlorum and Liam Farrell.

Wane handed handed debuts to two youngsters, James Greenwood as well as Williams, who both came off the bench. to telling effect.

And the fans that turned up enjoyed an 11-try romp as, against a Leigh side who had lost by the same 60-10 scoreline at Halifax in the Championship last Sunday, Wigan booked their place in Monday's fifth round draw.

VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM

Wigan coach Shaun Wane:

"I am very happy with that performance. This is a very important competition.

"I was impressed with Leigh and I have to commend them.

"I was pleased with a lot our execution. "Especially when you consider near the end of the game we had possibly our youngest ever half-back combination in the history of the club with an 18-year-old and a 20-year-old."

Leigh coach Paul Rowley:

"I don't like losing but it's the display that counts sometimes and I'm very proud of the display if I'm being honest.

"We spoke as a team about coming away with something we could be proud of individually and I think everyone will have one fond memory.

"You often hear people say that team needs to go out and have a good drink together but in my opinion you need a good win then a good drink."

FRIDAY NIGHT'S LINE-UPS

Wigan: S Tomkins; Charnley, Goulding, Thornley, Richards; Powell, Smith; Mossop, L Tomkins, Flower, Hansen, Hughes, O'Loughlin.

Replacements: Dudson, Taylor, Williams, Greenwood.

Leigh: McNally; Maden, Littler, Gardner, O'Donnell; Ridyard, Brierley; Ostick, Beswick, Parker, Finnigan, Briscoe, Hopkins.

Replacements: Penkywicz, Duffy, Thornley, Taylor.

Attendance: 6,889.

Referee: M Thomason (RFL).

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