Super League: Wigan Warriors 30-16 Hull KR

Two of Charnley's three tries saw him run from deep inside his own half

Josh Charnley scored a second-half hat-trick as Wigan hit back in style to beat Hull KR and move level on points with Super League leaders Warrington.

Lewis Tierney ran through to put Wigan ahead but Hull KR responded with two tries in three minutes through Graeme Horne and Iain Thornley to lead 10-4.

Charnley raced the length of the pitch for the first of two quick tries that re-established Wigan's advantage.

And although Thornley replied, a barnstorming finish secured a home win.

Former Wigan man Thornley's second try, following a brilliant pass by the impressive Maurice Blair, helped put a spirited Rovers side back in front at 16-14.

But the hosts pressed relentlessly and finally wore down a stubborn away side, who had lost seven of their previous eight league matches.

Dom Manfredi went over in the corner with 14 minutes left after a fine offload from Anthony Gelling.

Oliver Gildart made the points safe from Sean O'Loughlin's burst and Charnley, who also landed three kicks, wrapped up the win with his second long-range run to the line in the 77th minute.

Wigan coach Shaun Wane: "We were not good enough in the first half but we improved in the second half.

"You have to give a lot of credit to Hull KR - they really stood up and tested us.

"I know what it is like to play Friday and Monday - it's a real tough one. It is a test for everybody and that is why I like it."

Hull KR coach James Webster: "I am not going to hide my disappointment from losing - rugby league is about winning at this level.

"It would be unrealistic of me if I wasn't proud of what they turned out.

"We had three 17-year-old kids playing, our average age was 21 and to come here on a short turnaround and turn out that type of performance I couldn't be more proud of them."

Wigan's Lewis Tierney finished off a smart team move to open the scoring with his first try of the season

Wigan: Tierney; Manfredi, Gelling, Gildart, Charnley; O'Loughlin, Smith; Mossop, Waterworth, Clubb, Tomkins, Gregson, Bateman.

Replacements: Sarginson, Powell, Tautai, Sutton.

Hull KR: Dixon; Oakes, Thornley, Sio, Shaw; Marsh, Blair; Mulhern, Lawler, Tilse, Greenwood, Horne, Allgood.

Replacements: Moran, Cator, Wardill, Walker.