WARRINGTON'S Halliwell Jones Stadium played host to one of the most enthralling rugby league matches of recent times as Catalans Dragons shocked Wigan in the semi finals of the Challenge Cup on Sunday.

A vocal crowd of 10,218 was largely dominated by Wigan fans, who took over the South Stand for the afternoon, but Catalans had around 1,000 flag-waving travelling supporters as well as a few well-wishers from Warrington.

Catalans raced into an early 22-0 lead before surviving a Wigan comeback to win 37-24 and become the first French side to reach the Challenge Cup Final.

The Dragons, who included former Wolves player Jerome Guisset in their side, will now face St Helens at Wembley on August 25.