Warrington Wolves thrash Huddersfield to reach Wembley

They will contest the Challenge Cup Final for the first time since 2019, with neighbours Wigan Warriors waiting under the arch on June 8.

A lightning-quick start settled any nerves against Huddersfield Giants, with Josh Drinkwater finishing off a long-range break before Matty Ashton did similar from Matt Dufty's break to put Wire 12-0 up inside the first 10 minutes.

Danny Walker then wriggled over from dummy-half to extend that lead, but Huddersfield responded when the prolific Adam Swift found enough space to sneak over in the left corner.

However, a superb long-range effort from George Williams just before half time broke the Giants' spirit, with Dufty then grabbing a quickfire brace after the break to end the game as a contest.

Kevin Naiqama grabbed a late consolation try for Huddersfield, but the game was long since over and Sam Powell and Rodrick Tai rounded off the scoring late on.

Joe Philbin and Toby King celebrate at full time (Image: SWPix.com)

Warrington Wolves reach Challenge Cup Final - post-match reaction

> Our Guardian Fan Panel's thoughts on Wire's Giant-slayers

> STAT ATTACK: A warm-weather masterclass and why less is more for Vaughan

> THE MORNING AFTER: Was Wire's Wembley return written in the stars?

> Joe Philbin on semi-final win and 'rebuilding' connection with fans

> IN PICTURES: The best of Wire's jubilant semi-final celebrations

> Everything Sam Burgess and George Williams said after Wire reached Wembley

> WIRE SOCIAL: 'Wembley here we come!'

> How and when you can get tickets to see Warrington Wolves at Wembley

> Re-live all the action from the Totally Wicked Stadium as it happened here

Match facts:

Challenge Cup, semi final

Sunday, May 19, 2024

Huddersfield Giants...10 Warrington Wolves...46

Giants: Jake Connor; Elliot Wallis, Kevin Naiqama, Esan Marsters, Adam Swift; Tui Lolohea, Adam Clune; Oliver Wilson, Adam Milner, Matty English, Jack Murchie, Leroy Cudjoe, Luke Yates. Subs: Ashton Golding, Hugo Salabio, Harry Rushton, Seb Ikahihifo. 18th man: Oliver Russell

Wolves: Matt Dufty; Josh Thewlis, Rodrick Tai, Toby King, Matty Ashton; George Williams, Josh Drinkwater; James Harrison, Danny Walker, Paul Vaughan, Matty Nicholson, Lachlan Fitzgibbon, Ben Currie. Subs: Sam Powell, Joe Philbin, Zane Musgrove, Jordy Crowther. 18th man: Stefan Ratchford

Scoring: Drinkwater try, 7mins, Thewlis goal, 0-6; Ashton try, 10mins, Thewlis goal, 0-12; Walker try, 19mins, Thewlis goal, 0-18; Swift try, 25mins, 4-18; Williams try, 35mins, 4-22; Dufty try, 49mins, Thewlis goal, 4-28; Dufty try, 54mins, Thewlis goal, 4-34; Naiqama try, 61mins, Connor goal, 10-34; Thewlis penalty, 69mins, 10-36; Powell try, 76mins, Thewlis goal, 10-42; Tai try, 79mins, 10-46

Penalties: Giants 1 Wolves 5

Sin bin: Connor (68mins, professional foul)

Referee: Liam Moore

Attendance: 9,523

Matt Dufty celebrates the first of his brace of tries (Image: SWPix.com)