WARRINGTON Wolves’ bid for a 10th Challenge Cup triumph ended in Wembley heartbreak.
Sam Burgess’ side were beaten by neighbours Wigan Warriors after producing an error-strewn, erratic display on the big stage.
It was a game that caught fire from the very start, with both teams having men sin-binned inside the first five minutes for high tackles – Mike Cooper was the first to go for Wigan, with Matt Dufty following him shortly afterwards.
Josh Thewlis’ penalty goal edged Wire into the lead, but quickfire tries from Zach Eckersley and Bevan French put Wigan into a position of command they never looked likely to lose.
And once Liam Farrell powered over just shy of the hour mark, it was all over bar the shouting.
Wire did at least have the final word as Dufty crossed, but a comeback was never on the cards.
Warrington lose Challenge Cup Final to Wigan - post-match reaction
> THE FINAL WORD: Was Sam Burgess trying to warn us all along?
> Director of rugby Gary Chambers reflects on Wembley disappointment
> Danny Walker admits Wire 'played dumb' but insists lessons will be taken
> Joe Bullock admits Wire 'didn't give themselves a chance' at Wembley
> Wire chairman Stuart Middleton disappointed but proud
> 'Emotional' Paul Vaughan reflects on Wembley heartbreak
> 'Our worst performance of the season,' says Josh Drinkwater
> Post-Wembley talking points as big stage proves too big for Wire
> Everything Sam Burgess said after Wire's Challenge Cup Final loss
> WIRE SOCIAL: How fans have reacted to Wembley defeat
> Re-live all of the action from Wembley Stadium as it happened here
> GALLERY: Wire fans descend on Wembley for Challenge Cup Final
Match facts:
Challenge Cup Final
Saturday, June 8, 2024
Warrington Wolves...8 Wigan Warriors...18
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, Zane Musgrove, Jordy Crowther, Joe Bullock. 18th man: Stefan Ratchford
Warriors: Jai Field; Abbas Miski, Zach Eckersley, Jake Wardle, Liam Marshall; Bevan French, Harry Smith; Mike Cooper, Brad O'Neill, Luke Thompson, Junior Nsemba, Liam Farrell, Kaide Ellis. Subs: Ethan Havard, Liam Byrne, Patrick Mago, Kruise Leeming. 18th man: Sam Walters
Scoring: Thewlis penalty, 11mins, 2-0; Eckersley try, 19mins, Smith goal, 2-6; French try, 23mins, Smith goal, 2-12; Farrell try, 57mins, Smith goal, 2-18; Dufty try, 64mins, Thewlis goal, 8-18
Penalties: Wolves 9 Warriors 6
Sin bin: Cooper (2mins, high tackle), Dufty, 4mins (high tackle)
Referee: Chris Kendall
Attendance: 64,845
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here