Wigan snap losing run in style

Wigan Warriors ended a run of three defeats with a 66-6 victory over Hull FC at the JJB Stadium on Friday evening.

The Warriors bounced back in style from a below-par performance in defeat to Huddersfield last week, running in a dozen tries to consolidate their hold on fifth spot in the engage Super League.

Challenge Cup finalists Hull were torn apart in the first-half with three of Wigan's five tries coming in the opening quarter.

Jeered off after the Huddersfield debacle, the Warriors were given a standing ovation by the fans as they made their entrance on to the JJB pitch.

That unexpected moment seemed to inspire the players - young loose forward Joel Tomkins went on to claim a hat-trick and Australian star Pat Richards racked up a personal haul of 26 points from nine goals and two tries.

Homeward-bound Australian star Trent Barrett set the mood by creating the first try with a delicate chip to the line. The bounce deceived everyone but winger Richards was first to react and get the touchdown.

The second try was the result of good work from prop Stuart Fielden, who was hauled down just short after powering his way to the line. Hooker Mickey Higham was on hand to burrow over from dummy half.

Phelps try

Hull's misery continued when a Barrett kick was spilled on their own line and centre Cameron Phelps took advantage for the third try. Richards landed two out of three conversions to put Wigan 16-0 ahead.

The visitors, who looked to have their upcoming appearance in the Wembley showpiece on their minds, suffered again when they surrendered possession close to their own line to allow Iafeta Paleaaesina to notch Wigan's fourth try.

And a rout looked on the cards when the Warriors struck again with Tomkins roaring through yet another gap to get his first of the night, Richards, who rattled the woodwork with a penalty, hit the target with both conversion attempts to make it 28-0 at the break.

Wigan needed just two minutes after the interval to add to their with ex-Parramatta star Tim Smith firing out a long pass which was taken brilliantly by Barrett and his offload sent in Thomas Leuluai. Richards again added the extras.

Hull finally got on the scoresheet when Jamie Thackray went in under the sticks after a quick tap penalty and Danny Tickle slotted the additional two.

But normal service was resumed when Tomkins raced through some weak defending for Wigan's seventh and they were soon in again when Richards crossed in the corner for his second.

And the points continued to flow in the final stages - Tomkins completed his hat-trick, centre George Carmont grabbed a brace and Paleaaesina got his second of the game to take Wigan's try total to 12.