• Leeds 18-28 Wigan, Challenge Cup final

Challenge Cup glory for Wigan Warriors

ESPN staff
August 27, 2011
Wigan celebrate Jeff Lima's try © PA Photos
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Wigan survived a spirited fightback from Leeds to lift the Challenge Cup at Wembley.

The Warriors, in their first challenge Cup final since 2004, threatened a rout when racing into a 16-0 lead after 30 minutes. The Rhinos fought valiantly and got to within two points at one stage, but Thomas Leuluai scored with two minutes remaining to seal a 28-18 win.

Wigan drew first blood, with Josh Charnley going over in the corner. The cherry and whites flipped the ball out wide to Charnley who muscled his way through two tackles to get the ball down.

Leeds did not help themselves by making mistakes, as Brent Webb knocked on deep in his own half and Jeff Lima cashed in, going over from close in to score.

Joel Tomkins scored the try of the match shortly before the half hour. Tomkins combined with his brother Sam - collecting a pass before shrugging off a challenge from Danny McGuire, outpacing Jamie Peacock and stepping inside Webb for a stunning try.

Leeds rallied before the interval. Great handling from Kevin Sinfield and Maguire freed Ryan Hall to score in the corner and Ben Jones-Bishop went over minutes later.

The Rhinos continued to press and Carl Ablett touched down with 20 minutes remaining to put Leeds within two points.

Wigan dug in and Lima went over under the posts to hand them some breathing space. A further Leeds try from Hall cut the deficit to four to set up a grandstand finish but Leuluai forced his way over with two minutes left on the clock to start the Wigan celebrations.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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