The Final: Wigan Warriors v Leeds Rhinos Rugby League: Challenge Cup

Prowled. Passion. Pressure. Kevin Sinfield has kicked the winning

goal! Strength. Speed. Off he goes, foot down and funnels it in. At and

a little bit of skill. Mercurial genius! Rugby League. Rugby League.

Rugby League. Starring some of us from over here. Oh, my word!

some of us from over there. Battling it out for a place in

history. Leeds Rhinos. Wigan Warriors. The Challenge Cup Final.

The live from Wembley Stadium. teams, one winner. This time it is

ours. This time it is ours. It is ours. It is ours. Both sides have

superstar names who feel that this is their time. They have the power,

they have the skill and they have the determination. But only one

side will leave Wembley today with fond memories. This is the ultimate

prize in Rugby League. It has the history, the tradition, the

connection with at this stadium. And the place is a sea of cherry

and white and blue Anne Bamber erm, as well as the masses gather,

because this is the day that they want to say, I was there. It is the

Challenge Cup Final and it is Leeds against Wigan.

Strangely, as the two side have made it to the last stage more than

anyone else, they have only met twice in the final. Wigan won both.

In 1994 and in 1995. Wigan have had but for route here. They beat

Warrington and then arch-rivals St Helens to end their first visit to

the new Wembley. Let the glory days shine once more. Wigan coach

Michael Maguire, who is known as match, is on his way to Australia,

so this is his last chance for World Cup glory with a talented

squad for in this is a new experience. As for Leeds, they know

exactly what it is all about and are desperate to atone for last

year's battering at the hands of Warrington. Challenge Cup finals

have not been kind to this set of players. They are here by the skin

of their teeth thanks to Kevin Sinfield, captain, who slopped over

this shot against Castleford Tigers. Brian McDermott won the cup twice

for Bradford but now it is his brains and not his brawn that

matters. The Leeds players came for a familiarisation of Wembley

yesterday. Carl Ablett does play and he starts and so, too, does

Kallum Watkins. Jamie Peacock there, who could not play this it -- last

year. He can this year. Wigan are 4-1 on. That man is the shortest

man ever to be Lance Todd Trophy winner erm he is man of the match

to win that was stopped and we know that recent upset still happen. It

is all about how these players perform on the day as they tried to

win this trophy. It is the most historic and the sport in this

match, first played in 1897. Batley were the winners. It has huge that

the evidence. It was first played at Wembley in 1929. We have had to

be showers, then the sun came out and now we have just light drizzle.

But that does not bother the trio of brains I have around me erm for

Justin Morgan, Brian Noble and Justin Davies. You have your

various experiences of Challenge Cup highs and lows. Can you sum up

this occasion and what you expect today? Wigan on a hot favourites to

go on based on their form. Leeds here last year, beaten by

Warrington. But they have got his star-studded line-up as well. The

atmosphere is going to be first class. I am looking forward to what.

Brian, you know the Wigan players in particular very well. We are

looking for a new age for Wigan and they are the most famous team in

Challenge Cup history. They are looking very strong. Still top of

the table. They are a pretty young team. Some fabulous superstars from

their own town, so everything looks good for them. And the talk has

been about Wigan. Donovan, what do Leeds think? -- Jonathan? They have

Sinfield, Peacock, and they have all played at the top level. They

are confident of their own ability and can turn Wigan over on the big

occasions. They have to get on with the job and forget the past.

Control your nerves and turn Wigan over. At and we very much hope for

everybody watching, everybody here at Wembley, that we get he will

Challenge Cup Final Classic. It has the ingredients and so many of us

grew up watching this competition. Wigan have won this more than

anybody else, 17 times in total, and that is an extraordinary

unparalleled progression. Look at him go here! What a try!

does... Great tackles. He looks for support, he is still there. In the

corner at! He has got it! Trying to make some space... Surely he is

going to go the whole length! What The Challenge Cup, once again, into

hands of Wigan. And among those present today, Hanley is there. And

that looks like Stuart Pearce next to him. Andy Farrell is also here.

Those Wigan greats will be supporting the players on the pitch,

and a very exciting young side for Wigan, who could, one day, emulate

the achievements of these greats. Let's hear from the key people who

are going to be hugely significant over the course of this afternoon.

What is the team used? They will be good. Carl Ablett and Kallum

Watkins. We feared the worst there for him. He got a bit of a bang and

a twist last week but the physio has worked wonders with him. It has

been quite a journey to get here. What is it like to be here? We have

had a great week and the preparation has been really good.

We're looking forward to the opportunity to walk out and show

ourselves. Things have gone smoothly and I could not have asked

for things to go better. We have had a very relaxed but very focused

preparation. Last year, we were happy to be here and it was all new

to us. This year, it is different because we know what to prepare for

and what is going to happen. There's no excuses. You have to do

the things that got you here in the first place. You have to start the

game well. Most people have you as underdogs. Are you comfortable with

that? Yes, and buried. As an Aussie, what does it mean to you to be

here? It is something I remember and hopefully we will come away

with a victory but it is going to be a tough game.

CLARE BALDING: Pat Richards there, who will be the kicking machine for

Wigan. A first experience all of them of the new Wembley and a huge

number of Wigan fans are here. Her and they are expecting a big

performance of the team, but particularly from Sam Tomkins.

He is 22 years old and made his debut for the Challenge Cup in 2008,

and scored five tries on that occasion. Brian, you're the man who

spotted him? He is calm, competitive and professional. He'd

get his body into all sorts of shapes and sizes. He can catch.

Greater awareness and speed, and when he sees that gap, he is

determined to get to the line and get past somebody else. A fabulous

player and a competitor. Donovan, you sense this occasion will not be

too good for him? -- Jonathan? is very confident and I am thinking

that at the moment, anything he does comes off. It is a nice place

to be when you come to play the Challenge Cup Final. I cannot

remember who said it now but I read a comment that said you do not have

to know anything about run by -- Rugby League or sport to experience

or appreciate what Sam Tomkins can do. He is great returning the ball.

He will get the ball on a kick returns. The rain has eased off.

Surely we will hear Abide With Me. Basically, Wigan are 10 points

better than Leeds. What do you think? Are we going to win. I am

going to go for Leeds. I will even it up and sit on the fence. A tough

one. Tomkins is going to be people stop it is going to be closer than

a lot of people give them credit It is sung by the former X Factor

finalist. Please welcome at Rhidian at Roberts.

A big entrance from him and a good reception from the crowds assembled

here. He is in fine voice and getting very used to these sporting

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 45 seconds

# Of abide With Me # The darkness deepens # Lord with me abide # Fade,

comfort and sleep # Abide it all with me.

# Shine through the gloom, # And. Me to the skies -- and point me to

the skies, # Then at life and death, APPLAUSE CLARE BALDING: What a

noise here at Wembley. A stunning sound from him. The

players are now coming out into that cauldron of sound. In our

commentary box we have a man who steered both Sheffield Eagles and

Hull FC to be a wins, beating Wigan and Leeds. He and we have paid what

-- Dave Woods. It is an extraordinary theatre for one of

sport's great dramas. This, today, featuring two of the great sides of

the Challenge Cup. 49 Cup finals between them. This is a competition

they have been playing since 1897. So much has changed in the last 14

years or so. But some things remain the same. The atmosphere being just

one. It is a terrific noise inside Wembley Stadium here today. Young

and old alike. There is talk of this as being a Wigan runaway

victory in some quarters. Leeds have got a lot to prove, and Jamie

Peacock leading members afternoon. I am sure they will be determined

to make sure they get their script It is a day when some of these

players become great. The chief of joint operators for the British

armed forces needs the players. -- meet the players. The mascot his

eight years of age. What a special day for him today. Brian McDermott

is looking a picture of control and calm but I'm sure there is a lot of

churning going on inside him and his players as off. Michael Maguire

with his young daughter and the owner and chairman of the Wigan

side introducing some of his players. These are the most anxious

moments of the maul. Players just want to get this over with and get

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 45 seconds

things under way. Phil Bentham is Go Wigan are the heavy favourite.

Kevin Sinfield held his nerve to steer Leeds into this final with a

crucial goal kick in the semi- finals. This is how they are lining

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 45 seconds

in his first Challenge Cup final. He is about to get things under way.

That is what they are all fighting for, to get hold of that ball. It

will be Wigan first in possession and a chance to run from the end

with their supporters had gathered. -- queered their supporters.

atmosphere is a sensational. Today it will be decided in 80 minutes.

These two groups of players will give a absolutely everything.

something memorable today will be your lasting legacy. Here come

Wigan with an early surge. Wigan are temporarily held up but they

have a decent position. Plenty of Leeds players there. The ball has

been knocked on. The first knock-on was by a Wigan. What a start! It

was Ryan Hoffman who made the break. What a collision by Brent Webb. It

was a little unorthodox but it brought Ryan Hoffman down. Robbie

Paul is down on the touchline for us. What is the excitement like?

is so noisy. The fans are enjoying themselves so much. I can barely

hear a thing. It is absolutely brilliant down here. These types of

games can make or break a player's career. Phil Bentham has given a

penalty. It was for a high tackle. It was an illegal tackle by Jamie

Jones-Buchanan. Pat Richards puts the ball deep in the Leeds half.

Wigan are renowned for starting strong and they have started strong

today in this Challenge Cup final. The psychology Today is fascinating

given what Leeds went through last year. They were so disappointed. A

lot of these Wigan players have grown up with the idea that would

end of was have a birthright to play at Wembley but none of these

players have played in a Wembley Challenge Cup final. The ball was

knocked down by Ben Jones-Bishop. Clearly a knock-on. Wigan looked to

have settled. They are asking questions of the Leeds Rhinos

defence. The Leeds Rhinos are a bit tentative. This is a third set for

Wigan with ball in hand and a great field position. The Leeds Rhinos

defence is being tested here. 13 of these Leeds players were on duty

here last year. Sam Tomkins. He wriggles out of the first tackle

and finds the gap. He has almost found a way through. Harrison

Hansen rides another tackle. This is Paul Deacon. A push by Andy

Coley. Two tackles to go. This is Brett Finch. Sean O'Loughlin

holding and delaying. Here comes the last tackle. It is a grubber

kick. But it is overhead. Brett Finch was looking for the rebound

from the padded area of the post. Leeds Rhinos will be very happy

with that. Leeds Rhinos are putting three of four players in the

tackles to try and slow Whiddon Down. -- slow Wigan down. That was

a difficult pass for Ben Jones- Bishop to deal with. Driven in by

Brett Delaney who played in the centre last year but he's been

reconstructed as a second row this year. They have made it to the

halfway line. This is the last tackle. That is a good kick. That

has split Tomkins and Josh Charnley. What will Wigan do from deep inside

their own half? Paul Deacon has not got the pace to test the defence on

the outside. Pat Richards again. Good work in the collision by Jamie

Peacock. But it goes to Brent fetch. -- Brett Finch. You sense that the

Leeds Rhinos have felt their way into the game and they will be

happy that there are no points on the scoreboard. Wigan started very

strongly. The Wigan fans are finding their Voyce at the moment

but Kevin Sinfield does well to get the pass away. They started the

season as a very adventurous team and it Brian McDermott. -- Under

Brian McDermott. They have a range it in as the season has gone on.

The kick has gone out on the full and the referee will give a restart

in Wigan's favour on the halfway line. Look at the pressure from

Harrison Hansen. He worked very hard from inside to put Maguire

under pressure. That is a very good turnover for the Wigan Warriors.

Taken in by Andy Coley. He was a quantity surveyor before he started

playing rugby league. That is tidied up by George Carman. Ryan

Hoffman taking them on. They are working very hard in the ruck in

earlier are Leeds. Josh Charnley went on the inside but has he got

it down? Phil Bentham has confirmed he has. He sparkled and shone in

this Challenge Cup campaign. Now, history. That took some finishing.

He left a player in his wake and he carried two players over the try-

line. A lovely ripe for it stepped and to kick inside Danny McGuire. A

very, very good finish indeed. It is that right foot step that got

him that bit of space for him to cross. An outstanding finish from

the youngster. 48 tries in 28 games. He really is a talent. It is

amazing how he has come on in leaps and bounds. He has perhaps got a

bit underneath their headlights, hasn't he? In any other year he

might have been getting even more attention in terms of media

coverage. His day is today. Here's Richards from the touchline. But he

has put it wide. He had a disappointing kicking afternoon

last week in the Super League. He was practising on the pitch here

yesterday. But it is a disappointing start from the view

of Pat Richards. But Wigan Leeds 4- 0. Just the start that the Warriors

wanted. That is just rewards for the domination of their possession

and territory. Leeds will be happy that it is just a four-point reward.

Kevin Sinfield, just making sure his runners are well behind before

through it. Wigan are pulling forward again! Somehow Tomkins kept

hold even though he was floored by the tackle. Back to the middle.

Move away once more. What about offloading? Wigan are threatening

again here. Looking for a back-to- back score. Clever footwork to

Richards. Wigan are flooding forward again. Inside for Lima and

he is going to be held only five yards away. Advantage to Wigan and

they are piling on all of the early pressure. Hansen is going nowhere

there. Hoffman does well to get it out from a difficult set of

Tomkins. The first attempt at tackle and get the ball away. Here

comes Deacon. Leeds are clinging on with their fingernails at the

moment. Into the sunshine and Richards is climbing Highgrove. Has

he got it down? I don't think he has. -- climbing high. They did

really well to defuse that, Leeds, and that is a point that they use

time after time. Very well dealt with by Jones-Bishop. That is 9th

sets that -- 9 sets that they have started. A fantastic start from

Wigan. That is the first point against them and they are

definitely taking it out on Leeds. They are dominating so it is a

great start. But at the moment, only one tribal stop doing their

nerves need settling? Hopefully they are feeling better than I am.

I am as nervous as hell! But the lads are into the game so they will

just do the job. Enjoy the game. Thank you.

Com and 80 label after all of that, suddenly it is the turn of Leeds. -

- COMMENTATOR: And after all of that, it is suddenly the turn of

Leeds. Let's not forget the mercurial

talents of McGuire. Just on the inside there. Wigan are tackling in

numbers. Leeds are a couple of yards away. Sinfield with the kick

but no confusion caused. He did very well there, Lima. He looked to

his right, a little kick and he just to defuse the situation really

well. -- he just did defused the the tackle there. Terrific effort.

The kick is not as good as you would have hoped. Leeds can return

with their little bit of interest here. That is credit to the

pressure once again. Carl Ablett flew out and put Tomkins under

pressure. That will allow Leeds to build a bit of momentum now.

referee has decided that ball has been knocked on by Leeds. Brent

Webb, a soft error. He has let Wigan off the look. -- off the hook.

Carl Ablett came into the game with potential injury problems. How are

they Ferring so far? I think they are faring pretty well. There does

not seem to be any effect that line on the left hand side

this time. Here comes the final tackle. Finch would be kick. Webb

should have covered that and he has, but can he get through? That his

outstanding player there from our Webb.Why came out of the line and

absolutely smashed him. -- a Leuluai came out of the line.

comes Ablett to crush him out of the way. Buderus wants it quickly,

on the 6th. Not the best of positions for Sinfield there.

is a great reward, Wigan having tackled beyond the halfway line and

it is because of the outstanding defensive set. It is because of

tackles like this, up when Leuluai flew out of the line. I have got to

say that I am sitting in the sun and it keeps coming in and out. A

couple of blogging coaches were asking whether sun would be at

certain times of the game. We have already seen them put the kick in

the left-hand corner. The sun is very bright and will be shining in

the eyes of the winger. Lee Mossop for the interchange bench. He was

in the Grand Final last year with a shoulder injury. He will be

determined to do well today. A good last tackle player from the Leeds

Rhinos. This is a very composed collection there. Ryan Hall just

got the ball Inn and diffuse to the danger. Wigan have been

consistently outstanding for the season and lease town have been

consistently inconsistent, is how I think you would predict. -- Leeds

have been consistently inconsistent. It is tackles like that that are

put in Leeds under pressure. -- putting Leeds. They may well have a

point but the only one that matters is Phil Bentham. This is the point

at which the referee is likely to give a penalty. And that is Lee

Mossop, who was holding his arm and shoulder. We mentioned the injury

last year with a shoulder injury in the Grand Final. It would be

heartbreaking for him if he were to miss the rest of this final with

Just one try to their names so far but they are threatening another.

Tomkins cannot keep a hold of it. Let's give a nod to the Leeds

defence there. Trying to just offload and a bit of a lapse in

concentration for Tomkins that caused the knock-on. An absolutely

fascinating contest, David. Wigan really are putting the pressure on

the Leeds Rhinos but they are showing great character. A bit of

work to do here. Carl Ablett has had an ankle injury all of this

week. Leeds are trying to work themselves as far down the field as

they can here. Peacock, a real veteran of this side. Down the

middle with Delaney and driving away towards the halfway. That is

five gone and here comes the last. Sinfield's kick. It is out of play.

I have got Keith Senior with me. You must be reasonably happy that

you were stolen the game, given the amount of possession? Yes, they're

going to show what equality team they are. I'd think we can take a

bit of heart from how exceptional their goal line playing has been.

Wigan have been defending really well but we are playing a bit into

their hands. We are too tight and not looking at spreading the play,

some would think we need to become a bit more expansive. Thank you,

Keith. He is talking about defence there? That is correct. But it is

still only 4-0 and Leeds are going to take great heart from that

because they have been distinctly under in the is 20 minutes. And

they find themselves in trouble now because that is a knock-on.

would look and say, it wasn't under much pressure. That looks so simple

drop but if you sort of light of the kick there from Tomkins, it was

spiralling and he just dipped prior to Webb and made it very difficult.

Exceptional skill from Sam Tomkins Wigan try. A very good tries indeed.

And it came off the back of that error from Brent Webb. Wigan with

relentless pressure and they have been rewarded with a second try.

That is the error. A very difficult kick to catch. A lovely soft pass

from Paul Prescott to the supporting Jeff Lima. He sacked a

Leeds defender in and lovely soft hands to Jeff Lima. It was a great

try. You don't often Credit prop forwards with passing skills but

that was a peach from Paul Prescott to Jeff Lima. Pat Richards has a

chance for another two.. Wigan lead by eight points to nil. Pat

Richards puts it over and Wigan the lead by 10 points to nil. It is a

fair reflection of the domination and they've had so far. Leeds'

character is going to be sorely tested. A lovely pass. The wake of

the pass was perfect. He did not need to break stride at all and his

strength took him over the line. It looks simple but it is a very

skilfully constructed try. What to Leeds do now? How do they turn it

around? They need some ball and a needs and field position. The

possession and territory is heavily in at Wigan's favour. They need to

get some good field position and take advantage of it. Let go down

to the touchline. The injured player should be able to come back

on later. Paul Deacon Akhtar Brett Finch. -- back to. We go into all

the basics very well. -- Wigan do. When they played against each other

earlier in the season, there have been remarkably close games. 22

points apiece at Headingley. Wigan beat Leeds 26-24 in the of the

match. Here comes the final tackle. Tomkins with the pick-up. He finds

the gap and suddenly this is open space for Joel Tomkins who coaches

a wave when defender. He sidestepped between two. It is one

of the great Wembley tries by Tomkins junior and Tomkins senior.

Wigan are in complete control. talk about Martin Offiah's great

try in the past but that one was every bit as good. A sensational

try on the first player of the set. It was exquisite! It really was.

Sam Tomkins drifted across the line. He skipped across into open space

and gave the ball to Joel Tomkins. Defends one man off and a beautiful

step on the inside and he has too much pace for Jamie Peacock. That

is a sensational try. He is often the unsung hero but he is certainly

a Hero today. While! You have to take your hat off to Joel Tomkins

for that wonderful try. The hopes of the Leeds supporters are sinking

at the moment. It looks like being Wigan's they are so far. -- day.

Pat Richards converts and it is 16 points to nil in Wigan's favour.

This is absolutely exquisite. It is beautiful to watch. It is

athleticism, skill, pace, power and a great finish on the biggest stage.

What an absolutely sensational try from Joel Tomkins. There is a

moment that might just give the Leeds players the chance of turning

this around. Harrison Hansen clumsily put the ball out of play.

They need to make sure that they get something from this set of six.

It is imperative that Leeds score next. Ben Jones-Bishop. He is

carried out of play. They are dominant in attack and dominant in

defence. Leeds Rhinos do not have an answer at the moment and they

need to find on quickly. It was the first tackle play once again.

Back's against backs and it ended up with the ball on the wing and

look at that, three of the Wigan three quarters just put him out of

bounds. The coach will be delighted with that effort in defence. Wigan

are starting from deep. By the way, the biggest ever come back in a

Wembley final was from 14 points down. St Helens against Bradford in

1996. No side has come back from a 16. Deficit. Let's go down to the

touchline. You started the season at Leeds butNow with Wigan. I am in

Wigan's camp at the moment. Are you enjoying watching this? Definitely.

Wigan have put Leeds to the sword when it had the chances. Wigan have

not let Leeds into the game. Enjoy the rest of the game.

A lot of these Wigan players have not played in a Challenge Cup final.

We thought they might freeze and find the occasion too much for them

but they have not. They have risen to the occasion and a playing

really well. Here comes Carl Ablett, desperately looking to get Leeds

back into the contest. Kevin Sinfield with a little dummy. They

will have to kick again. The chase has got to be good. The chase is

better because the fault line and made the effort on that occasion. -

- fault line. You feel that need -- Leeds Rhinos need to score before

the break. This is George Carmont. That has gone backwards. Wigan

retain possession. Brett Finch with the kick. That is a chase for Brent

Webb to turn on some of that magical charm of his. It is not

just the kick, it is the Wigan chase. It is relentless. The chase

is always full throttle down there to restrict the yardage that the

Leeds Rhinos can return the ball with. It is first class. Look at

the effort being made of the ball. It cuts down the space for Brent

Webb to attack. Another six tackles for Leeds Rhinos and in a decent

position as well. This is Ryan Bailey. A penalty here for the

Leeds Rhinos. They really need it. A little chat with Ryan Bailey.

Leeds have tap and gone for the try. Brent Webb throwing it wide.

Terrific hands. Brent Webb in support. Jamie Jones-Buchanan

offloads to Kevin Sinfield. Leeds have scored a try when they

desperately needed. A vital score. A little bit of hope in their

hearts again. From the scraps of possession they've had, they have

engineered an outstanding try. It is essential for their hopes. That

is the penalty. This is the ball movement. Watch this at the end.

Quick hands and that created the space for the pass out to Ryan Hall.

I love this offload and the quick hands. Maguire to Carl Ablett and

the good finish in the corner by Ryan Hall. That is the best riposte

they could have come up with. needed the senior players to step

up and Kevin Sinfield has JUN just that. -- has done just that. Now he

has a kick from the touchline. He is already a Leeds Rhinos legend. A

record points scorer. He might suggest have added another two. But

he's hit the upright. A little bit of hope for the Leeds Rhinos. The

time is ticking away towards half time. This is an outstanding piece

of skill from Jamie Jones-Buchanan. Kevin Sinfield hands was lightning.

-- Kevin Sinfield's hands were lightning. A very good try by Ryan

Hall. The game passed them by last year but this year, that score just

before the break will lift spirits considerably. A little bit of

untidiness from Wigan and it is spotted superbly by Jamie Jones-

Buchanan. And much needed tackle by Pat Richards. Better from Leeds.

quick player of the ball and all of a sudden, Leeds have the wind in

this sales. -- in their sales. inside pass again. It goes out wide.

It is another Leeds try! The comeback is on. If you score once,

you may as well get the ball back and do it again. That is exactly

what the Leeds Rhinos have done. Some great skill at the end. This

is the quick play of the ball. Jamie Jones-Buchanan makes the

break. He was tackled by Pat Richards. But Rob Burrow has

speeded things up and gets the ball going forward. Look at this for a

finish from the unstuck. Outstanding work by Ben Jones-

Bishop to twist in the tackle and Tomkins and quite rightly, he is a

mercurial talent. But Leeds have got their star players, too. Jones-

Bishop being one of them. Another kick just moments after his first

conversion attempt. This is an extraordinary comeback from the

position they were in. It is. he has put it through! It is an

extraordinarily good kick from Kevin Sinfield, and portrayed

transformation. From 16-0 to 16-10 in the blink of Ray try. A lovely

little pass from Watkins. I tell you what highlight even more is

that conversion. Kevin Sinfield must be absolutely oblivious to

pressure. He just stroked it over me bars. -- over the bars. What is

going through the mind of Wigan at the moment? This is a very

professional and consistent out of it. What they want to do is get

back the control. The Leeds Rhinos have blown them out of the water in

the last few minutes. Robert Burrows has got in there and they

will want to get control of this game once again. Is air a deflation

of self belief? I have got to say, you do start to doubt yourself.

They will not be feeling comfortable any more. But, as Rose

said, one of the most consistent teams -- as I said, They will be

wanting to get the ball back into their own hands. Very interesting

as well how quickly the Wigan Warriors ran to the scrum to ensure

they got this set of six. Leeds are in danger of being absolutely blown

away before half-time but now it is Leeds desperate not to concede.

What are the odds on a kick for Richards? Here comes Deacon, who

was thinking about the drop goal. A long way away from the target,

though. My word, that was a gamble! Sam Tomkins picks it up and the

referee has given a penalty. Jones- Bishop was pushed off the ball and

he looks as though he is in a bad way. The hooter has gone. They

tried to kick the ball into touch. There it was. He certainly did

follow-through. He is saying he did not move to direct there is a

player at Jones-Bishop. He steps into Jones-Bishop and takes him out.

Quite rightly identified a penalty to Leeds. If you are the least Hull

coach, what are you thinking? you would have brave little chat

with him, I think, at half-time. -- you would have a little chat.

is, he has now got away with it. This suggests they are going for

something attacking. Here may come. -- here at they come. That was a

knock-on and that will be the end. It hasn't finished yet. It shows

how much it means to both of them. It has been a great half of Rugby

League. The referee has now got involved. I think he's just leading

them off the field. He is like a sheepdog from, rounding them up.

Making sure there is no more bickering. -- chic of -- sheepdog

farmer. It has been an extraordinary first half, it really

has. Wigan looked as though they were running away with it and Leeds

have shown fantastic character to get back into this contest. At

half-time, it is Leeds, 10, Wigan, CLARE BALDING: Those players may be

heading straight into the cold showers just to cool down. Wigan

have been dominating possession, piling on the pressure. Josh

Charnley went through three men to score the first. Wigan was then

given another chance and Lima scored. Then, sensational, the

moment of the half. Brothers in arms. Sam Tomkins running down the

line, passing to his brother Joel, and that put Wigan 16 points in

front without reply. And then suddenly from nowhere, Leeds

bounced back. Ryan Hall in the corn and Ben Jones-Bishop barely two

minutes later. Look at Rob Burrow there, dancing through. Leeds head

into half-time with her. The score is Leeds, 10, Wigan, 16. Let's head

Did you think it was Wigan's game already, being 16 head? I will say,

yes, and I was hoping it would not turn into we whitewash. Wigan were

completely dominant gang controlling the speed of the whole

game. They actually had the players that can turn the game on his head

and then they unlock the key by getting that quick player of the

balls. And that is what they need to work on. They have to get the

balls in. Let Rob Burrow do his job. They do seem to speed up when they

bring it Rob Burrow on, don't they, Leeds? It is one of their very

smart tactics. Hughes understands what Burrow brings to the game. He

is one of those players way you hold the breath when he has the

ball. All he needs is a little chink in the line and he will get

behind and just destroy you. He has the speed and he will kick on and

get the try. He causes a lot of problems. But again, it has got to

be Leeds to come out and taking it. Thank you for that.

CLARE BALDING: Let's just dig a few boxes and let you know what has

been going on in terms of And it almost looked as though it

was over at one point? Yes, but the weight of possession got hold of

them. Good to see Leeds bounce back They are putting a lot more

pressure on their half-backs and that has allowed their age people

to make better decisions. That has to be the key, as a coach, for your

players to be able to make decisions for themselves halfway

through the Hoff? Around the 30 minute mark a couple of things

happened with Leeds. They bred the structure of the Wigan defence and

they had some quick-play of the balls. -- they broke the structure.

It has made Leeds a whole lot more dangerous with a couple of finishes

on the fringes, to bring them back into the game. But what a start for

Wigan. Everything was working like clockwork? Yes. They come out of

the blocks so quickly in the first 20 minutes, and then, for some

reason, they let people back into the game. The early break for

Hoffman is here. The dummy runners have given them huge problems. The

defence was soft and they made too many errors. The tackle is there

but they are not completing. Leeds had not communicated and it has

been soft. Hoffman is there and this could have resulted in a try.

You usually see Tomkins or one of the wingers. On this occasion, it

did not happen. You cannot make mistakes like that when you are

forced into touch. Leeds have no blasted them and now they will come

back into the game. I was impressed with the way the youngsters on the

Wigan side did not seem to be bothered, Sam Tomkins, and also

Josh Charnley. He has scored against Warrington. He has been

pretty much off the radar, Josh Charnley. You can see the Wigan

centre, centre-field, the one who Charnley has to be the three people

to get to the line. Quality finishing and we will see one later

at the other end of the field. look at his upper-body strength.

His shoulders and mussels are incredible. The dummy runners make

that try and it is a great Finnish Charnley. But the dummy runners

finished. -- a great finish for Charnley. We saw Brett Finch

straight down the middle and Leeds were lucky it was only 4-0 after 10

minutes. Yes. Finch was working in conjunction and then Sam Tomkins

comes in, pushing through the middle. They will probably be

complaining there that they had not executed to finish that opportunity.

As well as the good attacking runs, went Wigan physical in defence?

Talk about big hits! This is a Whitaker love. He spins the attack

and get absolutely smashed by a Leuluai. Lee Mossop goes there, and

he is the big injury worry. I think they have been unlucky with a few

decisions, Leeds, to be honest. He seems to have slightly favoured

Wigan in his decisions. I think the referee generally goes with the

more aggressive team. What Leeds could not afford to do is make

mistakes and this is a shocker. is a difficult Hague but that is

what he is paid to do. From here, it sums things up. So soft. Delaney

should have stepped out. A very, We will show you the try of a half

in a moment, the end to end. A good ball there. Wigan are good when

they are tight and when they are wide. Leeds, although they have got

back to within touching distance, they still have a lot to do and

Brian McDermott is that on a picnic box talking through with his team

what he expects from them and how he needs them to adapt to be able

to contain the threat of Wigan. And this was the most exciting moment

or Wigan fans. It was Sam Tomkins dancing down the line and handing

the ball to his brother. Just watch Tomkins. He scans and scans. If you

can get to the last man that you It just shows, you cannot be

disorganised when you have a player like Sam Tomkins. You have to get

your chase organised and know where the kick is going to go.

Unfortunately for Leeds, it was a bit of an ad hoc kick. That is a

fantastic finish by the big man there. So Leeds was staring at a

16-0 deficit. Nobody has ever come back from that far back in a

Challenge Cup Final. They needed something special and something

Great hands from Kevin Sinfield. Josh Charnley has to come in and

Ryan Hall dived over the line. Fantastic hands. They did not have

the confidence to do that at the start of the game but they have to

try things and they kept the ball well. Rob Burrows was involved and

so is Kevin Sinfield. If you can offload, a defence can be

disorganised. A great give and take by Watkins and a fantastic finish.

We have a lot to look forward to in the second half. How is this match

going to go? If Leeds can promote the ball like that, they will cause

trouble. Offloads against a structured defence can sometimes

break them up so they will look to do more of the same. Wigan will

want to win the territory and get field position to get some points.

The game is not dead and buried get. It is still very much in the

balance. They will all be feeling the atmosphere. Rob Burrow in the

middle there, he has been key. We have international rugby coming

back to your screens this autumn's. It is the Four Nations

championships and we will see England against Australia for the

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 45 seconds

first time at the new Wembley Remember, remember, 5th November.

England against Australia is live on BBC One and the week before that,

you can see England against Wales. Lets hear from the England coach.

Your own Wembley date is coming up. It is important for the national

team to play at the national stadium. November 5th is going to

be a big day. What did you make of that first half? Wigan were really

good in the first 25 minutes. They executed their plan but Leeds hang

in there. Leeds have found their way back and they have clawed

themselves back in. Two Leeds going to the second half with the

momentum? Without a doubt. They finished very strong. It is not

going be easy for a Wigan. You must be excited about picking some of

these youngsters for England? of them are in some very good form.

I am looking forward to coaching them at the end of the season.

Enjoy the second half. The fans have some interesting hairstyles!

Brian Noble, what are you think has mark -- what do you think? Leeds

will try and get some speedy round the ruck. If they allow Wigan to

get back into the pattern that they will score again. Leeds Rhinos need

to scoop that the second half very well. -- start. Leeds will have

confidence from what they have done in the last five minutes of the

first half but they have the front up defensively. Wigan remain

favourites and they lead 16-10. second half. Leeds have somehow

found a way back into this contest. They will start without some

momentum in this second half. so interesting. The first five

minutes is vital for both teams. Leeds need some territory and Wigan

will try and slow the Leeds Rhinos play the ball down. Carl Ablett

claims there was a knock on. Wigan survive. Good work from Carl Ablett.

A bright start by the Leeds Rhinos. Confidence renewed. Here comes Paul

Prescott. Four tackles already gone. The kick by Sam Tomkins downfield.

It is collected and Paul Deacon a mix the tackle. Let's go down to

the touchline. Michael Maguire has told his players to stop the quick

play of the ball at that we were talking about half time. Leeds try

to bring it forward. Kevin Sinfield. Ian Kirke trying to inject some

power down the middle. Jamie Jones- Buchanan, who sparked the Leeds

revival. Rob Burrow to Kevin Sinfield. Wigan strangling the life

out of that potential Leeds attack. Not a bad Kate and Tomkins let it

bounce. An early sign of a lack of concentration. Poor work from Sam

Tomkins. That was a basic error. Andy Coley driving forward. A look

at determination from young a Sam Tomkins. Brett Delaney has been

effective at times today. He has been very effective. The coach has

instructed the Leeds Rhinos to work hard from the market position. Carl

Ablett did it once and Brett Delaney has done the same. Lets

hear from the Leeds camp. Brian the McDermott told his players to keep

up the tackling. He also wants his players to take their chances in

the final third. They have to establish some field position but

when they get some chances, they have to take them. You cannot take

again for granted, even at 16-0. The momentum has switched. They are

getting closer. He has been very good, Brett Delaney. Rob Burrows

has been instrumental in this revival as well. Leeds Rhinos

looking to score a third consecutive try. This is the last

tackle. Rob Burrow to Kevin Sinfield. The kick goes through but

it rolls over the 22. Look at the transition from Wigan from defence

into attack. Here comes George Carmont. The Wigan chairman top

last night about George Carmont being the best signing since he's

been at the club. Joel Tomkins with a good offload. He has a great

energy. Leeds are showing some commitment in defence early in this

second half. Wigan trying something to do the gut and it has given

Leeds possession. Kallum Watkins quick to his feet. That is not a

good pass. Do you feel the momentum switching

in your favour? It looks like it. The boys have died in deep. It is

looking good. What is the secret of turning this around? Just going for

it. Hopefully we can keep doing that.

The Leeds fans are in terrific oncoming Leeds defence. There is

nothing in it at the moment. Not at all. I am impressed with the way

Leeds have picked a game that. They have come out with renewed vigour

in the second half. It is up to Wigan are now to withstand this bit

of pressure. Was that a knock on? Has shown a lot Lynne had a quiet

game today? I think he has been very efficient. That he is swelling.

That is safely caught by Brent Webb and a good bit of distance gained

as well. That is the difference between Leeds in the first half and

in the second half. He made the error in the first half but he was

very assertive then. Carl Ablett still going strong. Rob Burrow from

dummy half but it is dropped by Kylie Leuluai. The Leeds defenders

are waiting for him. They pull them down. Off goes Sam Tomkins. They

are looking to create space on the far side. Leeds come away with the

ball through Ryan Hall. You have to admire the energy and pressure they

are putting on Wigan. Very good work from Carl Ablett. He threw the

ball inside and Leeds came up with it. Kylie you lie needs to make a

better impression because that was a soft error. This is boiling up

into a belter. Here is Rob Burrow. Kevin Sinfield. Brent Webb almost

getting through. Liam Farrell just did enough. The kick goes straight

Leeds. In the last two tackles they have slowed Wigan down, which

allows their defensive line to be set. They may well be building to a

classic. The pressure cooker is set on low boil at the moment. An easy

take for Ryan Hall and back it comes, straight to begin. That was

a poor kick as well. An easy take and the first player of the ball on

their own goal line. Chris Clarkson is the one feeling the heat at the

finding a bit of a corridor, but the door closes, slamming in his

face! Across comes Farrell with a second successive tackle. Sinfield,

just about having time to get it high. He did that very efficiently.

It is interesting now to see that Danny Buderus is back out on the

field. We have got Buderus back so we have Burrow, McGuire, Sinfield.

All your key players on the field at once. The captain has just come

off the field with a hamstring injury and he has gone into the

dressing room. That is going to be difficult. Deacon comes down,

forcing a flat pass. Tackle fire but seizing grounded. Wigan are

desperate to keep this momentum alive here. -- five tackle at

number five. Top word there from Carl Ablett. -- top work. Good work

from Ryan Hall down the middle. Coming in on the wing, giving his

forward to left. Here comes Peacock, the old redoubtable. Lee Mossop, by

the way, is on the touchline and about to come back on the field. If

you were worried about that shoulder been dislocated, it was,

but they have just popped it back in. Leeds have lost a bit of ground

here but they are making Wigan work hard. Five gone and here's the last.

Tomkins will not take the risk with a bouncing ball. Leeds will be

quite happy to force the scrums right down there. But a clever kick,

wasn't it? Outstanding from Hauraki. Wigan are being made to work,

taking the petrol out of the engine. McGuire put it out of bounds. It

has taken the counter-attack of Sam Tomkins out of the equation.

minutes gone. These suggestions are that it now, it is going to be a

close game. It was not always the case. If bidders all-square after

90 minutes, we go straight to a replay. -- if it is all square.

Wigan were not doing that in the first half, making early tackle

errors. This is a great opportunity for the Leeds Rhinos to potentially

get back on level terms. I think a hint of concern would describe the

facial expression of Michael Maguire there. Because Leeds have

position and possession. Here comes Delaney, looking to set the

platform. This is Buderus. Peacock will drive it in and drive it in

further. He gets so close. A needless penalty given away. See

what referee has to say. Here's the much, but Leuluai did not like it.

If it was accidental contact, he has taken the law into his own

hands. That is the penalty. A good explanation. He has made an error

from a personal Paris and then Leeds have got great field position

with that late drive from Peacock. -- a personal carry. A distant kick

here from Richards. Richards from the touchline. This next at five,

10 minutes for the Leeds Rhinos is going to be very, very important.

They are forcing Wigan to come up with a lot of errors. They are

thinking, we should be winning so easily, but when they don't come up

with the winning point, may start territory and how it is coming back

towards Leeds. And the possession is also for them. Outstanding work

from the Leeds Rhinos, to come back into this game. It is an obvious

thing to say, but the next try is going to be absolutely massive

falls stop what a game we have here. He has lost it. It is a penalty.

They had Leeds under pressure, grid it is settling down into a real

battle right now. A bit of May hop, Hanging on for dear life. Now it is

Sinfield. And well-marshalled by Tomkins. Superb position. Good

fullback play from Sam Tomkins and he put the kick through for the

trays of. But just look at this speed. Leeds are working so hard

defensively, though, to stop Wigan. He lost it and he will complain,

looking menacingly at the referee. That is the reward for speed of

line and good initial contact. Outstanding work from Delaney, who,

I think, has had an outstanding game today. It puts the pressure on

and forces errors. That is the way to win. Carl Ablett with his step

and a twist, and he is over. Phil Bentham puts it Square in the air.

We will have another look. For me, it looked all over. Ablett has had

a superb game as well. Some delay in his praises. That guy has had a

top game. The ball is certainly on the line, and if it is on the line

with downward pressure, that is a try. This will be a very, very easy

decision for the video referee. has confirmed that try. Leeds are

back with a Kevin Sinfield conversion of tying the supped.

This could be one of the game's most crucial moments. -- of tying

this up. Yes. Car abroad is a big man down that (Channel and he does

a really good job there could twist around and ground the ball legally

for a very good driver. -- down that alongside -- that are outside

Channel. This is a goal to put his side level again. All eyes on Kevin

Sinfield. He hits it but he has put it wide. Wigan at lead by 16 to 14.

There's the aggressive speed of line and there is the lost ball.

And they're very good first tackle played. Tomkins is back and Ablett

takes advantage. He uses that space to get over the try-line. A great

try. Kick-off again. An hour played and you can hardly get a cigarette

paper between them. 16, Wigan, 14, Leeds. Pick a winner from here.

has been a great hour of Rugby League football but for think we

are in for the best 20 minutes now. It will be a marvellous finish.

Full marks to Leeds whatever happens from here. They have clawed

their way back into contention deflection. The referee says play

on. That is Wigan's reward for pressurising the kicker. This is

Wigan's opportunity to get back into the game. Leeds Rhinos have

really turned the screw in the second half. It goes along the line

to Sam Tomkins. He gets away from a couple of tacklers. Here comes Liam

Farrell. That looked forward but it's allowed to play on and Jeff

Lima has scored. The referee says it is a try. He is an unlikely

Wigan hero. One try in the first half and one try in the second half.

Wigan have a margin that suggests victory again. That field position

came from pressure but I am not certain about this. The last pass

to Jeff Lima did look questionable. It is from Lee Mossop and for me,

his hands are going in a forward direction. Just watch his hands. Oh

my word. The referee and touch judges have missed that. It is a

great finish by Jeff Lima but there has to be a question about the pass

in the build-up to that from Lee Mossop to Jeff Lima. Before today,

Jeff Lima had only scored one Wigan trying 26 appearances. He has

doubled his tries calling tally and if you are going to do it, you may

as a do it at Wembley Stadium. -- may as well do it. Pat Richards

safe enough with the conversion. Leeds Rhinos have to score twice

again. Psychologically, that is tough. Paul Prescott to Jeff Lima

and a first half but that they will be talking about that final pass

after the game. Let us go down to the touchline. Hang on, Leeds have

lost it and a back in position. Again, it was the pressure from the

market. It forced the error from Paul Deacon. They are looking for a

quick response. Kevin Sinfield whether the sidestep. -- with the.

They have four tackles and look how close they are to the Wigan line.

Brent Webb to Carl Ablett. Wigan defenders there in desperate

numbers. Leeds Rhinos are working hard here. The Stet by Jamie

Peacock. He added those their Kallum Watkins. The flick to Ben

Jones-Bishop who cannot find the try-line. Excellent work. That is

great combination in defence and they receive congratulations from

their team-mates. Just look how well they communicate. It looked

for a second as if he has got to mark on one but they managed to

push Ben Jones-Bishop over the touchline. Great centre and wing

combination in defence that time. 15 minutes left to play. I think we

can go down to the touch line now. Emotions are going up and down like

a yo-yo. It is everything you want in a Challenge Cup game. We started

the game very well and we need to get back to that. We have made some

uncharacteristic errors. Still confident? Definitely.

Taken on by Lee Mossop. Sam Tomkins with the kick away. Ryan Hall has

caught it safely. They are consistent in the processes of

rugby league. If you kick with the distance, you need a full line

chase. The Wigan Warriors do that very well for will -- do that very

well. That was a knock on. Kallum Watkins from the tackle. There have

to defend a set in the middle of the field now which is more

difficult. It is a simple basic error. All of a sudden, you feel as

if Wigan have settle down. -- settled down. What does Brian

McDermott do here? Twice a Challenge Cup winger with the

Bradford Bulls. He has led Leeds here this year. What can he do to

mastermind a recovery? Wigan wanted a penalty. Thomas Leuluai said the

markers went square. That is victory for the Leeds defence.

good work from Danny McGuire. It was Danny McGuire from the inside

with a good leg drive that took him over the sideline. That one was

important for the Leeds Rhinos. Jones-Bishop popping up in the left

channel. He has lost it. End his determination to get a bit of an

advantage, he failed to control the ball. There is a lot of shouting

going on. This next set of six will be interesting. You have to credit

the Leeds Rhinos defence because it has been outstanding. Thomas

Leuluai has moved up to dummy half. Jeff Lima is pulled down. Here goes

Paul Deacon again. 10 yards out. Last tackle is the next. The kick

is taken by Ben Jones-Bishop. He just had his ankles tapped. There

was fresh air between Ben Jones- Bishop and the opposition try-line.

He really has a pace so it was a very important ankle tap. Jamie

Peacock. Terrific. Really good drive from Jamie Peacock. This is

Danny Buderus. Important work from dummy half. Still plenty of time to

go. 10 minutes to play. A high tackle on Rob Burrow has given

Leeds a penalty. It is hard to go low on Rob Burrow vole! It is but

you have to attempt to make a legitimate tackle. He is using his

speed and his foot work and he is a difficult proposition. This is a

really important set for the Leeds Rhinos. Six tackles to hammer the

Wigan line. Nine-and-a-half minutes the play. If Leeds score next, what

a finale! Here comes Ryan Bailey. Held up just short. It is swept

away by Danny Buderus. Kallum Watkins not backwards. Play on.

Leeds have lost a bit of ground. Jamie Jones-Buchanan thinking there

was something down that Blindside. Here comes Jamie Peacock. That is

the little play that Wigan have used for Jeff Lima. Kevin Sinfield

behind the line and the Ryan Hall is in. What a pass by Danny

McGuire! The referee wants another look. It was an important set for

the Leeds Rhinos and we said they had to come up with something and

have they? It was a superb last pass from Danny McGuire. A long

pass across the face of one player but it did need some finishing. Has

Ryan Hall finish at? Es! This is a great finish. It is well inside the

field of play. He has control of the ball and there is downward

pressure. That is a great try at a crucial time and boy, have we got a

Finnish! Here comes the confirmation. The try is given! It

is game on! 22-18 with a kick to come. What a time to score you 99th

try for Leeds. There will be a better when to score his hundredth

and that is in the next five minutes! It was a great try. The

great skill to give Ryan Hall the half chance but my, didn't he take

that have a chance. -- half a chance. Has Kevin Sinfield got the

angle right? No he hasn't. It is 22-18 and Leeds Rhinos are within

striking distance again. This was the high tackle on Rob Burrow is. -

- Rob Burrow. A peach of a pass once again from Danny McGuire to

Ryan Hall and what a finish. He is a big man and he had plenty of

space to squeeze in at the corner. Absolutely breathless at the moment

inside this stadium because there are eight minutes left to play.

There is no way of predicting with any confidence which of these sides

is going to win. Format points in it. -- four.. It was 22 all at

Headingley and 26-24 N Wigan. Here goes Ben Jones-Bishop. Up the kick

downfield. Maguire is after it. What a chance! What an opportunity!

But Wigan survive. Ben Jones-Bishop did really well. It was pure pace.

He would have been better passing the ball to Brent Webb. He took the

risky option of taking infield and Tomkins did well to get back and

challenged Danny McGuire for the ball. That may well have been the

ball game. That is how close Leeds Rhinos were. A flailing arm from

Danny McGuire. Wigan remain in the box seat, but only just. Both sets

of fans getting right behind their sides. They are trying to lift

their heroes to win final effort. Wigan. He looks very calm, but I

can tell you, David, she won't be. He looks like he is watching a

training session on a Wednesday afternoon! Not a Challenge Cup

Final with Wigan and Leeds in absolutely stunning comeback. And

likewise, his opposite number. Howard cool does he seem? The

coolest customers in the house. -- how cool. Good driving effort from

Coley. The winger looking for a solid set. They are taking it

deeper. Quickly played and here comes Sam Tomkins. But chopped down

in full flight. High to the corner and Richard Tate said. That he goes

again! Richards throws it to the middle. Leeds are back-pedalling.

Leeds have attacked on the 20. ball is back in play and it is Ryan

again. Looking for a Wembley hat- trick. Back to the middle from

Leeds, driven forth by Bailey, urging himself on. Wigan hanging on,

in the tackle. Now Buderus. The Wigan defenders are in the face of

Sinfield. Here comes tackle number six. 20 yards out. It is a tester,

it is a tester! The referee says no. Wigan will get the handover. What a

set of six that was. The Leeds Rhinos played, going forward

directly over the advantage line. It was ruled, rightly, as a knock-

on. My word! Have we got a Finnish! You can put all the training you

like in. This is adrenaline, sheer adrenaline. Tomkins has to keep

hold. He is reined in by the Leeds defenders again. They are going to

kick. It bounces awkwardly. Who did that come off? It is the Wigan fans

who are bouncing up and down. was the best kick from Finch but

what made it outstanding was that trays. It was Burrow that put the

ball on the side. -- mat to -- that chase. He has made a big decision.

Three minutes left to play. Here comes Hoffman, desperate to hang on

he might just have won it for Wigan! Tommy Leuluai is at the

heart of celebrations. He knows he has scored, does Tommy Leuluai. He

looked so determined. Oh! Has he lost control of the ball? That is a

good found macro from Phil Bentham to go to the video referee. Is

there any separation between him and the ball? -- that it is a good

call. I think he may well have lost that. But they will have to look at

it. The left arm got down under pressure... If it is the separation

here. The right hand and the ball separate. My word, this is a real

difficult decision! Is it a benefit of the doubt decision? I tell you

what, the Challenge Cup is on this. We can get this and they can start

winding their way up the steps to pick up the Challenge Cup.

Separation or not? Downward pressure or not? Well, she is used

to making these big decisions, isn't he? -- he is used to making

these big decisions. He won't have made many decisions bigger than

this. It is a big, big, big, big decision. If I were the referee, I

would give benefit of the doubt. The left arm definitely get

downward pressure. It is a question of whether he has lost it. Here we

go... Hold your breath... The try is given! Benefit of the doubt!

Wigan look as though they have won the Challenge Cup. It is cherry and

white delight. They will be arguing long and loud about that decision.

I think it was the correct decision and Wigan have now won the

Challenge Cup. Was a new way determined when he picked up that

ball. -- wasn't it Leuluai determined? He made us all question.

And the decision - benefit of the doubt. Pat Richards now, absolutely

no pressure on here, apart from personal time. He will put it over

for good measure. A 10 points difference between them. Before he

was born, the dad of Tommy Leuluai scored a try we all remember.

flew like a bullet at the goal line and hurled himself over the goal

line in a trajectory. What a great try. Forte again! What a finish! It

has got everything. -- what a game! They still believe in miracles.

That is what it is going to take. 60 seconds to go, and the

possession is with Wigan. They may well believe in miracles but they

are not going to get them today. There is not enough time.

Confirmation, by the way, of the Trophy winner, Jeff Lima. Two tries

to Dave. And 80-1 outsider. Tomkins will run the ball out of play,

quite happy to concede underneath the sticks. He will let time tick

away. Yes, that is the last play of the game. What a find all this has

been. This has been a classic. -- what a final. Michael Maguire will

certainly have enjoyed this today, as he marches down just a few of

those 107 steps, and his team will be marching up very shortly indeed.

Pat Richards with the drop out from underneath the sticks. Trapped by

Brent Webb. Leeds running at. -- running up. A second year, they

tasted defeat at Wembley. But here comes McGuire. The final hooter!

The referee has to get involved writer at the end. The tempers are

flaring. -- right at the end. But for Wigan, the Challenge Cup is

theirs. Winning in classic style. This has been absolutely brilliant

game of Rugby League. Wigan came out flying, but Leeds responded.

Such great character. They came back into the game, clawed their

way back into the game, before Wigan clinched it with a bit of

controversy at the end. What a fitting reward for Jeff Lima. What

a game we have had! We are all breathless. It has been a fitting

occasion. Absolutely superb! For Jeff Lima also becomes only the 5th

Kiwi to win that trophy. Another little bit of history. And Michael

Maguire, the Australian, coming onto the field. He has taken them

20 Challenge Cup Final this year and won it. What a day for him. --

to a Challenge Cup Final. You really have to feel for Leeds,

don't you? Yes, a great deal of sympathy for them, but you have got

to work by the character, determination of Wigan. This was

his superb performance for Leeds, even in defeat. It was coming back

from that 16 points shocked to start with. They have played a

great final and can feel very proud to have played their part in it.

has been a classic Wembley Cup Final. But it is Wigan who are the

Carnegie Challenge Cup winners of 2011. I think we have the man of

Many many congratulations. Thank you. First of all, we would like to

give thanks to our families who are upstairs and here to support us. It

has been so tough. You have only scored one try this season and now

you score two. Have you been waiting? Now is the right time, to

be honest. What has it been like on this occasion? This is overwhelming.

I can't express the feelings. It just makes it even better when your

family is in the crowd and the crowd is behind you. It must have

been nerve-racking in that second half? We knew that if we stuck to

our strategy we would be OK. We have the confidence.

Congratulations. Let's bring on your courage, Michael Maguire. A

quick hug for a man of the match. Many congratulations. How are the

nerves? I am sure of my nerves will settle down in the next hour!

grew up in Australia watching the Challenge Cup. Could you ever dream

of this kind of victory? It is unbelievable. The Josh Charnley

broke his finger and played on. The likes of Jeff Lima, everyone. All

of the players put their hands up. I have a lot of respect for them.

We had to withstand a lot of pressure and credit to the players.

They hung in there. You have got a Special Branch Shia? Yes. They all

got -- get on it really well. This is one that will go down in history.

Can you do the double? We will enjoy this tonight and we are back

next week. We will enjoy the next couple of days and then settle down.

We have got some big things in front of us. It has been quite a

journey? Yes. The quality of the people at a place like Wigan and

his amazing. If we keep going forward, we will be fine. A thank

you so much. A quick hug from the coach there. Have you got fed up of

certain people scoring all the tries and getting the highlight is?

He has done exceptionally well this year. It is a big team effort.

you talk me through that try? found myself in some space and got

the ball on the outside, but it has been a team effort today. And for

the home-grown boys, for the winning boys, this must be very

special? They have waited a long time? Yes. Being brought up in

Wigan and growing up in Wigan, you have their history and the

relationship that Wigan has with Wembley over the years, so to be

back here after 30 years and get the win is amazing. We you go on

and on, do you think? We have got the team and the backroom staff. We

have laid the foundations and whoever comes in next year, I am

sure we can carry that on. The rain is not going to dampen the spirits?

There were a few controversial decisions and Leeds will be feeling

a bit hard done by and we will talk about that later but this Wigan

side is class and as a club they encapsulate Challenge Cup history.

This is the 18th time they have won it. Kevin Sinfield has climbed this

staircase four times as a loser in the final. It is a very long

journey. This was the best final we have had at the new Wembley. An

intense competition right until the end but you have to fill for them.

It is a horrible feeling. They wanted so much to put behind them

what happened last year. A much better performance than last year

against Warrington and they were 16-0 down. Leeds came back into it

and eventually were beaten by 10 points. It could have been closer

and they could even have won. It is a desperate shame because this is

such a tight group of players who have grown up together. They have

improved together. Kevin Sinfield has led them with dignity.

happened to me once and it is not a pleasant memory. It is a great

place to come and play but it is not a place for losers. ETA has

been such an odd season for them. For Wigan, it has been one win

after another. Dave what, another impressive win for Wigan.

Absolutely. Their joy reflected by this Wigan side. Sean O'Loughlin's

dad climbed these stairs as a witness player. He has got the

chance to lead the side up and collect that trophy. He the smile

gives it a wave. He knows what it means. He knows what it means to be

the Wigan skipper in this position. He knows how important this trophy

is to that particular town. Cherry and White blossoms again a at

Wembley in 2011. They are the Carnegie Challenge Cup wingers, the

Wigan Warriors. There will be some celebrations tonight. Wigan fans

will stay in here for as long as they possibly can. They have been

long and lean years as far as this club has been concerned in terms of

getting back to this stadium and lifting that trophy. There are so

many Wigan born players in the side. They know the tradition in terms of

the challenge cup. Ryan Hoffman has played in so many big occasions but

none of them will so pass his experiences today. None of them

were also pass. Harrison Hansen, another whose father had his

moments. Thomas Leuluai, the try- scoring match winger. Josh Charnley

and hometown boy, Paul Deacon. Most of his career played with Bradford

but now back with Wigan. And how about 10? Jeff Lima. The

unlikeliest of Lance Todd Trophy wingers. He is the 13th Wigan

player to win the Lance Todd Trophy. You can just see the joy on the

faces. It means so much to them. The chairman there and Michael

Maguire bringing up the rear. He will return to her Australia at the

end of the season. He won the Grand Final last year and has now won the

Challenge Cup this year. For the joy, there has to be heartbreak.

That is what makes it a challenge Cup final. The Shia polarisation of

emotions at the end of the 80 minutes. All the joy today as with

the Wigan Warriors. A former Wigan great, Ellery Hanley, with a word

for the current coach. Their long journey home, they don't care at

the moment. There are only thinking about this moment and what it means.

Wigan are Challenge Cup wingers. am pleased for Sean O'Loughlin

because he's dedicated his career to this great club. He is so

delighted. Wigan looked like they were going to walk it at one stage

but in the end, they only just one. A dramatic challenge cup final but

Wigan have won 28-18. Jonathan Davies, did they win it in the

first half-hour? No. It was two decisions by the officials. I

thought Wigan were going to walk away with it but I might be doesn't

come back by Leeds. Wigan looked very tired. The forward pass for

Jeff Lima's second try was missed. And then the touch judge got the

call wrong for the scrum which Thomas Leuluai scored from. To

break calls determined the final result. -- two of big calls. Brian

Noble, how would you reflect on it? There was one other incident when

Jamie Jones Buchanan flew downed the try-line and it was almost at

try Andy had four players inside him. He should have passed us to

kick. In terms of this Wigan side, is this a great team? It is. A

great balance of players. Great local players and players from

overseas. They are top quality players. You have young players

then like Josh Charnley and Sam Tomkins and Joel Tomkins. It is a

good blend and I think they will be a difficult team to beat in the

future. You can see the way they play, they are a very tight-knit

group. They probably deserved to win. I feel for Leeds because they

put in a great effort. They can enjoy this moment because this is

what you put in the hard graft for. This is why you get your dislocated

shoulder popped back into get back around -- back out on the pitch and

make a contribution. The extraordinary acts of great bravery

out there. They were desperate for the victory. They did look slightly

jaded in the second half and Leeds were forcing errors. They shared

possession in the second half and it was unequalled game when Leeds

got some ball. But you have to take your hat off to Wigan. They got

through the bad patch and scored at the other end to win. Lets hear

from Sam Tomkins. congratulations. As it started to

sink in? Not at all. We have come a long way as a team in the last few

years. We wanted to win a silverware. We have the best fans

in the lead -- in the world. It was better than your last trip as a

spectator? Es. -- Yes mark. I have lived in Wigan for the vast

majority of my life. Rugby league is a religion in Wigan. These fans

are so passionate. You must be delighted for your brother. That

was some tries. He has been really impressive this year. He has a bit

of pace as well. What does it mean to your family? It is massive for

our family. They sacrifice a lot. But our parents want this is doing

well. We have somewhat brothers coming through as well. Many

congratulations. Let's bring in the captain, Sean O'Loughlin. Give us

an idea of how many years you have dreamt of picking up that challenge

cup? He does not just myself, it is all the spectators and the rest of

the team. To come and win the game is fantastic. How tough have the

Lee Mears been? This been a lot of history and we have not delivered

the challenge cup. It is very pleasing for us. What did it mean

to lift it up? It was very special. It was a proud moment. You've gone

through a lot of heart rate with this team. How far has this club

come in the last two years? They have been at Sandown's -- there

have been ups and downs. What was be back -- what would be like in

Wigan when you get home? It will be great. You have a bit of Challenge

Cup history of your own now. My Dad one at so it is good to follow in

his footsteps. Sean McLoughlin is only one of two of their current

players to feature in the last Challenge Cup final when they lost

to St Helens. In terms of the headlines of this match, the images

that you will remember for ever and the stories that will make the

papers tomorrow. A fabulous first try by Josh Charnley. This was the

better side of the Tomkins brothers. Joel Tomkins running the full

length of the pitch. The try of the match. Wigan were flying at that

point. Leeds got back into contention but perhaps this image

encapsulates that they were in touching distance and Danny McGuire

could not get the ball down. Thomas Leuluai scored the winning try.

In terms of statistics, which -- Wigan were hugely dominant. 52% in

possession. Let's hear from Paul Deacon.

Could you imagine you would be part of this? This is what it is all

about. I am lost for words, really. This will be with me for a long,

long time. You have some very special memories of the game.

Yeah... 10 out of 10 for me here. I have come nine times as a fan.

don't know yet whether you are going to hang up your boots. People

are saying you might, but this is a hell of a way to go out, isn't it?

Yeah. I have accomplished one of my dreams today. If I didn't play

another game, I would be happy. What does it mean to Wigan as a

town? Look at them! I. There as a child, growing up, and I know what

it feels like to have a good night. We have had a good night and

everybody is happy. Enjoy it. CLARE BALDING: Paul Deacon in his

last season as a player, as he is going to start as a coach. He has

recovered from a massive injury, when, in 2005, he had his upper

cheek bone and jaw smashed in a tackle erm merry gruesome. -- in a

and the tackles made. Leeds had to make a few more than Wigan and had

some missed tackles as well. Some moments of the match were decisions

that went against Leeds that some feel should have gone in their

favour. And I guess that is a difficult thing. It is hard enough

losing a Cup Final, but when you're sitting there thinking that you

should not have done because of the Previously, they have been other

top end of the play-offs. They have shown great character. It is tough.

Let's take a look. He tried to attack Paul Deacon. If he gets to

him, it would have been a 3-2. brought us back to 14-16. Had it

Sinfield converted, they could have got it. It has not been his day?

can't be too critical of him. He has had big kicks in the past. He

has a great strike rate but he has been a quality player for so many

years. He will be so critical of himself and it would be remiss not

to reflect on the mat she has had. Here we go for one of the critical

refereed decisions. -- reflector on Ablett and Bailey deserved to do

better. Sometimes calls go against you and you have to play on. He had

a little bit to do, got download. If they toughen up defensively,

Leeds, they will have a chance of winning. It didn't happen. Wigan

were then in the ascendancy. Leeds came back and Ryan Hall was the man

they were looking to be put the finishing touches. Good player, and

again, a great pass by Danny McGuire. I thought Ryan Hall might

have sneaked the Lance Todd Trophy. Everything he did... And he carried

the ball well out of his in goal. They fought back but it just wasn't