Semi-Final: Warrington v Wakefield Rugby League: Challenge Cup

Hello and welcome to Leigh for the second Challenge Cup semifinal of

the weekend. Last night hell Hull made it to Wembley, Warrington

Wakefield will join them. -- last night Hull made it. Warrington crown

are wonderful year with a wonderful win. Over 102,000 spectators in

Bradford. The Warrington scrum-half got the try that guaranteed victory.

Look at Wakefield playing superb textbook rugby. The record score of

38-5. That's it, congratulations to Wakefield Trinity. A victory

well-deserved. No stopping Wakefield. Ian Brooke goes over for

yet another try. Their third cup win in four years. 1974 rugby league

Challenge Cup final. Necklace running in for a second try!

Warrington haven't won a Wembley cup final in 35 years. Ooh, it's a

fabulous try by Chris Hicks. The celebrations! Atkins! He will slide

over! Three times winners in the last four years!

Well, Warrington are the favourites. This is their fifth consecutive

semifinal. But they've lost the last three including last year Sio shock

defeat to Hull KR. -- last year's shock defeat. A maiden super eight

this year for Chris Chester who took help KR -- Hull KR to Wembley last

year, can he do it again? Plenty of experience alongside me. A man who

won this trophy last season with Leeds, Jamie Peacock. Current

witness macro head coach Denis Betts, and Brian Noble. Ryan and

Jamie were alongside me last night in Doncaster where we witnessed a

really intense semifinal. COMMENTATOR: Plenty of history is

shared by these two but it is all about the here and now. Let's go,

boys. Ten metres out. Here comes Williams again, up to the line, and

reaches! Has he got that down? I think you might have. He's having a

look, he gives a try! Don't lose the aggression, be smart, boys. Ellis

cuts in on the angle, over the top of Tompkins! No try. Wigan right

underneath the Hull sticks. A gale of abuse coming from the Hull fans

as Williams throws a lovely pass. It's a forward pass. At the end of

an enthralling first half George Williams BME try scorer, and what a

try. Whatever happens we are straight back into this. Runs away

from Crosby, gets the pass inside for Ellis. Great off-load, Prichard

with a risky pass that comes off. Look at this, look at that! Michaels

into the corner! They gamble, they twist.

Snead puts the kick to the corner. He's got it, scored by Talanoa! Last

stages. Powell out of dummy half. Smith carries it in. Williams, they

are there, and they've got the try through Isa! Hull's defence finally

breached! Black and white all over. It's been wholehearted from both

sides but it's Hull FC who are going to Wembley. STUDIO: We thank Gareth

Ellis for wearing the microphone last night. He tweeted this morning

he thought we had edit it it well, presumably to take this wearing out

of it. Which you could understand, swearing, because it was so intense.

When he said it was too tense for him, I was with him. Would you have

liked to play in it? Definitely. The intensity was several levels higher

than we have seen all year, fantastic to watch, an absorbing

encounter. How hard is it for a coach, a game of that intensity, you

are not seeing free-flowing rugby league but you are seeing brutal,

really good defensive rugby league. Great game from my perspective

watching it. Fantastic play, they knew what they needed to do. For a

semifinal to be so hard-fought, nothing was easy, nobody got

anything given to them last night, every inch was counted for, every

tackle was painful. Blood and everything in that game. Not a

massively skilful game with lots of things on show but for a purist

fantastic game of rugby league with two sides, one happy today, the

other feeling sorry for themselves. And it doesn't half give Hull belief

for the rest of the season given that they are top of the Super

League as well, and looking at a Challenge Cup Grand Final double.

Their form has been good and their big players rock up at the best

time. Gareth Ellis is pivotal to their performance, he steadied the

ship. If he hadn't played I'm not sure they would have got over the

line, it was that close. With the game breakers in their team it's

bound to give them confidence moving through the rest of the season. They

need to get their feedback down on Earth and get going forward in Super

League. It's interesting with the tries. I thought Hull, in a 15

minute period, they absorbed everything Wigan gave, and that's

where they won it, having great resolve. And now would you expect

them, I have not looked at the arts, but would you expect them to be

favourites for the Challenge Cup, bearing in mind that last night they

were third favourites for the trophy? If I was a bookie I wouldn't

be stood here talking to you, would I? I'm not really sure about the

odds. They have just made the Challenge Cup final. Top of Super

League after 20 rounds. Do they deserve to be favourites? Of course

they do. They are the best at this point in the season. But we will

see, the other form team, Warrington, that could change the

significantly on the day. Let's show you just what Warrington's form

means as regards the Super League table. At the stage of the season

where we are about to go into super eights. Warrington go into that in

second place. Wakefield are in the super eights as well, having

finished eighth. Now, they were languishing near the bottom of the

table when head coach Chris Chester took over in March following his

departure from Hull KR. And of course that was a Hull KR side that

he led to last season's Challenge Cup final but that's a memory he

wants to forget. Leads are running riot! Never before

has a Challenge Cup final witnessed quite as emphatic victory and stand.

A 50 point winning margin! There is a beaten man. The final, to this

day, I have still not watched, I cannot bring myself to watch it.

Tough day and it hurt like hell on Saturday at five o'clock and it

still hurts now. That's made me want to go back again this year with this

group of players. As I talk to you 80 minutes away from being back at

Wembley, as a coach are you able to draw on that experience, albeit a

horrible experience? There's certain things I've done different. On the

day I don't think the preparation was as good as what it could have

been. We are 80 minutes away from Wembley and if that is not

motivation enough, they should not be playing this game. The turnaround

has been remarkable from where Wakefield were, almost out of Super

League. How on earth has that happened? I knew when I took on the

job that we had a good group of players, just a matter of getting

these guys to believe in themselves a little bit more. No fear of

failing out on the field, it's just getting them to express themselves a

bit more and play with some confidence and some passion. They

have certainly done that in the last 12 to 14 weeks. So, this semifinal,

do you have players to hurt Warrington? We are confident. The

pressure is off. Super League status secure for another 12 months so we

can go and enjoy ourselves. We have been written off already in the

press but my guys have been written off every game this year and we've

proved a few people wrong. Hopefully we can prove a few people run on

Saturday. Leading Wakefield to Wembley, would that be a bigger

achievement than what you did at Hull KR? It would certainly be my

proudest achievement, being a Wakefield lad as well. I understand

what the club has been through over the last ten to 15 years. So to walk

Wakefield, my hometown club, out at Wembley, would be a great

achievement, for my friends and family, and the great supporters

that have followed this club through thick and thin. STUDIO: He talks

about having to give what he found a good group of players greater

belief, is it as simple as that, how he turned it round? I am sure there

are things he has done in practice, his own ideas. Certainly galvanising

the team and getting them to believe in themselves is a huge challenge in

this day and age but however he has done that he has done it. No doubt

they are a different team to the team he took over. He has certainly

encapsulated that with them. He talks about removing the fear of

failure, does that mean players being scared to try something they

otherwise might, if they were in a higher placed side? Most coaches

were about being fearless with your approach to how you practice and

what you want to get out of the game. The anxiety around again at

the bottom, the pressures put on them from their coach motherboard

and fans, can play a big part. If he has stripped away that, which it

looks like he has, this is a good group of players. They have

recruited well in the off-season and brought a good group of players

together. Chris has galvanised it and let them go out and play. They

have shocked people by winning games they should not have won this year.

Dennis has been relishing the next question I am going to ask. Why do

you get rid of him at Hull KR? He has a relaxed style of coaching.

What he came up with year was not where it needed to be for Hull KR.

I'm pleased it has worked out for him at Wakefield. The relaxed group

of coaching suits that group. That's why you are seeing the players play

to their potential. You always want to see a guy back in work. It's got

to be the right man for the right club at the right time. Suddenly and

he is the right man at the right time for Wakefield. Let's look at

one of their players who is crucial and you would say has found himself

at Wakefield, Jacob Miller. That's a good expression. He came over as an

Australian schoolboy superstar and went to Hull FC with a lot of

pressure and expectation and no facility to fail in anyway, shape or

form. He has grown here. He goes in and out of the line. Great elusive

running style. If he finds a willing runner he will find him near the

line. He looks far more comfortable. He's more accomplished. He's more

comfortable kicking the ball and I think Liam Finn has helped him. He

has taken a bit of the responsibility away to organise the

team. But he will look to pass. His biggest asset and facet of his play

is he will take the line on, play for himself, find a chip kick. He

can pass. His kicking game is superb. He will find the windows.

Instinctive player. Follows the ball a lot, very busy. He enjoys the

relaxed style Chris Chester has given him. He is flourishing in that

role and that ethos of coaching. Well, let's talk to a man who is

part of our commentary team today who is working for Wakefield next

season, John Keogh will be the head of rugby. He is in the gantry. What

will you look to do their next season to add to what they have done

this year with Chris Chester? Yeah, well, it's simply a case of just

adding value to whatever Chris has done. Whether on the training field,

practice field, in the structures and systems off the field with the

recruitment, team meetings or whatever. It will very much be a

partnership and we will look to get the best out of this group of

players but he's done a pretty good job already. So I don't know what

he'll leave me! I was going to ask whether they actually needed you!

But your relationship with Chris Chester is crucial, yes? It is. I

have known Chris since he was a 16-year-old at an elite training

camp when I was cutting my teeth in coaching. And I coached him at Hull

FC when we had the great victory in 2005. Me and Crisco back a very long

way. We are relaxed in each other's company. I believe he's an excellent

coach and I think he trusts my abilities so I think it will be a

great fit. But you can't think about that just yet, because you have

Batley in the middle late. We have enjoyed every minute and we will

enjoy every minute of the remaining season. Mark Noble will take us

through the team. Max Jowitt gets the nod at full-back. Ben Jones

Bishop and the speedster flying to Toronto next season, Craig Hall.

Local boys Reece Lyne and Joe Arundel complete the three quarters.

And here is where the game will be won and lost for Wakefield.

Australian Jacob Miller on fire at the moment with the vastly

experienced Liam Finn organising everything for the team. No stranger

to Challenge Cup, Nick Scruton partners firebrand in the middle,

Scott Moore, ex-Saint Helens and David defeated starts, a recruit

from the Sharks. -- David Fifita. Jason Walton, the local product

alongside Michael Sio. Another academy star, Jordan Crowther

partner in the recent signing Andy Yates. Arona and Danny Kirmond,

captain of this proud club, complete the bench. Jamie is a bit worried

Jonny Wilkinson's trousers are so tight they might split if he joins

in with the warm up. I'm getting a little bit of stick behind me from

the Wakefield fans but that's expected. Brian Smith left this

organisation in March, Chris Chester took over and everything became

relaxed. Sometimes the key to getting the best out of your players

is the environment you create. Some players who have really relish that

is Liam Finn, half-back, he is a fantastic player. Dominates the ball

for this Wakefield side. We've also got Jacob Miller, he has been an

instinctive rugby player all his life and been fantastic for

Wakefield. Thanks mate, it's been a good season. The boys are enjoying

what we are doing and enjoying each other's company. Smiles on faces, a

big day for Wakefield? It is massive for the city and the whole club. We

know it's a massive occasion but we've got our hands full today. All

the best, play well. A gentle jog and the seems just about held

together. That move onto Warrington, a side full of big names.

They are the big names in this Warrington squad. However no Kevin

Penny today, he is missing. Brian will take you through the players

playing. They will play and be brilliant, Stefan Ratchford at

full-back. Third highest break in Super League. Matty Russell on one

wing and Rhys Evans, the Welsh international, normally in the

centre, moves out to the right-wing. In the centre is the young academy

star Toby King partner in the fastly experienced veterinary napkins. And

here's the runner. Kurt Gidley been brilliant since signing from

Newcastle Knights alongside the mercurial Chris Sandow who will make

it up from anywhere. A giant front row, England internationals Chris

Hill and Daryl Clark, and Australia and Fiji international Ashton Sims.

And what a fabulous speedy back row we have a Warrington, Ben Currie,

Joe Westerman and Jack Hughes. Coming from the bench, brother of

Toby King, George King, alongside the veteran six time Challenge Cup

winner, Ryan Bailey. Ben Westwood and Brad Dwyer Compleat the bench.

Robbie Hunter is with them as their warm up comes to an end.

Just catching the guys as they walk back in, some of the best players in

the competition. I'm going to grab Ashton Sims. Good luck today, do you

think the game will be won or lost in the forwards? I reckon it will

be. 20 of emotion, just like last night's game. Both teams are ready

to go, let's do it. How exciting is it for the forward pack to get the

opportunity to get to the final? We want to start on the front foot

against a really good Wakefield team. We are ready to go, it's been

a great week, and we are going to put that out on the paddock now. We

had a discussion last night that for Warrington today in many ways they

cannot win. Did you understand that when we were having that discussion

last night? I think so. I understand what you are saying about hot

favourites, all the superstars in that team. In one respect I would

like to be Chris Chester saying, nobody has given us a chance, let's

rock the world. I think they will be very ready. He can say that, Chris

Chester, it's probably exactly what he said to his Hull KR side a year

ago. He's been saying it all season. Let's be fearless, let's go out and

play, what have we got to lose? Everybody thinks we will get knocked

out, let's go out there fearless and go and play. But you can see a glint

in their eyes. I spoke to Tony Smith before the game and they are ready.

I think it's going to be a hard task for Wakefield. I agree, when you

lose semifinal as overwhelming favourite it stays with you to the

following year, and they have the chance to put that right. Does it

stay with you in a positive sense? The herd of last year, you don't

want to let it happen again, rather than the negative, blimey, we've

been here before with yellow that's the way they will approach it, to

give them Warrington have had bits in

intensity throughout the year. If Wakefield play well they can score a

few points. There is an old saying you've got to lose one to win one.

Warrington have lost three, they know what it looks like to be in a

Wembley final, they know what it tastes like. Kurt Gidley is a

fantastic player. He's not played a lot of big games. He has only played

in one play-off game for straight. This is a massive chance for him to

push on into a final. Let's look at the relationship between Gidley and

Sandow. The best half-backs partnership in the competition.

Sandow will run all the time. Any time you seems a forward isolated he

will take off. He is absolutely electrifying. It is the forward in

space that is the problem, isolated. If you see Sandow score today, you

will see space around the player. His kicking game is absolutely

outstanding. Now, Kurt Gidley is different altogether. He is the glue

between the side. He takes them round the pitch. He'll decide what

style and tempo of the game will be. He's the perfect foil to Sandow and

an outstanding player as well. I agree, the partnership they have

together, his kicking game is meticulous and compliments Sandow.

He is an individual target kick. But they will find them and also find a

pass. He's very strong, Gidley. Great tactician, understands the

game and understands what needs to be done. Somebody to guide them

round the field. When they brought in Kurt Gidley they found somebody.

He barks at the players, pushes them where he wants them. Doesn't do a

lot of flash stuff but puts the team where they are supposed to be. It

was fascinating when we had him on the player microphone against

Widnes. It gave as a completely different perspective. It shows our

viewers particularly how important those types of players are, and

their communication. He would be the guy saying, you need to be over

there, Chapman you don't need to be on the pitch, Dennis needs to run on

this side of me. You were like that. The thought of having to play rugby

with any of you three just scares me. The Warrington head coach now.

Fighting, fit, fresh and ready to go. Not personally, but your teen?

They are, they are in good shape after a good week. Good build-up so

far, we have enjoyed our week. We did not pick up any injuries in the

past week so that's always good. We are pretty much unchanged. When it's

Wembley or bust, as it is in semifinals, what are those occasions

like on the day? It's exciting. It's handling that pressure. Everybody

knows the ramifications of a good and bad performance. We want to put

out our best performance but it is pressure, you know. It's how you

handle that pressure and how that converts into what you do out on the

park. But it's still a game of rugby league. And it's the team who

handles that pressure and those situations the best that gets

through on these sorts of occasions. We are looking forward to it and

excited about it. Queen you are massive odds on favourite according

to the you are massive odds-on favourite,

is that the burden? We will just go home, then! Sport in general is down

to the best team on the day. It doesn't matter who is fancied, there

have always been underdogs who come up and have wings and all that

business. We are not concerned about what the bookmakers or punters are

doing. We will do our best for each other and for our supporters. We are

going to have great support out there today. We will make it feel

like a home game. Doesn't really matter what people predict or not,

it's a game of rugby league and you've got to go out parent to the

business. Thank you, good luck. They've obviously had their final

chat, Jamie Peacock. We'll Tony Smith have mentioned previously

final heard? That might have been built up during the week but now it

is about focusing on here and now, and how to deal with Wakefield

threats. They are used to play under expectations and pressure, they are

one of the top sides in rugby league. I don't think he will have

mentioned it today. The focus might have been at the start of the week,

the players might have mentioned it. But I think the focus will be

putting their best show of the season out at this time. How do

Wakefield start this game? What is crucial in the first 15 to 20

minutes? They have to start well. What you need is error-free rugby

for a period of time. Pushed the ball into the right positions, don't

miss tackles. The game will unfold. If your front row dropped the ball,

if you're half does not put the right kick in, you are under

pressure. Then you are having to play catch up. I am excited about

today. Full stadium, semifinal, you are about to do what you are great

at doing, playing rugby. Can't think of a better thing to do for

Wakefield or a Warrington player. Are you missing this? Just a little

bit. You mean you would rather be out there playing rugby than stood

there talking to myself and Dennis? How do you see it before we go to

the commentary team? Warrington will be too strong. Wakefield will have

two Compleat at a high rate and kick well to have any chance. Warrington

and the way they play, pressure and pressure. If they keep all the ball,

you have to score points because Warrington will score points today.

The teams are out. Hull waiting in the final at Wembley. This is the

second semifinal in the Challenge Cup. To the commentary team.

COMMENTATOR: Familiar moment of high tension for Warrington. Fifth

consecutive Challenge Cup semifinal. But the last three have all ended in

heartbreak. Wakefield have been making a habit of smashing through

blast ceilings this season. On course for the highest. Could they

be on their way to Wembley for the first time in 37 years? Well, they

looked reasonably relaxed, don't they? In the line-up. One piece of

team news that will not be a free assurance to their fans is the fact

that their captain, Danny Kirmond, is only on the bench. But they look

confident. There does not seem to be an element of nervousness. What

about Chris Chester? Hoping to join an exclusive list of coaches to take

two different teams to a Wembley final. Warrington today have Stefan

Ratchford in. He was taken off as a precaution with a head injury

against Huddersfield last week but returns. Gidley, a high-class

runner, who steers this side around. Chris Sandow, with mercurial magic,

given half a chance. Tom Johnstone, the eye-catching winner, missing.

Matty Ashurst tempted to play with a broken jaw but he doesn't. Danny

Kirmond only on the bench today, which suggests he is carrying an

injury. Gareth Heuer is our referee today.

This game has a lot to live up to after last night's semifinal where

we saw blood and thunder for 80 units. Ashton Sims has started with

a lot of thunder. Let us get the early thoughts from John and John.

They will be happy with that, Warrington Wolves. They need to look

after the ball in this early part and a good kick. Sandow is one of

the exciting players. I think it is 40-20. I think it was.

Chris Sandow is renowned for that. What a great start for Warrington in

this Challenge Cup semifinal. Fantastic. Wakefield haven't touched

the ball yet. Another set of six to defend here. Intense scrutiny. Yes,

15 metres away from your own line. A full set of six to defend. Welcome

to semifinal rugby league. This could be an exciting game. Wakefield

are suggesting they have the fight and pedigree. This is a big couple

of tackles. Less than ten away. Across the Commons. He'd leave. --

Gidley. Sandow with a little step back on the right foot. Eventually

they make the tackle complete. They have survived for, what about the

next two? Westerman still driving. At dummy half. A roar of relief.

There are questions over the defence for Wakefield. They have missed more

tackles than anyone in this super league season, but a great start

with the defending line. It's interesting to see. There is David

Fifita. Liam Finn has Wembley experience. He played for Castleford

in 2015 in the final. His halfback partner played in the 2013 final.

Ratchford has lost the ball. The referee says it is not on. Finger in

the air. A bonus for Wakefield. It is Warrington's turn to answer the

questions regarding resolve. Ratchford has a responsibility to

look after the ball in the collision. When you look at this

game, before I came here today, I thought the only way Wakefield could

win is to take advantage of Warrington's Everest. That is a

simple handling error. An opportunity for Wakefield to attack

after a positive start. A good platform from which to build. Scott

Moore goes light. He has the man isolated. The opening

try! Craig Hall scores. The referee gives it an Wakefield have the dream

start to this semifinal. What a fantastic try. Wakefield's first

opportunity and they took for opportunity in releasing Craig Hall

for that try down the left-hand side. This is the error from

Ratchford. Great work from more macro. What a peach of a pass from

Jacob Miller. -- more a magnificent start for the

Wakefield Trinity side. Liam Finn with a chance to add the

two. He is an outstanding player in the championship, year after year.

Given his chance when he was signed for Castleford. His last three or

four years in the super league, he really has taken that opportunity. A

good kick from the touchline. A terrific kick from the touchline.

Wakefield lead 6-0. If you want your nerve settling, that is the way to

do it. Tremendous defence online and as soon as you get the opportunity,

marvellous attacking. There may be a question over the past from the

Wakefield fans, but not from the man who it is most important too. There

has been an element of disbelief regarding Wakefield's season.

Everyone expected them to finish rock bottom. They have climbed the

table with some real eye-catching games.

36-28th at Bellevue, which underlined the pedigree. There have

been some seeds of doubt in the Warrington side with three defeats

on the bounce. When you have such expectation on you, it is crippling.

I think Scott Moore has been outstanding. Really smart with a

dummy half and Wakefield have been positive with the ball. Putting

Warrington into bad spots. They are not where they want to be six

minutes into the semifinal. A penalty for Warrington which should

see them starting the set close to the halfway line. Defensively

Wakefield have been spot on until then. That has just given Warrington

easy yards up the pitch, so they have a good attacking sets. Ryan

Atkins, who was once a Wakefield player, of course. Taken on by Chris

Hill. Closer and closer to the line. Ratchford was hunting just on the

outside, but they get another penalty. Too much going on in the

tackle. This is where differences are tested. A little bit of pressure

doesn't do anything, but sustained pressure kills at this level. Here

is Clarke. Gidley has gone wide to the right.

The ball is not down, the referee says play on. Reece Lyne. The

referee will call him back for a knock-on. Reece Lyne was getting all

excited, so we'll wait, but it meant nothing. Two Noppon 's. -- knock-on

is. That could have been a free play. Good instinctive response from

Reece Lyne. Warrington get the ball again. The people at home, if you

watch the difference between Gidley and Sandow, Sandow plays of the back

of Gidley's organisational skills. Second row position. Ratchford.

Westerman and Hill. Hill is close, but not enough. Westerman again. He

eventually comes out. Westerman to Ratchford. Where is this going? It

is a tap back on the 20 metre mark. Waste filled -- Wakefield are just

growing and growing. They looked comfortable and assured and

confident. It was a poor kick from Sandow in my opinion. He needs to

give the chaser is a chance to attack the ball. A good start for

Wakefield. As a coach, you would be happy with this? You can see the

belief growing. It is growing and growing and growing. Sio struggles

to his feet. Somehow got the ball away to Reece Lyne. Miller will be

hoping he is onside. He has knocked it on. Miller just let up. The

referee says backwards. He says backwards. Whether it is backwards

or not, it is a nasty ball to collect. The flight of the ball was

affected and Jacob Miller went across his eye line. They will be

fortunate to get away with that. Jacob Miller may have given us the

insight into what tactics should be used. Twice Warrington have gone

down. Conditions are good for catches, not a lot of wind. Maybe

going into the air will be the technique to use today. Sandow puts

it higher. Not scared to go inside. Jow it has played at Wembley before

in a score final. Yes seven. There is an opportunity to test them

again. Craig Hall is on his way to Toronto next year.

Wakefield deep inside their own half if they can. There is a man that

carries a lot of weight. Wakefield are not renowned for coming out of

yardage. As a result, Ratchford is in positions he probably would not

want to be in. The head coach and first-team coach together. They have

a chance of winning a treble this year. Trying to off-load, but can't.

Clark washes in at dummy half. It looks like Reece Lyne was

off-balance. It is OK. Here comes the last. Wakefield again are close

to their own line as Warrington looked to apply the pressure again.

Evans gets there, just carries it forward. And Wakefield survive

again. Yes, they do, but that was a contested ball in the air. Although

Evans did not claim it, once it is in the air, it is 15-50. -- 50-50.

If it is on the ground, it favours the defensive players. You can have

a poor sets, but you can put a good kick in with a great chaser and

finish nicely and get a great result. Quite a bit of yardage here.

Hall has kept it alive well enough. They have restricted the Wakefield

side, this set of six. It was needed. They need to be aggressive

with the yardage and they have done that. We have got a doctor on the

field at the moment, so the referee is going to hold things up just a

minute whilst Toby King gets seen to. There is one of the greats. 6268

points in his career. He played the 20 years and played 30 matches every

year and scored ten points. Some 3-point tries as well. Here comes

Evans, the Welshman. Running it back. Ratchford and now Ashton sins.

-- Ashton Sims. They can turn this around in the flickering of an eye.

A couple of tackles to go. Hughes is trying to force his way over. He is

over the line, but I think he is going to be held up. The referee is

asking a question here, I think. He thinks it is a try. We had to find

out from the video referee, so let us hear for the first time today

from Phil Bentham. Yes, that is great, thank you.

It looks like the ball is down there.

Yes, let us just keep looking at that. Just take it back one frame.

We can see the ball. It is on the ground. Confirmed the referee's

decision of a try. So Jack Hughes has not been involved in any

Warrington's recent heartbreaks. New to the side this year and he gets

his side's first try. Fantastic principles of played by Gidley. He

knew he was going to play on to get at Miller. Not renowned for his

defensive strength. You put a big man like Jack Hughes on Miller, it

will be a one on one situation. Near the line you are looking to put in a

try score. That is the kind of instinctive play that has been

brought to this side. Game smarts, gain intelligence. Kurt Gidley has

brought that back. We are all square. Exploits appease -- six

points apiece. For me there is enough Wakefield defenders there to

make a better attempt than that. The other thing as well, that was a

reward for Warrington's best defensive set against Wakefield's

yardage. They got the ball back in the right part of the field. You are

right about the defensive line. You would be dying to go and help

Miller. What news from the touchline? Just an injury update on

Toby King. There was a smash to the jaw. They look to see if it was

broken or dislocated, but it is fine. He is a big boy, he is still

out there and he will carry on. Robbie, you have something to tell

us? Debbie Fifita was brought off after 30 minutes. -- David Fifita.

Stable play in yardage. You are in trouble against Warrington when

Daryl Clark is busy. Running out a dummy half and that is what he was

brought here to do. Really found his feet this season, Daryl Clark, after

a year of settling in. Sat down now with a little scamper and a run.

Atkins waits at Tommy Haas, Sims. -- at dummy half. Was just getting up

and had his feet pulled. The momentum has shifted towards

Warrington. Kurt Gidley, made a non-field decision. He wants to get

to Wembley. The good carry from Jack Hughes. Scott Moore was clinging on

for life. If you let Jack Hughes plays quickly, it is more than

likely going to end in a try. Just turned 34, Kurt Gidley and rugby

league is full of family ties. He has a family story in the Challenge

Cup. His brother played for Saint Helens in the 2007 and 2008

Challenge Cup. A team-mate of yours? Yes. We had a couple of beers with

Kurt Gidley. He relishes playing in the game. 90 minutes played and over

it goes. 8-6. Warrington now lead Wakefield. They really have come

back into the game, the Warrington Wolves. The first ten minutes were

Warrington's -- Wakefield's, but the last 20 minutes belonged to

Warrington. They have just got the better side of things in the last

ten minutes. They need to get back at that chasing Wakefield pack here

comes Matty Rosol. -- Matty Rosol. Here comes Currie, one of the bright

young things in rugby. So much expected from him. They chase by

Sandow. Ben Jones-Bishop. I think there is a bit of energy drain. They

are having to go wide in their own red zone. There is a big hole

running through this Wakefield side. When you look at the likes of Reece

Lyne, Miller, Arundel. Finn will kick the ball away, but Ratchford is

well placed. That is the problem when you click on the last tackle.

Very difficult. A skip and a jump by Russell. Evans will lead again. The

outside back is doing the job. Here comes Atkins, twice a Wembley winner

with Warrington. Sandow puts the kick in. It's covered by

jow it -- Jowitt. Looking off-camera, they need to get some

oxygen in the lungs. That it was. A second effort from Russell and lousy

stoppage in play. They need to draw breath and regroup an attempt to get

back into the game. It was the wrong decision from Sandow to kick the

ball earlier, but fantastic pull-back from Jowitt. The real

pressure reliever, wasn't it. There is Miller. Well met by Toby King.

Wakefield struggling to find distance. The ball has come loose.

It is dropped, said the referee makes a decision. He looked straight

across at the touch judge. You can see from the replay, both of them

worked in cohesion and came up with the right decision. We can hear from

George Riley again. Danny Kirmond doesn't look fit and I will be

surprised if he plays more than 15 minutes today. If he was fit, he

would have started because he is such an important facet to that

Wakefield side, who are under pressure at the moment. 8-6 they

lead, but a suggestion of more to come just at the moment. Atkins.

More tackles to go. Here is Clark. Westerman away. Inside ball from

Gidley to Sandow. Well read by Wakefield. Crop goes away and Daryl

Clark and a dummy half. Passed the Wakefield defenders and Warrington

are building something now. They are building things on the lack of

speed. They have gone very direct. They have thrown out the shift

shapes. It certainly is playing off at this moment in time. Warrington

topped the tables on a couple of things. One is Tommy Haas. Obviously

the drop ball which is a big error by Wakefield. Off the back of that

clock runs out of dummy half to score. Once again, the line was not

set. Jowitt was received in -- was going back. Daryl Clark has grown

into himself. In the first year you were not seeing lots of dummy

running from him which ironic because he was brought in to do

that. Also to make breaks and score for his team. So here is Gidley a

game. Picture of concentration. Two successes so far. This will make it

three out of three. Up go the flags in unison to confirm that Warrington

now leads by 14-6. They are full value for it. Clark

taking full advantage. He's picked the big man with space around him,

he has done equally well, got his nose to the defensive line and

through he goes. Warning signs are here, aren't they? Warning signs are

here for Wakefield. They need something here. Here is Hill. They

need a Warrington error or something. It can be anything. In a

game like this you are looking for one of your players to do something

special. You need the ball, possession, territory and all these

words that define a good performance. Apart from that start

they really haven't. 65-35 possession, 71-29 territory,

powerful stats. Couple that with dummy half runs, 12 from Warrington.

There's another from Clark, threatening to get Ratchford on his

way. Last play in the set. Gidley puts it behind the line, job to do

for Hall. Dropped behind the sticks, Warrington are turning the screw

tighter and tighter. The Wakefield fans are up on their feet behind the

sticks, they know their side need a semifinal lift. They've all got up

there, man, woman and child. To shout out the name of their heroes.

Because they know this is another massive set of six coming up here.

It's a great atmosphere, it really is. Packed stadium, full of noise,

colour, vibrancy. Some great stuff out on the field. Especially from

the Warrington Wolves. Here is Curry. Atkins stepping

inside. Clark. Wants to get on with it, here. Gidley along to Hill

again. Sandow puts it back, Hughes over the top, Evans walks in him at

right corner. Warrington have their third successive tri- without

response. Without meaningful response from Wakefield. They are

taking this cup tie by the scruff of the neck. Left edge, the left edge

in defence. Having a tough defence. Three tries conceded. Warrington

setting up on this side of the field to go back at them all day. Chris

Hill wanted the ball out the back early to Sandow, Jack Hughes. For a

back row to throw that ball is a fantastic piece of skill. Both

Warrington back rowers can do this. But great play, great ball. And a

great finish. Really was an outstanding try. Warrington have

been direct to earn the right to shift wide. That's exactly what they

did. More numbers than Wakefield, executed perfectly to get them on

the outside. Rhys Evans going over in the corner. He's a great story,

him and his brother Ben Evans caught the rugby league tie when they were

playing a curtain raiser to the 2005 cup final in Cardiff with a school

site. Warrington side them up, they moved north, and boy, has that been

a great move? Rhys Evans could be going back to play against Hull in a

Challenge Cup final. By the way, if anyone has picked up any colourful

language pitch side that our very sensitive microphones picked up, we

do apologise. It's not coming from up here. At least we don't think so.

There's the kick that just goes wide. So, 18-6. The interesting

thing, Warrington have gone through Wakefield. Jack Hughes scored a try.

I've gone through again with Daryl Clark. Wakefield as a result have

tightened up, been more aggressive. And then Warrington throw the long

ball, go around them. They are toying with the Wakefield defence of

lying on the left-hand side. They are going to have a tough day, you

can tell. For the last 18 minutes it has been near-perfect semifinal

rugby league from the Warrington Wolves side. What do you do as a

coach here to get your team out of this rut? Your team has got to

defend this set of six, the big one, and actually get the ball in hand

and just come up with a positive end after that. By the way, look at the

tackles. Wakefield have made 63 to Warrington's 35. That's burning

energy, that's all Wakefield are doing. Body language is not great.

Making too many tackles. You put the territory stats in amongst it and it

is not a pretty picture being painted. Here is Currie. Six-pack or

coming up here. Sandow will look for the touchline or at least put it in

the corner and make it difficult. Sandow leading the chase. Anyway he

has made the tackle. Wakefield have to do all this hard labour from

inside their own ten metres again. Sandow once the ball in play. It is

Warrington with all the energy, Wakefield struggling to get back

behind the ball. They need the ball in play, Warrington Wolves. The most

worrisome sign for Wakefield at this point of time is the amount of

yardage Warrington is getting on the field. After the Clark try, 90

metres. Here is a chance! Suddenly the break is on! But it's going to

be stopped. Walton gets the ball away. This is a tackle Wakefield

needed. Miller is up at dummy half. Oh, no! It is kicked, Ratchford

saves it. That's just naivete from the young player. All they need to

do, just play at the space. All it needed to do was go through the

hands, there were gaps are plenty. Plenty of holes in the Warrington

defensive unstructured. The wrong kick from Jowitt, the young

full-back. What a great piece of play to put Walton through the gap.

The key to unlocking Warrington, some of that instinctive play around

dummy half. Sandow just threatening the kick. And now Evans on the

right-hand side. Awkward bounce. Ben Jones Bishop. Well marshalled. So we

are going to see an interchange made by Wakefield, and that significant

because Danny Kirmond is coming on for the very first time, ten minutes

before the break. Nine minutes, then a breather. Then a bit more, maybe.

Play on. Came off the ankle. So Danny Kirmond's first effort is

clutching to take that forward pass from Scott Moore. And it's just

given possession back to Warrington. I think there is an element of

fatigue in Nantes. He's been out there from minute one. It was a

tired decision, retired pass. The ball kick from Jowitt. That's a

momentum killer. Chris Chester saw it, he felt momentum was with him.

That's disappointing for a coach. Wakefield threw Scott Moore have got

something in the middle of the field to challenge Warrington. The issue

is getting possession, getting the ball in the right parts of the field

to put the Warrington defence of line under pressure. Tony Smith will

be really happy with this last 20 minutes. Definitely. The best way of

defusing Scott Moore would be to keep hammering this middle channel.

Keep Scott Moore defending, working in defence, it will take the edge

off his attacking play. Tire him out. Here's King. He's a cracking

player, is Jack Hughes. He was at Wigan, wasn't he? Westwood. Veteran

of three Challenge Cup finals with Warrington. Long-time Warrington,

started his career at Wakefield. That was a long time ago, wasn't it?

This is good pressure again here from Warrington. Clark, Gidley,

Westerman has a look and puts it back to Ryan Bailey. Big dummy by

Westerman, and the kick pins of shins. Still the six tackle. Hughes

tries the kick. Going to be picked up by Wakefield and they get a

penalty as well, so a chance to clear their lines. They are losing

the energy battle in the middle of the park. Game management, kick the

ball out, slow it right down and dictate the play. At the moment

Warrington are marching them up the field ensuring out too much energy.

George? Fascinating to see Danny Kirmond come on. We said it might

not be more than 15 minutes. It is one of those free interchanges.

Jordan Crowther took a head shot. Ryan Atkins saw it straightaway and

beckoned to the referee to say it was a head injury. He has gone down

the tunnel to be assessed. Here is Finn. Lots coming up in this game

yet but afterwards you can join us on the website, not the red button,

the Rugby league forum. Get in touch in the usual manner.

Wakefield still have a big say in this contest. And another injury.

Delicate kick down the short side. He felt as though he was hit late.

He stayed down. He's trying to suggest to the referee that there

was a lake and a legal contract on him. I don't believe there was. I

think it was pure competition to put him under pressure, Jack Hughes.

Shoulder. Yeah, I mean, when you slow them down they look bad. As a

player on the field you would think there was not much in that. But it

is a shoulder. Without doubt. I think the match officials... As a

player involved in that, you protest innocence, you cannot understand

what the fuss was about. Now it is illegal to do that, use the shoulder

in such a manner. It is a penalty. They have sucked the energy out of

the game, stop start. If they scored just before half-time, after the

battering they have taken from minutes tend to minute 34 they will

be pretty happy with that. Let's see what they come up with in this big

set. Finn involved again and Miller goes for the long pass. Taken its

time to get there. They are waiting. So Wakefield can start again.

Looking for a way through. That's not the way to do it. Fifita lining

himself up but it goes down the short side. Ooh, it's a difficult

one because Warrington are advancing quickly, the referee says play on.

Jones Bishop can't get it in, but did Ratchford deflect that away? No

he didn't. The touch judge was right there. The

great energy in the defensive effort. The winger jammed in,

tidying anything up. Think it was the correct decision. You see the

early tackle metres, there. They are astonishing statistics to look at

those. Just shows you the effectiveness of Warrington running

out. Stefan Ratchford into Demi half. Daryl Clark. All really

effective. It has troubled Wakefield although. Inside Wakefield territory

again. Westerman and now Ryan Bailey, Challenge Cup winner with

Leeds back in 2014. Six times a Grand Final winner with Leeds. And

the kick is efficient. And it means that Wakefield have got all the hard

work to do again here. Scrum head and feet, they will get the ball,

but 90 yards downfield. An indication that Warrington are

really happy with their work. Put the ball into the corner on the

sidelines. They can get a set defensive line to restrict the

Wakefield yardage. I'm certain Warrington will be happy at 18-6 as

well. That's the message Tony Smith is sending on. Great game plan, put

the ball into corners. Structured stuff like this, set starts, is not

where Wakefield will break Warrington Town. Scott Moore. Here

is Finn. Kirmond. Dragging his body. Into this semifinal. And hoping to

drag it as far as he can through this sunny final. Well, that's

untidy. Pats on the back from Warrington because they know they

got the ball back and they know that again they are going to start a set

in a very attacking position. This is the reward for line speed, isn't

it? Engaging the markers to make the markers interested before playing

the first receiver. Westwood played it very well. Fifita wanted the ball

early. He told Scott Moore that after he had passed the ball. He has

had a good game, obviously fatigued now. Fantastic player. Fifita, big,

powerful game. This will test their defensive palace now. That's where

Wakefield have been scrutinised so far. Westerman, and Fifita clatters

him. Cameo battle going on. Gidley is there again, over the line, has

he touched it down? The referee isn't sure. What's he going to give

on the field. He says try on the field. Don't know if Fifita agrees,

but what about the video referee more importantly? Phil Bentham

again. Grounding check again, please. Just make sure when Gidley

gets over the line here that he puts the ball down on the ground.

Initially it looks as if it's still up. Does he get the ball down? He's

still moving, that's OK. He's had every opportunity to get the ball

down and his hand is on the top which provides downward pressure.

Can we go back to that shot, please? Just there. That is Gidley's hand on

the line. Confirm the referee's decision. We saw one last night for

Gareth Ellis that was millimetres short. Think that was just about

millimetres OK. Try has been given. You've got to admire Kurt Gidley's

attacking Powys, here. The way in which he has toyed with the

Wakefield left edge defence. Focused on Jacob Miller. They beat them

every which way they could on that side. They beat them through power,

through hitting, through hitting a strong running line, beat them

through dummy half running, beat them through playing through the

back row early. Finally Gidley spotted an opportunity, dropped his

shoulder, and forced his way over the line. It's a really fantastic

mixed bag of attack. Kurt Gidley is the most experienced player on the

field with the ball. His kicking has been pretty good so

far, just the one miss. And this one to give Warrington a terrific

advantage at half-time. Possibly one foot in a Wembley final already.

24-6. How big is Wakefield's response? And they go back to the

well at half-time and find some inspiration to claw their way back

into this semifinal? Let's hear from the man of the moment, Kurt Gidley,

with George. Do you feel firmly in control at this cup tie? Managed to

get off to a great start with them scoring first. We responded well to

that, and our completion rate is up there. Defensively the first try was

pretty good. All your points came down the right channel, was that

preplanned? No, no, no. Our job is to get our eyes up and count the

numbers. Just doing a great job of yardage. Thank you. Scott Moore is

here as well. Britain start but you've barely had the ball since.

Exactly, we are getting smashed through the middle. The rock is too

quick. Do you feel like the game has gone? No, not at all, we just need

to fix the middle up and tighten up. The game is drifting a bit. I'll let

you get in there, thanks. STUDIO: As George said, Wakefield have barely

had the ball since that opening try. The statistics back it up. 66% for

Warrington, they've dominated the territory as well. Wakefield have

had to make nearly 30 more tackles than side who are leading. Jamie

Peacock, Denis Betts, Brian Noble with me, would you describe that as

ruthless? Definitely. They have stuck to their game plan. They have

gone for the middle, hit them hard, move them around and come back at

them again. They lost the battle from dummy half runs. Just getting

them rolling forward. Punching a big hole in them. Capitalising on field

position. Come up with some fantastic kicking game from Sandow.

Started the game really well. He's put them in the corners and made it

hard for Wakefield to play the game. Whereas last time we had all the

blood and thunder and a real intensity, it's felt very calm and

controlled from one of these two sides. After the first five or ten

minutes? I think it's a physical mismatch. Dennis alluded to it with

the things going wrong for Warrington. Right across the park,

it enables you to play and control the game in that manner you talked

about. So Sandow is very rarely under pressure, Gidley is very

rarely under pressure when he gets the ball. Gives the facility for

Clark and Russell to ply their trade around the middle and pick off the

remnants of big blocks with Fifita in around the middle. Basically they

are dominant and that allows them to be tactically dominant. And yet they

did not get off to a very good start and one of their errors let

Wakefield in. Yeah, I think the first five minutes was all Wakefield

but apart from that they have not been in the game. Early error from

Warrington, Ratchford is adjudged to have spilled the ball. Then we see a

wonderful play from Wakefield, Scott Moore, great dummy half play, gets

out and draws in Chris Hill. And that cascades so that every

Warrington player has to come in, and leaves Jacob Miller, who has to

execute a wonderful piece of skill at the end to score a try. Fantastic

try from Warrington, all created by the dummy half run from Scott Moore.

Wonderful pass at the end. Inexperience on the right engine,

Tony King is a young player. It's been stripped, he's got to get off

the line and shut it down quicker. That it was a fantastic pass. Scott

Moore invites people to buy it. Couple of good passes. Tony King

could be another step up and shut that down. From a fan's perspective

at that stage, you think, oh, no, here we go. Doesn't matter what team

you support, as a fan, you think, oh no, here we go again. Are you not a

Wakefield supporter? Don't try and dogged me in on who I support. When

you are in the game and a professional you don't have that

thought, do you? They scored early, got a great start. But from thereon

in they could not that effort. You have to be smart when you are

outgunned. And they are outgunned. Not to discredit Wakefield, it is a

tactical fact today. They need to find ways to get forward. Trying to

get out of their own half they were beaten up, basically. Couldn't get

into it. Warrington became more and more confident in what they were

doing and it was only a matter of time, 15 or 20 minutes in, when you

thought Warrington were in it. There is a way back for Wakefield, so the

hope is absolutely there but they do need to get to the other part of the

field. With Scott Moore, Miller and Finn, they are liable to create

opportunities. The challenge is finding a way, dummy half running,

being smart, to get to the other end of the field. Let's go through the

Warrington try starting with the Jack Hughes one. We see a poor kick

first from Wakefield. In the semifinals you have to kick well.

Rate pressure from Ryan Atkins, giving Warrington field position.

And off the back of that you'll see Kurt Gidley, he's smart. He talks to

Jack Hughes. Puts the big man on the smaller man, Miller. You would like

to see him stop the ball. There are three Wakefield players, there. They

need to stop the ball, it is a semifinal. Need a bit more

desperation and they will be disappointed. He's got four bodies.

Jamie spoke last night about getting coloured jerseys in the frame to

make an effort. We saw Hull with four black jersey that every

breakdown. Miller half stops Hughes. He's a big boy who take some

stopping and he deserves help from those around him. You will be

disappointed. That many white shirts around Hughes, it is a disappointing

try to concede. To be fair, Miller did a decent enough job. He's a big

man. He slowed him down. But he has got to have people coming in and

helping him out. We talked about Gidley and Sandow moving Warrington

on the field but Clark has really come into this game. I think Daryl

Clark has been exceptional. He owes a favour to all his foreword by how

hard they have been running. The only way you get markers down is by

your forwards running hard. You can see that because they've made twice

as many metres as Wakefield, over 700. He absolutely loves it. Best

dummy half in the com petition. Both their wingers, their centres, their

full-back and Clark play on the back of the fact they are big men. Hill,

Sims, Westwood. Clark is one of the best exponents of that space. They

put them under pressure. Has a look, he's a smart player. Understands

it's a big man isolated in space, nips through and gets around him,

uses his lack of agility. Uses his pace. He panics, doesn't he? Clark

has seen so much space. Great picture from our technical people

about what he has seen. He has seen the first hole I thought, I better

fill that. Clark has run round and is coming in this way, an easier

task for him. The credit in the whole piece has to go to the

tactics. Scruton has been involved in four of the six tackles leading

up to that point. So has Fifita and Moore. When you've made a couple of

tackles, those spaces are out of reach, they seem like six or seven

metres, has a big man. Going through the last two Warrington tries which

might have put them out of reach. I'll ask you whether they are out of

reach later but as far as the tries are concerned. It is all down with

the forwards going to the line. And a wonderful ball. Another wonderful

ball. This is from a back row. He's had a great chain, Jack Hughes.

Provides the try again. Gidley taking the line on, too strong for

the Wakefield defenders. On the back of building that pressure. Making

more and more tackles. Gidley said to George at half-time that they

haven't targeted pre-match about targeting the left-hand side. Does

it look like they have? That's just the way the game has gone. I think

they've been after Scruton, definitely been after Fifita. They

are picking him out. He's pointing them up saying, come on. But I think

it's a bit of bravado from him. They've got a quick play the ball

enabling them to get on the front foot. When it goes to Gidley he's

got some space, he can throw the party wants. The back row can get

time on the ball and pick the line he once. For the moment, thank you

very much. It's looking at the moment like a Hull Warrington

Challenge Cup final, it will be at the end of August. Throughout this

year the songs of praise team have been working with the clubs who play

here, rugby league come up and down the country, to form a choir of fans

who are going to sing abide with me, that legendary anthem, before the

Challenge Cup final. Everybody has been nominated and chosen. The full

list is on the website. Phyllis Norman was nominated by York city.

It's a him about giving strength through trials in your life, through

troubles in your life, and just to keep you going. And if you watch the

words, you listen to them, the emotion takes over, to be honest.

It's not just another game, its final. It's about performing well,

soaking up everything, the fans, the atmosphere, and the fact you are at

Wembley Stadium, which is iconic stadium in the history of sport. So,

no pressure! And I will be nervous and I will do my best to try to

contain that. But just believe in what I'm doing.

So Phyllis will be part of the choir who will sing abide with me before

our cup final coverage on the 27th of August.

Wear with a couple of legends. Lee, you have been in the dressing room

and saw your players come out. What is the minutes? Hopefully were not

going to change too much. Wakefield will come back at us and we need to

weather the storm and kick on. A bit more painful as a Wakefield boy to

watch that? Warrington has been too fast and too strong for us. When we

are nearly back in the game, we break through, we have had two men

overlap and then they'd dummy. You need to take your chances to get

points on the board. Great seeing you here. We'd better let you get

back to work. Thank you very much. What do

Wakefield do then? They have to run out and kick well and be ruthless.

Warrington have been outstanding. It is as good as I have seen them play.

They can turn it around. There is no messing about. Warrington are

already out there are still a couple of minutes to go for half-time. Get

them out, get them warmed up and get them ready to go. Wakefield need to

stand up to the plate. I will agree with Jamie that when they are in the

right parts of the field, they are a clever team and they score points.

We have seen that this year. It is about the attacking prowess. What

they are struggling with is not bending the backs enough against a

physical and strong Warrington side. When you talked about Sandow's kick

in the first half, if he does it again in the second half, there

won't be able to get out. They are out early now. They know their jobs.

It is a job well done, let's do it again. I think we will see the same

for Warrington again. They will have to throw caution to the wind. They

are going to have to try and play and it will be uncomfortable and

will open the way for Warrington to score more points. We are moments

away from the second half after a first 40 where Warrington looked in

control. This game has a lot to live up to after last night's semifinal.

The opening try and Wakefield have the dream start! Jack Hughes gets

his side's first try. Clark sashaying a little too easily.

Warrington taking this cup tie by the scruff of the neck.

Wakefield are back out. They have it all to do in the second half if they

are going to meet Hull in the Challenge Cup final at the end of

August. Back to John Wilkie and John Kier and Dave Woods.

John, you will be head of rugby at Wakefield Trinity next year. What

will this inject to future hopes? They have to get up there and get

possession and make with use of the position. They had to toughen up in

the middle channel and attempt very good contact and the collision to

slow this Warrington onslaught down. The writing is on the wall though,

isn't it, from a realistic point of view? Yes. As a cynical nor the man,

yes. I can't see a way back for Wakefield, but stranger things have

happened. They need to do some of the things that Jamie Peacock

alluded to. In sport, there is nothing to lose, which is a

dangerous thing, but Warrington have been exceptional in that first half

and I'm sure there will be energised coming into the start of the second

half. We can look negatively at Wakefield, but you have to look

positively at Warrington's division to this semifinal. They have been

absolutely outstanding. Not for nothing are Warrington in line for a

potential trouble, the same with Hull. They are fantastic. They are.

They have scored more than anyone else. They are the huge attacking

threat when they have the ball. Off the back of that, they are not too

shabby defensively. Twisted under contact and has picked up an injury

there. Warrington is the big deal -- real deal. That is the last thing

that Warrington needed. Here comes Currie down the middle. So five

tackles to have a real go at this Wakefield line right at the start of

the second half. Use bouncing forward again, proving a real

handful again. Clark moves into dummy half. Gidley. Westwood on his

inside and now Westerman plays in and Currie wider still. The referee

wants a second look. No try on the field. They did look to be an

element of the ball coming through. Checking now with Phil Bentham the

video referee. Check again please. Warrington players in possession.

Tackle comes in. Reaches out to try and score and he drops the ball.

Confirm the decision of the referee which is no try. A 20 metre restart.

Drop ball, no try. That is some relief for Wakefield because if they

had considered that, it would have been game over. It's desperation, in

all honesty. They have numbers and they prevented the try. Sometimes

you have to find a way to dislodge the ball and they managed to do

that. We overcomplicate things. Just getting involved in helping your

team-mates is the most important thing. Tony Smith says they are

bound to come back. For Wakefield, Chris Chester says we have to

believe in ourselves. There is time, but we need our fair share of

possession. It deserted us after that great start. He said he feels

the lads can make a great comeback. Another one. Wakefield fans are

celebrating in hope rather than expectation. A poor kick. He had

time and opportunity to put that bought two or three metres out from

the Warrington line. Gives Matty Russell and the Warrington players a

chance. A poor kick from Finn. Here comes Evans. Churchillian. And he

involved in the planning for Gallipoli as well? It doesn't always

go right, does it? Dummy half. Runs into his opposite number Moore. So

hard to stop. Westerman and now Bailey. Reinventing his career, Ryan

Bailey, after a couple of years out in the wilderness. He goes left and

Currie is running hard. Clark has a good look at what is ahead of him

and decides to take it on himself. 35 away. Sandow launching it hard

and Ben Jones-Bishop. Complete concentration. A simple catch.

Again, as a turnover, if he have the ball ten metres from your own line

and the first tackle is three or four metres from the line, you would

be pretty happy with that. They make up metres easily, they have big

powerful guy to play with a bit of dissension. Once they run, they run

and break through the middle. Warrington are punishing Wakefield

to look flat and two are devoid of shame. They will me something

special to unlock this. Run from dummy half to the six tackle. It is

when you are trying hard as an individual but unfortunately this is

a team game and the effort has to be a combined effort. King shaking

himself through. Great ball carrier, Matty Russell. Quick on his feet,

strong in the hips. He's one of the that gets this team moving forward

and he's really in form for this Clay his side. There comes

Westerman. Sandow goes left and Atkins steps back in. Sandow, over

he goes! There he goes. Sandow gets a try and score. Warrington are

easing the way now. It is not the right side attack, it is the left

side attack. There is also shift to play and off-loaded from Atkins. A

bit of willow the wisp work from Sandow. Lovely shift, very efficient

in all that they do. Send in the tackle, one-handed off-load and then

magical footwork to cross down the left-hand side. Tremendous try. A

great piece of play. Uses his strength. Great off-load here.

Sandow does all the lying you can do with your body. Eyes, legs, feet,

everything was pointing one way, but the ball went back the other. John

Kay has done some lying with his body as well, but not necessarily on

a rugby field. When Chris Sandow is in the field, the opposition has

more chance of catching roadrunner than they have of catching him.

Looking to take Warrington to 30 points. A bit wide. Warrington are

leading and firmly in the driving seat. Wakefield have to do something

remarkable to stop them. It is a test the Wakefield. Ryan Atkins is a

strong, strong athlete. That is a marvellous piece of skill there to

off-load. A great try. Sandow is one of those players renowned for his

flair. He has had a really solid game. Kicked the ball into touch

when he needs to and he's come up with a try. Solid performances from

both the Warrington halfbacks. They have been tremendous. Wakefield need

to start putting in a good 20, 30 minutes of rugby really in. By the

way, Brad Dwyer is on. Atkins with a great ball away. There comes

Russell. Ratchford is going to score. Warrington are running away

with it! In honour of the great commentator 50 years ago, they think

it's all over, it is now. Warrington 32-6 and there is still a six to

come. The thing with this Warrington team is they sense opportunities.

They have that many dangerous runners of the ball, that as a team,

they can support breaks like this. There is no one better at that than

Ratchford. Came through with some shapes in the middle of the field.

He runs from dummy half, one-handed off-load. Ratchford started it and

finishes it in the corner. Once again, John, there is a man down by

the side of the ruck. The line is not set and they are taking place

and -- space. They need players who can create speed and take advantage

of it. Warrington have both sides covered. They have players who get

them going on the front foot. On the back you have Ratchford, Sandow,

Daryl Clark, instinctive players. It is a dangerous combination. Giggly

looking to add a few more thrills to the thrills so far. -- Gidley. It's

over. 34-6. These guys are already starting to sing Wembley, Wembley. I

think they know where they are going. One of the most ill-advised

attempt at singing I think we have herbs! What Wakefield now because

there is a danger of this, it has been an excellent season for them,

real excitement building up to this semifinal, but there is a real

danger they are walking out with red faces as they are not careful? It

is, obviously. They have to build for the upcoming super eights. They

need some confidence building in the last quarter of the game. The get

the scoreboard, look at the process of rugby league. In the absence of

this having the intensity of lost my's semifinal, I think you can just

sit back and relax and enjoy the way that Warrington are playing rugby

league. If there is a fightback, we will come to it later. That is only

one way to stop him sometimes and that was done illegally. Sandow has

really tested the Wakefield defence. It looked dangerous. It looked

dangerous of the Wakefield defence. When an attacking player is that

good on his feet and comes down so hard, players like Fifita cannot

deal with that agility. I am impressed with Sandow's reaction to

this. He has not milked it. Straight back on his feet. He has signalled

that he is OK which is good on the guy. The game is going well, he is

playing well and he wants to get on with things. I think he was

sin-binned in his first game, wasn't he, David Fifita? Here we go, ten

minutes. Just the yellow card. It might have been worse. We've got it

sorted. We don't need you coming in. When you come in everyone else comes

in. High tackle. Ten minutes on the sidelines with David Fifita. I think

it is becoming a losing cause now for Chris Chester. And he is up and

running again. Still half an hour to go. Bailey is

furious. Danny Westwood chewing up the yards down the middle. A bit of

aggression invigorates the defence. Hughes again trying to shake them

off. Wakefield are hanging on for pride at the moment. Dwyer. Gidley.

Into the heart of it. Wakefield's defence is decent at the moment, but

Warrington keep asking these questions. Attack back on the 20th.

There is George on the sideline. David Fifita is absolutely fuming.

Anyone who would listen, the water dies, the physio. He has the look of

a man who has just had his wallet nicked. A big hit by Atkins. He

follows it up with another stern effort. A bit of intensity in the

last two sets of defence, I'll tell you. Into the right-hand side,

trying to get things going. Miller wants to take it quickly, the

penalty, but the referee Webb allow it. Great play by Wakefield. It felt

like that was the way for them to get into the game. A high tackle

from Westerman on Yates. Difficult to execute against a side like

Warrington. Warrington are backing onto their own line to defend as

Yeats brings it forward again. Moore Besler line, but he's going to be

held up. So many Warrington bodies there. -- Moore goes for the line.

Here is thin. -- Liam Finn. Scooping it out on the sixth tackle.

Intercepted. Matty Russell is away. They are all chasing him. Russell

changing direction. He has put there as well. He is reeled in by Ben

Jones-Bishop. Did a terrific job, but it is not finished yet because

Currie is on the back of Sandow's 's. In the blink of an eye,

Warrington have covered 90 metres and scored yet another. Wow, they

are enjoying it, those in Primrose and blue. The sun is shining on them

at the moment. How many ways can you find of scoring a try? They have

found another one. Russell is up there taking space, picks a pocket

there and then Ben Jones-Bishop who is just working, working, working.

Chases him down. Too many Warrington players. That is a big effort from

the second row. Ends on the receiving end. That is why he has

defied career -- 55 career tries. Recognises he is behind Sandow,

takes the opportunity. There are a lot of things going for Ben Currie.

He's not a promising youngster any more, he is delivering. A great try.

A distinctive and instinctive bit of wing play. Chris Chester's Wakefield

will not do the same this year. Gidley puts it over. 40-6. We have

seen some semifinal blow outs down the years. It is a long way to go

before it matches any of those. Wigan against London and Wigan

against Bradford was a famous one in the 1990s. I don't think it is going

to go to those proportions. A solid exuberant performance. There have

been some good tries from Warrington. Probably one of the few

mistakes they have made there. If it comes from the kick-off, it is head

and see to four Wakefield. Trying to help the guys on the front line, but

exposed his post and it was picked up by Wakefield.

As players, what can they do to stop it? They are looking for someone to

inspire change. You can't see where it is going to come from right now.

The number of fans who were at Doncaster last night and the

Warrington fans here who aren't clapping and -- who are clapping and

singing, it's going to be a big crowd at Wembley. It will be the

first Wembley meeting between Warrington and Hull. We have to get

composure. The penalty because you are not listening to what I am

saying. Get out of it. Come on. Same applies to you. I think Chris is a

part-time plumber. Liam Finn gave up a job as an electrician to become a

professional. They would be handy to have around the house if they got

on. Ratchet comes up with it again. Warrington starts 15 yards out, but

who knows where it will finish. Look at that. 70% in the first, 71% in

the second. They do paint the picture of what is happening in the

game. You cannot get away from it. Speed of game, territory and

possession. Warrington are renowned to this and it has killed this

Wakefield side. They started on their own line, but might finishing

glory on the other line. They are going for glory. Toby King will roll

into score yet another Warrington try. Wow! How can stop them? How can

you stop them when they are in this move? I think the clear answer today

is Wakefield are not going to stop them. If you never see another Rugby

League Tri-Nations! We've seen some unique ones today. -- rugby league

try. Dwyer with a lovely kick. Arundel will be disappointed,

allowing Warrington to cross for the four points. Wakefield are done

here. I'm talking in terms of the attitude, willingness to compete.

That is a broken group of players. When Warrington have wanted to be

intense and stepped up to a different level, that Wakefield

group of players have not been able to compete at that high intensity we

saw yesterday. Mentally and physically, they look a broken

group. It will be a task to rebuild them for next week's game in the

super eights. And they got next week? Can you remember? I think it

is Wigan. It will be the two beaten semifinalists at the start of the

super eight next week. When breaking new ground. Gidley has gone off.

They will wrap him in hot war, bring him into the dressing shed and you

will never see him again. They don't want to risk any injury. 22 minutes

to go. It's a nice situation to be in when you take your key play maker

of the field to rest him up. Clay 70-0, Wigan against London. Brian

Noble was involved somehow in that game. There is Ratchford.

There is a man left on the ground virtually every play the ball and

they are already a man down, Wakefield, so it is becoming

impossible to defend. Ratchford's kick into the in-goal area, just

played out. It means that it has gone dead. 20 minutes still to go

here, but the Rugby league for coming up after we finish our

coverage live on BBC One. You can get in touch on the website. They

remind the forum is on the website. On the 27th of August, all the

razzle-dazzle. The abide with me beforehand with supporters from all

that front clubs taking part. And then, we can say with some

assurance, Hull against Warrington, the main event. Miller's pass sums

up Wakefield's afternoon. Full of good intent but not well executed.

Frustrated. He's had a great year, come on and developed as a young

half-backs, mature. 20 minutes to go in the game, you cannot blame him

for trying. Tries to draw the long ones to Craig Hall, it was never on.

The touch judge nearly caught it. You can understand the frustration

from the Wakefield team now. The game has gone. You are talking about

Wembley, abide with me, all those emotions. There is no better place

for the players who get to do it. It's just an amazing thing to be

part of the history of this game. It certainly is, and looking at these

two teams, it will be interesting to see how Wakefield respond. Losing

the semifinal is heartbreaking. Losing in this manner could really

take it out of you mentally. They have not been in great form,

Wakefield. We came into this game hopeful they would perform but the

reality is they have lost three out of four. Credit to Warrington for

how they have dismantled this team. Sims, Ratchford. Just enjoying

themselves now, looking for individual and further team glory,

here. In the 18 minutes that still remain. Hughes picks up. As a player

you very rarely get to play in front of a crowd like this, on a stage

like this, for 80 minutes, knowing full well you have got the job done.

A knock-on. It is a privileged position, to be relaxed with 20

minutes to go. Jamie Peacock and myself had a chat before the game

and were saying, that feeling when you know it's done is bliss. One of

the teams today has certainly got that. Did you have that feeling in

98, John, Sheffield, towards the end? There was a spell when you

realised? In the final, yes. Not in the semifinals. Salford wasn't it,

at Headingley? It was, eight points down with about eight minutes left.

Not that I remember! You live through it in your nightmares. Here

comes Ashton Sims. Brad Dwyer dummy half-back again to Westerman. Chris

Hill trying to push his way over but he can't. Half a century looms for

Warrington. And Benny westward! As he has done so many times in his 383

Warrington appearances, finds a way to get away to score a try! His

124th Warrington try. It's the icing on the cake of the semifinal. And

Warrington are up to a half-century. Soft try to concede, there.

Westwood, big, strong ball-carrier, he's been doing this kind of

playfully years. Too good for Scott Moore and his team-mates. Dwyer came

in at dummy half, strong line. Jowitt tried his best, Yates tried

to join in. To bring up the 50 points, probably no softer way to do

it. Jowitt tried to stop him, Yates couldn't do much about it. Ben

Westwood gets the ball down with his arm at. There are question marks on

the grounding, it is suspect. But he has two thumbs up and waving because

he knows the try has been given. Ironic as well that then brought 50

up against a team where his career started all those years ago. 1999I

think he made his debut for Wakefield. He's been out Warrington

for a lifetime, hasn't he, it seems. Ratchford. Taking over the kicking

in the absence of Gidley. And it's 52-6. Warrington are now leading

this cup tie 52-6. Slightly kitsch of Wakefield fans when that try was

scored, one or two going away. To put things in perspective, you have

to run the 12 months ago, and they are in a much better position than

they were then. This has been an immensely disappointing afternoon

for them but they have to learn from it and move on, and that applies to

Max Jowitt. A very young man with great potential. He's got to learn

from this and make sure he doesn't experience this type of feeling

again. You are taking it all in at that age, understanding what worked

and what didn't. Wakefield fans have been fantastic, turning up in

numbers and supporting this Wakefield side who have not

realistically been in the game. Just been pointed out to mean nine tries,

nine different scorers here today. There is another very efficient kit

which means Wakefield are on the back foot again. Dwyer, the young

men who looked to be on the outer Warrington a couple of years ago,

sent down to London on loan, and came back as an emergency when

Mickey Hyams left this club. Absolute Revelation. They've got the

ideal couple of hookers for how Warrington play the game. Daryl

Clark lining up at dummy half. When you Dwyer comes on it is as if the

game has speeded up, almost goes in fast forward. The key for Hull in

the final will be slowing down Warrington. Stopping them rolling

forward, the moment they get on the field. Once you stop at, Clark and

Coe, Russell and coalesce effective. Having said that it's been an

accomplished attacking performance. They've look good in all areas. Mine

try scorers spread across the park. Great performance from them and I'm

sure Tony Smith will be overwhelmed and pleased by the way they've

attack. Miller with a little kick through, not a bad one. Looking

inside, support is there. Miller couldn't get there but it will be

Max Jowitt the full-back who rolls over and plonk sits down. And the

Wakefield fans greet that moment as if they'd just won the semifinal!

Well they might be denied that celebration, looking at offside and

the grounding. Let's hear from Phil Bentham in the video rest rooms

again. Need to check if it is onside. Paws on the foot. That's

fine, he's behind, play on. The next check is the grounding. That's it.

The momentum continues. Pure momentum and that's a try. We just

need to see that in normal speed, please, to demonstrate the fact he

has rolled through the tackle. That's it. No problem, that's a try.

It's not often you score a try this late in the semifinal of a Challenge

Cup and it's barely worth celebrating. But these Wakefield

fans are giving it plenty of noise despite the scoreline reading 52-10.

He's got something about him, has Max Jowitt. I like all the things he

does on a rugby field. For a young guy there is certainly something to

work with. Yes. They have a big miss on the wing. But some nice ingenuity

from Jacob Miller, well finished. Nice for Max Jowitt, a young man, so

young, to scoring a semifinal. If the feelings he's experienced prior

to that that he needs to take away from this event today, and make sure

it makes him stronger for the rest of his career.

Liam Finn. Irish international record points scorer, and that's his

second success of the day. 52-12. This is the Intuit 's knee. -- this

is the ingenuity. Dabs the ball behind. Picks it up, not the best

pass. A fair bit of determination from the youngster to get that ball

over the whitewash and ground it. Good strength, great finish.

Still 11 minutes left. Only 40 points to make up! Seven tries, that

should do it. No takers on that? No takers. Finn.

Not finding any purchase, there. Warrington looking to keep their

foot on the throttle here if they can. He's back. Fifita. After a

spell in the sin-bin. Miller. So, here comes the last tackle in the

set. Finn looking for something creative, it's not bad. Jones Bishop

will carry on the kicking duties. Still kicking, but Currie drops on

it. They will start from here. Evans. His brother, Ben Evans,

currently out injured with an injury he picked up in March. But there are

two brothers in this squad of course, Toby King and George King.

Looking to have the ball family representation in the final. Dwyer.

Building it downfield. Ten minutes to go. Miller again.

Toby Tony Smith will be looking for a tidy finish from his team now.

Defensively they have been as impressive as they have with the

ball. Certainly something after a poor start, I thought they were soft

at the beginning of the game. 120 tries in Super League this year,

more than anybody else, Warrington. Only conceded 425 points. No side

has conceded fewer. They are romping their way to Wembley. A time

winners. They had a big strong hold on this famous old trophy just four,

five, six years ago. 2009, 2010, 2012 they were winners. Are they

going to do it again? Will Hull become the stuff of legend for their

club? That's all to come. Wakefield are still looking for something

here. And Dwyer is unexpectedly able to pick it up. You sense there are

two teams here who will be quite happy for the Hutu to go, really.

Wakefield know it is impossible. Warrington know the job is done.

Somebody came up with a theory that in a game like this there should be

a joke available, if both teams agree, the hooter sounds. Both sides

have to agree. Wakefield fans are slowly disappearing. Ratchford has

knocked on. What can you do in this situation as a Wakefield team? Got

to pull it back to the basics of the game, resting yourselves, if the

effort there, commitment to each other? If that's present you've got

something to work on, haven't you? If those things aren't there, it is

a difficult dressing room to walk into. Certainly is. Look at the

crowd there, though. These are Wakefield fans, by the way.

Absolutely first class. Brilliant support. Wakefield Trinity Wildcats

as they've been known for a few years. They've been talking about

dropping the Wildcats just a little bit, going back to tradition,

playing on the fact they have the likes of Neil Fox as part of their

history. There is a real, real good rugby league pedigree. Michael

Carter just in front of Neil Fox. Here comes an attempted try. Hall is

going to chase his kick, going for the line, reaches over, has he got

there? He's not sure. Well, he deserves that for the skill with his

grip, doesn't he? Is he going to give this? He's asking the question.

No try. They are looking at double movement. Over two Phil Bentham.

We will check the kick first, I'm pretty sure he collected his own

kick. Yes, there is a kick, yeah. Pretty sure he collected his own

kick but we'll just check it. Yeah, there's no problem with that,

everyone is behind him, anyway. That's fine. OK, we need to see a

bit closer to the line, please. So he slides, ball carrying arm is

down. He is therefore tackled at that point. And he reaches out and

puts the ball down. So if we show it in full speed, to confirm that

decision. He comes to stop and reaches out and

his ball carrying arm hit the floor. No try. Penalty. Wakefield fans

thought they had consolation. And now they know they haven't. Double

movement. So not only is it not try, it a penalty for Warrington. Craig

Hall thought he had the consolation of starting it all and finishing it

all today but he didn't quite finish it. Great chase back from Jack

Hughes. He's played 80 minutes in the back row on this right-hand side

with Warrington. Craig Hall had all but scored that, chipped back

inside. The young back rower chased back, made a tackle and forced Hall

into a double movement. The job today was to get to Wembley, it is

achieved, but there is still pride in personal performance to chase

back and tackle. I thought he had scored a try. Here is paid. When you

slow things down it is difficult. Devil 's own job on the video replay

to make sense of it. I'm all in favour of watching them back at game

speed. The decision on the field is such a major influence of whether it

is given or not, isn't it? So why not just give it? Why not just give

the referee the ability to give the try? Knocked on.

He's had a cracking game, Jack Hughes. I know there's error, there.

Not only has he done the tough stuff well, his defence has been really

tidy. Controls his rocks. In attack some real good qualities. Scored a

try, created one. Him and Ben Currie together, sensational. Is that his

fishing, definitely back row? We've seen him pretty effective in the

centre as well. I think that his position. Without doubt, yes stop.

Here is Lyne. Ben Jones Bishop with a flash down the right-hand side,

dragged out of play. Great to see great positivity from Warrington,

even at this stage of the game, the game is won. Still out there and

celebrating. Man of the match, U2 had the job, who have you come up

with? Both half-backs outstanding, Gidley and Sandow. Brett with

Ratchford and Evans from dummy half. Clark has been fantastic. But we

agreed that Jack Hughes down this right-hand side has played every

minute of this game. He was instrumental in crucial plays. And

he is the man of the match for this semifinal. Three and a half minutes

to go. Definitely in the second half for a long, long time now. Clark is

back on the field. Picks up from the feet of Dwyer and off he goes and

writes the roughshod tackle. Here goes daily. So, the final tackle in

the set. Ratchford putting the kick in, gets a deflection and kicks it

on again. It's a sliding theorists. The Manchester United reserve team

playing here on Tuesday night. A bit of football work from both sides,

there! Just shows, though, a ricochet, but still that hunger and

fire in the belly. All of a sudden he gets excited. And there is the

Rio Ferdinand to put it into the stands! The Warrington team are

expecting things to happen. They are on the front foot. Therefore when

things are happening, they are reacting first. Just talking about

Stefan Ratchford, he's one of those guys who's really come on

positionally. Certainly with Gidley and Sandow taking off some of the

pressure and kicking the ball, the likes of Ratchford and Clark have

come into their own. I believe Gidley and Sandow do a lot of the

things may be Ratchford and Clark don't want to do. Ooh! Well, that

was an embarrassment for the Wakefield defence, really. But take

nothing away from Toby King. You can only beat what's in front of you. It

just so happened that what was in front of him melted away.

When you look at a player, you look at what assets he will add to your

team. King playing at the back, got a running game, showed the ball

twice. Melted was a pretty good description. No glory in the way

Wakefield defended this. Fingertips rather than shoulders. Feet are

nowhere near the point of contact. King taking advantage. You look at

the assets and what it might bring. Brings a lot of versatility. A

fantastic try. Stefan Ratchford. Season that

started late for him. After surgery on his knee in the close season.

While before he got up and running this year. Up and running now in no

uncertain terms. His 150th Warrington goal, a little

man monkey has reached today. 56-12. -- a

dispirited team at the minute trudging up to the halfway line.

Warrington fans in raptures at the outstanding performance their team

has put in. Got to admire the Wakefield fans as well. The vast

majority still here and supporting their team. You support your team

through the good times and through the not so good times. Generally

this season it has been good times. Ryan Bailey takes it out of play. In

fact he just takes it through to the final hooter. It has been a

hat-trick of heartbreak for Warrington. Three successive cup

semifinal defeats. But now the primrose and blue is back on Wembley

way. Hull against Warrington on August 27 promises to be a very

special occasion and we have seen a very special performance today here

by Warrington, winning at a canter. Last night by Hull in that