Highlights Rugby League: Super League Highlights

Hello and welcome to the first utility superleague play-off

semifinals. 2016 has seen a notable change of fortunes for some of the

teams in the sport's top tiers with many ups and downs over the past

eight months. What is guaranteed, however, is a different name being

engraved on each piece of silverware on offer this year.

It's the second year of the super eights, the top eight teams play

once more with teams one to four playing off in the semifinals for a

place in next Saturday's Old Trafford grand final. The bottom

four teams were joined by the top four finishes in the championship to

form the qualifiers. They've all started on zero points

with the first three teams being guaranteed superleague status for

next season. The final superleague spot for 2017 will be decided on

Saturday afternoon when Hull KR play Salford in the Million Pound Game.

For many it will be a life-changing match and we will have highlights

and reaction tomorrow on BBC Two. Joining us here at the DW stadium,

Jonathan and David. How do you look at the season? The consistency of

Warrington, the Challenge Cup final was a great game. A showpiece event

for the game. But for me again it's the demise of Leeds and

Huddersfield, how they've fallen from grace so dramatically in the

space of 12 months. What have you made of the overall quality?

Probably not been the best season in that respect. But we have seen

exciting games through the season. Probably not as many as we are used

to. It might be or might not be an issue, Leeds and Huddersfield

falling from grace. Wigan and Saints down there and Warrington in there

as Jonathan says, I think that we had a lot of exciting things through

the year, probably the challenge cup was awesome, the games we offered. A

lack of consistency, sometimes you will have great games and defensive

games. Then again you will see a poor defence but Solomona you have

to give him a mention, a fantastic achievement. It show what is

Castleford could do on their day. What do you think has been at the

root of Leeds' problem this year? It's difficult to put your finger on

it. It just can't be the timing of three key players. As a club of that

standing and quality of their playing squad, they should have

planned that in a progression to say this is what is happening, these are

retiring, these boys are coming through. Yes, maybe finishing lower,

not winning the treble or superleague, but to fall so far

down, I still can't get my head around it. I can't. Huddersfield are

they fortunate to be relegated? The league table and the way they played

got them out of that mix. What we saw through the year reinforcing

some points you made there is that every team that's had injuries, the

team that's coped better and the size and quality of the squad mean

they're either at the top or bottom of the pile. You go into the

play-offs and you go we will be OK and all of a sudden, now it's a big

play-off. The play-off semifinals kicked on Thursday with Warrington

taking on St Helens. I want to win, I want that trophy! # I want that

trophy. That's what they will be playing for

in just over seven days at Old Trafford. Here they come. History

suggests St Helens are favourites. Recent form points to a Warrington

win. But this is too close a call to make. A committed prediction at this

stage, however it plays out, there is a real sense of occasion here

tonight. Warrington welcome back the hugely

influential Kirk Kidly into the half.

That's a pass that took a touch. So it's a zero tackle.

So they got the advantage play here. The free play. Can't make anything

of that. Welcome repeat set for Warrington

and another set to go because they had the penalty.

Do they go for goal here, Jonathan? Or continue the attack? Well, I

would go for goal. You got to build your score sometimes. These games

are very, very close. That's the decision they have taken. Young

Declan Patton with the responsibility of trying to give his

side the first points of the night. His kicking this year, 22 attempts,

he has an 86% success rate. So, he has a cool head for big occasions.

And very good level of accuracy. He found that accuracy this time, he

has. First points of the night with 20 minutes played. Warrington lead

2-0. This is the last. Walsh with a kick.

Ratchford comes across. It's back into the hands of Percival. A big

set of six now for Warrington. I think it's the first set St Helens

have started within sight of the Warrington line. Here comes the

urgent run from Walmsley. The penalty given away. Two points says

the coach. There is the penalty. You can sense

the nervousness. St Helens creep into the 20-metre area of

Warrington. Kickable for Walsh. He will take his

time again. It's not a big run-up but it's all square again at two

points each. Patton with a dummy trying to get

through. Good reaction from Greenwood.

Gidley has lost it. St Helens have it back. I think the referee will go

again with... Oh he has given Warrington. Decided there it was

Walmsley knocked it on. That's a good call. Hits it with the right

hand. It is Warrington's head and feet, ten metres out.

A big moment in the game here. 30 minutes played. Neither tryline

breached yet but as good a chance Warrington have had so far from this

position. Westerman. Clarke. Taken on again by

Sims. It's Clarke. Patton looks for the runners! From

behind them all came Gidley to find a way through. There is is a

question about whether he was shepherded through. Was there an

obstruction? Yeah, just watch. Ball comes out. Misses the first player.

That's a great dummy run. Now Walmsley has to step in. He could

have given it to either player really. This is the block maybe.

Does he run a shepherd? I don't think he does. Both men make a

tackle. A try. They're looking at the ground. It

gives you the sense of the what the individual yes referee is thinking.

Is he short? Well, he is short. Does the ball carry on?

Well, here we go. A try given.

This place gets a little louder. Gidley first try of the night with

30 minutes played. Warrington have a 6-2 advantage. Is there a question

on the grounding there? He was short and... A try has been given.

Declan Patton to extend this lead to the magical number of six. A try and

a goal separates Warrington and St Helens.

The referee says dominant. I think that was an understatement. Bang.

Stay down. St Helens looking left again. Turner. Good ball away. Smith

down this left side. Swift. Back on the inside. That's a wonderfully

crafted try for Lomax to finish. That was a thing of beauty in terms

of speed and execution. St Helens get their first try of the

night. It's one to celebrate and remember. This is typical St Helens.

Under pressure, Turner goes in. Takes it across the field but gets

his hands free. Swift is away. Inside pass. Lomaax is there again.

And just goes. Just watch. Nothing on. Turner goes in. This is crucial.

Gets on the outside of the centre, sucks the winger in, Swift is away.

The covering defender doesn't get to him. It commits the fullback and

then the fullback goes. Brilliant comeback!

I think the coach enjoyed that. They're staying in the game, that's

what they're capable of doing. En Luke Walsh with a kick to make it

all square. What a first half we have seen here.

So Ratchford with a big kick down field. St Helens, all things being

equal, will finish the half with ball in hand. Have they an appetite

to get something else here? What is also typical of St Helens is how

they score back-to-back tries sometimes. Roby is in the hunt.

Walsh up there quickly. Here comes Walmsley. Dragged down. Two tackles

to go. It's a penalty. There are no doubts, are they, what they're going

to do here? I wonder how costly that moment might be from George King as

the hooter sounds in the background. The penalty goal is going to be the

last act of this first half. These are anxious moments. I think she

knows, we all know, how important these two points might be. Luke

Walsh to give St Helens the last word in a pulsating first half. The

Saints lead, unlikely as it is, by 10-8.

Clarke. A head down and drive by King.

George King. Clarke is in there again.

Gidley. Here is Toby King. Ball has gone to ground. Referee has a

decision to make. Decides not to make it, says play on.

He had the whistle in his mouth momentarily.

Evans takes it on. Here is the 6th. Put high by Gidley. It's going to

fall into no-man's-land. Gidley a stumble and a dive! Evans. But I

don't think there was any downward pressure on that. Brilliant defence

again. What a hit, Lomax. Great hit. That's a high tackle. Warrington

penalty. Five metres from the halfway line. They can find touch

and some distance here. So pressure might be about to be

mounted here on this St Helens line. That's a big kick. 25 metres away.

Warrington's wave of attack starts here.

The question is where does it finish?

Ratchford with a dummy. He is going nowhere. Eight minutes of the second

half played. King steps back, Toby King.

12 away. Now it's Clarke. Here is Gidley. Support from Patton. The

ball is squeezed to Russell. He had to wait. He goes back towards the

middle. Russell held up. Three more tackles to go in this set. Ratchford

to the middle. Across to goes. There is an opportunity here. A reach for

the line by Clarke. He is just held up short. Great defence, had to go.

Evans. Oh, it's another penalty. Interference of the play. Definitely

foot in there. That was an opportunity. They created three on

two and didn't execute it properly. Clarke went for the line and didn't

get there. Here is a moment in the match. A repeat set for Warrington.

10 metres out. It is prime position. What do they

make of it? Clarke waits at dummy half. Skips it to the left side. An

urge again. But Patton is held up. Ratchford at dummy half. Hill tries

to push his big framed body over the line. St Helens hanging on. Clarke

goes to the right side. They're missing men out here to create a

gap. Lineham has the offload to Evans. Evans runs into a brick wall.

What a hit. They try again. Two tackles to go.

Give it. The passing is good. But Patton can't keep it alive.

Ratchford finds a way over! Really sharp work from Stefan Ratchford on

his 150th appearance. His 99th try. It gives Warrington a lead. The pace

of Ratchford gets over. Won't be happy with the defending. He spots

it and just goes. Patton will take all the time in the world before

slotting it over. 14 points now for Warrington. 10 for St Helens. The

pendulum swings again but it isn't stopping here.

The old routine comes to pass again here. So many times down the years

Warrington have had a winning lead here against St Helens, only for

Saints to steal it at the last. Is this the night Warrington hang on?

Well, they've hung on here. Forcing the error, Toby King wins it back

for his side. Penalty. Offside. Double whammy.

Warrington fans are enjoying the moment.

The kick has gone to touch. Here come Warrington.

A try here might be conclusive. Although there are still 17 minutes

left to play. Against Saints. This is Sims. He has had a big game, Sims

and Hill have played extremely well. Clarke goes right. It's going

further right. Ratchford out to the corner. Tom Lineham dives in again!

His two tries last week helped his side lift the League leaders shield.

Has that try booked a ticket to the grand final? It's a massive try,

whatever. There is the mistake. King gets the ball. Penalty. Field

position. Again it's this man again, the money ball, Ratchford. What a

pass. He had to come in and create that little bit of genius. Patton

will consider this needs kicking. It's a two-score lead they have at

the moment. An element of comfort, but another two wouldn't go amiss.

Oh, no, it's not over. It's short. 18-10 and because of that just

Warrington are in the driving seat. Just held on to it. Saints fans

won't be happy with that. There is barely time to fashion a miracle. If

anyone can do it, it's usually the St Helens lot. Walsh. Lomax. For a

corner. Owen steps back in. There is just a forest of defenders. He can't

cut a way through. Greenwood. He will have a go. Yeah, the pass was

too slow. He had to go back in that direction. Less than two minutes. A

little go from dummy half. Has he got in? Oh, no. No try. He thinks he

scored. Again it's a big decision by the referee. It has to be absolute

evidence. The video referee has to see that ball being touched down.

You can't see that, can you? No. The referee was as close as anyone.

Have a look at this. Have a look at this!

Is this compelling? Oh, that... You can see the white line. And you can

see the ball. It's a good effort by Peyroux from

dummy half. The ball is on the line there. I

think you got to give it. A massive decision. This is the last hope for

St Helens or Warrington are going to Old Trafford. It is no try. A rueful

shake of the head. Peyroux feels he has been robbed of a try. Warrington

know they're on the way to the grand final. I think that the referee has

no try on field was so influential. If he had said try I am sure he

would have given it. They'll just keep slogging away until the hooter

sounds. Those seconds will be going at a quick rate by St Helens point

of view. We are now into the final 40 seconds.

Turner with a kick. That is that. Ratchford concedes the drop out

again. That's as good as a full-time hooter for those Warrington fans.

Challenge Cup defeat at Wembley a month or so ago. Now they go to Old

Trafford for the grand final hoping that it's a different story they can

write this time. The kick down field is taken by Turner. Here they go.

The hooter will sound next time the ball goes dead. It will go dead with

Ratchford's kick. A flurry of celebration. A semifinal won, a

bigger job still to do but my word what a performance, what a Cup tie

tonight. St Helens took it to the very last this evening but it's

Warrington who are through to Old Trafford. Sometimes it's execution

or a kicking game or sloppy in defence that has let us down from

time to time but not character. They've shown it a whole lot there

tonight. Certainly Saints, I thought they were tremendous. They were

really good. You know, their character was enormous, as well. The

way they defended their try line and denied us a few times. Right on the

tryline and, yeah, I thought without each team being at their best it was

a gutsy effort from both teams. I haven't got the words to express the

pride that I have for this group. There is many teams probably would

have gone through what we went on early on and crumbled and not had a

good finish to the year and a testament to the players that

they've really kicked on and had something in the sights for a long

period and it's hard to stay in there and won a fair few games now

and no matter how we won them, we won them and that's the biggest

thing. Suddenly two in one season in a couple of months. Yeah, the

disappointment of the challenge cup and missing the last 20 minutes of

that game, having to go off with injury and losing the game, look,

it's a tough one to get over that. As a club we have shown again a lot

of character to get back on the horse the following week and again

tonight. Everyone was talking about Saints' record and we were aware of

that. We were aware of it for the previous two games this year t

hasn't been great over the number of years. But I thought we done

ourselves proud tonight. There is an inevitability these days that the

video refereeing decisions come into focus and the try at the end by

Peyroux, what was your view of that? I don't watch them. I just, you

know, often I joke around that that they should take a coin and toss it

and see how it finishes and probably finish out, even by the end of the

year hopefully. I think that the disappointing thing about today is

that it's come down to the referee decisions again. We have had our

fair few stiff calls in the last few weeks. You ride those, they do even

out but I don't think - it's probably a blight on the game that

today everybody is going to talk about decisions and video decisions

and not going to video referees for tries and not looking at certain

aspects for their tries and ruling Don's try out. We have a lot of

tough calls today. We wouldn't have minded a few of them ourselves and

be in a different position, that's the sport, you can't take anything

away from what Warrington have done. They had a good dig and have been

brilliant the last two weeks, you wish them all the best but lots of

what ifs in there if we had our calls.

Well certainly not happy after that match. Did he have a point,

Jonathan? Throughout the season it even it is self out, for me the best

side won. They should have won by more to be honest. There was that

kind of element of doubt. They were always worried about St Helens, they

totally dominated. Sims, Hill and Clarke were superb and two pieces of

magic by Ratchford and won the outcome of the game. For me the best

side won. Is it a pity that video referees is what we are talking

about afterwards? Well, I think we have changed the system twice now.

We are still getting a little bit of confusion. Ciaran will be upset, he

will reflect on that and both teams will look at what they could have

done better. They were debatable the tries but they always are. When you

slow something down and look at these things in the light of day

there might be 10,000 people in the stadium tonight and 5,000 opinions

one way and 5,000 the other. Take criticism away from the referee, we

had a heated debate earlier in the pie shed as we call it about what

they should and shouldn't do. I think the system is right. The video

referee needs to be more clinical if he thinks he has evidence. The St

Helens try f the referee said I think it's a try on the field, the

video referee would have given it. That's a debate that could run and

run. Sadly, we don't have time to go all the way on it. Earlier this week

the 2016 dream team was announced. Here it is.

Five superleague clubs are represented this year with Hull FC

six players and four from Warrington dominating the selection. There are

nine debuts in the side. The winners of this year's Challenge Cup and

league leaders shield make up the four.

In the back division both wingers are debutants.

So is that a correct dream team for you? Yes, I think it is. I don't

think there is any massive ommissions. I think that for me that

is a fair reflection of the season. Have you seen two teams dominate

quite so much with Hull and Warrington there? It's unusual. I

think they're the best two teams, the Challenge Cup finalists, they'll

be talked about and deserve to be in the team. That's right. If it was

Wigan and Saints they would dominate the side. Looking to this game,

Wigan without a lot of big names. But they've been like that all year,

do you think they can cope with that tonight? I think they play to a

structure where whoever they put in they step into that structure.

Tonight is all about Hull, if they can find their mojo they have an

opportunity of going to the grand final. After the Challenge Cup

they've dropped their energy and they've lost that belief they had

throughout the season. For me Hull are the better side but have they

got enough left in the tank? Ellis is missing, the man is

missing. Ellis, he is the heartbeat of that team and het gets them

through sticky patches. It is about energy for Hull, for Wigan and their

structure I would like to sea Shaun snip the purse strings a bit and

offload football. I remember a game when they got down to 12 men and

they played brilliant rugby league, which got them over the line. If

they can mix their style up I fancy Wigan. Who will face Warrington in

next weekend Grand Final? Wigan or Hull?

Jonasson. And Wigan are coasting. Fantastic offload. Wigan are right

back in the contest. What a game this is.

They are 80 minutes from anticipation, or desolation. Hull

still on course for a potential double, Wigan desperate to get back

to rugby league's top table, but the year is all over, for the losers

tonight. Hull have one trophy in the bag

already, of course, the Challenge Cup. Wigan desperate to make 2016

memorable for something here. This is the way they have lining up

tonight, Wigan missing some of their star names, skipper Shaun O'Loughlin

and Sam Tomkins rule out. Their first choice front row, is either

injured or suspended. But they still keep winning games.

Hull can also play the injury card tonight. Captain and man of steel

candidate Gareth Ellis sidelined with a hand injury. Robert Hicks is

our referee tonight. Big game atmosphere, big game. Old Trafford

and Warrington are waiting the winners.

It has been a scrappy start to the game but Wigan won't mind that if

they can make something from this position. Two tackles to go. Powell

now. Whisks to Smith. Smith and Williams with a little kick that is

being chased heard and it's a Hull hand a that puts it dead. Clever

play, a little kick. Farrell is in front of the ball there, just get it

out to play. So is it has been for the most part

Wigan, who are dominant in this hoping six-and-a-half minute, they

will have another set to have a go at this no doubt fatiguing Hull

defence, that is great Nuuausala, Bateman coming in on the angle. And

Wigan start the set again in a very good position.

A step by Sarginson. Gelling. Real character Anthony Gelling.

It is Williams, Powell out of dummy half rather who puts it back to

Smith. Driven in by Crosby. Powell. Waiting again. Worked by

Smith, across to Williams. Williams with a pass to Sarginson, who goes

wide, to Tierney, who might just have found a way over the line here.

He has. No need for a referral. Referee Robert Hicks happy enough

that is a try, what a start for Wigan, they make their domination

count. Just watch, they create the three on

two here, there it is. They are not sure what to do. But that is a very

good finish by Tierney. They turn the pressure into points.

Very good finish. Smith looking to add the two. Oh my

word! That was a horrible kick. I don't know what went on there but

that was an absolute horrible kick. Think he has hurt his foot. It is

like a golfer failing to get off the teat a the Ryder Cup, wasn't it.

Powell. Smith. He is going to go, to Williams and

this is Farrell. Hull defending more or less in their own line at moment.

Sarginson will probe here with a pass that didn't give Gildart much

to work with. I thought Sarginson could have gone on his own, the

defence drifted, dummy and gone. Sarginson again. Williams. Putting

the kick in, Shaul is after this, had to tidy this up and get out the

danger donings he is not going to get there. Enthusiasm for the Wigan

defenders. It is a second Hull drop out of the game. A lovely kick by

Williams. Shaul gets it. Turns the wrong way, that is where the

defenders were, and I think Wigan t plan would be to get the repeat set,

keep the intensity up, they have lost their energy levels after the

Challenge Cup, and haven't regained them. Wigan will be rye doing that.

Nuuausala is providing plenty of punch here tonight, isn't he.

Gelling. Cutting back in. Here is Crosby.

Again, their position is good here, Wigan.

With tackles to play with. William, Farrell, Tierney. Same formula, same

outcome, Tierney with his second of the night, and Wigan with less than

14 minutes plays are wrestling control of this game early on.

This is where he gets caught in the repeat set. Again, down the same

side. They just gather numbers there, there is one dummy runner

that holes the defence, they won't be happy the Hull defence, one comes

up, one stays back, once in, all in, very good play by Wigan. Sir Bradley

Wiggins, he appreciates that moment. So Matty Smith, his first attempt

from here was pretty disastrous, what about the second? He is getting

closer, but it remains 8-0. Again, just watch, the dummy run e

one shoots out to the line by Hull. Sam Tomkins's role is one of

supporter from the touchline with a foot injury that has ruled him out

of Wigan's season and the international season. England, trail

and Scotland in the four nations which you can see on the BBC this

year, all games live. Caught by Bateman, he injectings pace, and

offloads to Smith. Smith goes to his right. Here is Williams not a lot of

room in which to work. His intentions are suffocated quickly by

the three Hull defenders. Bretherton.

Propping it four. Sixth tackle coming up. Shore rocks spins wide.

Back to one.ed the vansing player, Bateman almost to the tunnel. To get

to that try line, but did he come up and touchdown? Bateman saw the line.

He didn't go round or over them, he went under them. Does he lose the

ball here? Good finish. That was a terrific

finish. Absolutely sensational from John Bateman. Here is the decision,

try is given. Timely as well. There is a Smith conxxxx conversion to

come, but that will be the last agent of the first half. John

Bateman's try. He has missed a couple from outside, he won't miss

the one in front of the sticks so half-time, Wigan a deserved 14-0

lead. That is with Watts and Sneyd who

hurls a poor pass, it really was, picked up. Poor play. Sneyd here is

Watts. Wigans are enjoying chanting the name of Sneyd here tonight. He

has not had the best of games. Tuimavave. On the angle comes

Washbrook. The offload has got Bowden away and Hull might, I say

might have claimed their first trial of the night.

He thinks it is S Wigan defenders trying to snatch it off him but has

he got it down? Here is the finish. Try. The fact the referee has given

it helps the whole cause doesn't it. Yes. No conclusive evidence

against... The onfield decision remains. Bowden have a try. Have

Hull got a foot hold back many this game? This is a lovely play. It

stretches defence, lovely inside ball, spins in the tackle. Bowden is

there, that is the third time he has had a good run in this half, he

deserves something, he has made an impact since coming on. Drags

across, he brings shore rocks round, creates the space, and there is good

support. Bowden scores. It stretches defence, lovely inside ball, spins

in the tackle. Bowden is there, that is the third time he has had a good

run in this half, he deserves something, he has made an impact

since coming on. Drags across, he brings Shorrocks round, creates the

space, and there is good support. Bowden scores. Gb 14-6, something to

cheer at last for those in black-and-white.

Smith kicks it away. Has that given renewed belief to

Hull FC? Minichiello was almost the recipient of a forward pass.

Shaul. Out of dummy half. There is an extra spring about Hull now.

There is. There is. Tuimavave. Washbrook. He made things happen.

Thompson. Sneyd to Minichiello. Minichiello is troubling them. Good

yard, good set this. Tuimavave, kicking beyond. Sarginson takes it

easily, he has lost it, he has lost it! The referee is saying play on

and a zero tackle. Look at this for an opportunity for Hull. There is a

tackle from behind. That has to be a yellow card. Knocked down by Farrell

and a penalty for offside. An element of panic to Wigan at the

moment. Yes. That is a yellow card. That is a professional foul and that

should be ten minutes. Hull have another set. And a renewed

sense of purpose here, no doubt. This last four or five minutes is

the best we have seen of them in the entire game, so far.

And the Hull fans are making a racquet.

Sneyd wide to Yeaman. Too many defenders there to attempt the pass.

The winger would have had nowhere to go. Bowden.

Stepping in. And stepping up. Shaul and over he goes. Watts crashes in,

it is a second Hull try, in the space of three-and-a-half minutes.

Boy, do we have a cup tie now. That is a great angle by Liam Watts. That

is where they have had success this year. Their forwards. Just tearing

everyone up, piling in going in forward.

So Marc Sneyd with a chance to win another two to put this over and

Hull are back with a chance. Who would have thought that, they could

dramatically claw their way back in to this contest, but they are 14-12,

with half an hour still to play. Lovely ball, great angle. Sarginson.

Powell. Nuuausala. Dealt with relatively easily. Couple to go.

They have reached the last tackle here.

Back with William, now it is Smith. Smith with a kick, chased after it,

was he dragged down? Yes he was, taken off the ball. Penalty given by

the referee. It has been an interesting call.

Definitely penalty, will they go for goal? I doubt it. The tee is on.

They are going for goal. Matty Smith has not had the best of kicking

nights tonight. No he hasn't. He can quickly rectify that. It is an

interesting call when the bench says go for two points, on the field you

can really feel what the best decision is, I don't think you can

feel it from the stands. Stands. Well, Smith puts it over, Wigan lead

now by 16-12. Wigan's defence is on its own line. Backs to the wall

stuff for Wigan at the moment. Hull sensing, sensing they could get

something here. Danny Houghton, flicks it on.

Brought back towards this centre spot. Shaul's pass. Yeaman. Yeaman

will take on Gelling. Gelling is not for being beaten.

It is breathless stuff at the moment. To snaid. Snaid now, here is

to Tuimavave. Shaul joins the line, the kick for the corner it is lost

by Tierney, was there a touch there? The referee says play on. Wigan are

away, it is going to be ged who runs down the left-hand side, they will

chase hard, they will not catch, ged scores but I don't think that is the

end of it. -- Gildart. I think the referee might be asking a couple of

questions here. It might be a try at either end. You have to look now if

the ball was grounded. Think this is a first, isn't it. A video referee

to find out if we have a try at one end or a try at the other end? They

only have to look at the Hull. If there is down warted pressure, here

is the play, it is a great little kick. No full-back at home, everyone

is onside. Tierney gets to it. Then loses it. Now here we go, is this

grounded? Just watch. Oh. Is that enough from Michaels? Sounds like he

has a finger on it P This is a massive call. It is not the

Icelandic clap you can hear, it is the get on with it clap you are

hearing. The longer it goes on. Put your Necton block and call, that is

your job. So here goes a big, big decision in

the context of the season, and the night. Steve Michaels is given the

try. That defies belief in some quarter, it will be greeted with

triumph in others. Michaels' try makes it all square.

You have to credit Hull, they have pulled them off and fought their way

back into this game. Tuimavave has been a big part of it. Shaul kicks,

Tierney loses it. I don't think that is a try. How dig is this kick? What

about a touchline conversion to put his side within touching distance of

the Grand Final. He has nailed it. He has nailed it! And from 14-0

down, Hull are now leading. Almost into the last ten minutes.

Powell, Smith. Here comes Williams, Williams with a dummy, Williams.

Oh... Inches away from dragging himself over. Farrell, back to Smith

again. Powell. Powell, to Gelling. Gelling with the dancing feet.

Flicks it to Charnley. Powell. Here is Bateman. Bit of a

gap. Can't get through. They have to go left, now, quickly. Sixth tackle

coming up. Smith inside for Isa. Flicks it away, Powell. Powell has

got it! Powell with the try. It is Wigan back with the lead. Is that

decisive? Or is there response yet from Hull? But you can see what it

means for those in cherry and white. Great play by Smith. Finds Isa, it's

a brilliant offload. Desperate offload. Powell is is there to

support him. Wigan back in front. Matty Smith to reestablish the four

point lead, over it goes. It is 22-18. Now, it is over to Hull, what

have they got in reserve? The drums are beating. At either end. This is

a big set, just Wigan now will take this up, there won't be many passes

in this and a kick over the touchline. Sarginson. A great set

from Wigan. Taking it a long way down field.

Yes, one more in and then Smith will look to put it over the touchline.

Here comes Matty Smith. Chips it. Making Hull play at it. Shaul

collects, has to get out of there and he can't. Charnley drags it back

in and Wigan celebrate that moment as if that is the match winner and

it might just be because they should get the ball back here from the drop

out. Lovely kick. Watch the chase. Smith gets there first. Charnley

drags him into the end goal. He recovered the ball in his own try

line. There he is there to make a tackle.

They are going to go short. They want that ball back, it has gone ten

metres. Farrell punched it backwards,

Tierney has it. Tierney! Through the gap. Tierney with a step, snaid

grabs a hold. Two-and-a-half minutes to go. They are short. Gildart

running. They are short on the left-hand side. If they doll right

they score. Crosby, Powell goes the other way,

tries to drive over. An try wins it for certain here for

Wigan. The clock is on their side.

Smith. Sarginson. Gelling. Gelling, Wigan are going to Old Trafford.

Gelling knows that, his team-mates know that, everybody knows that now,

it has been a sensational semifinal, but it is Wigan who are on their way

to the Grand Final. Desolation on one side, pure

celebration on the other. Wigan have found a way to win. Gelling just

sneaked over, that is what it means to these player, getting into the

Super League Grand Final. It has been one hell of a second half. You

are going to Old Trafford and this squad has been through the rafters

this past season, to get there is some achievement. We have been

through a lot. A lot of injury, a lot of big layers out. It is a

massive achievement for the young lads. We are looking forward to it.

Your side gave it everything out there?. . Yes. All we did in the

first half, seemed to defend, and I think it paid in the end, but great

effort by the boys to come back in the second half, we nearly went out

at the end but... I am smothered in disappointment tonight. In the main

we have been consistent this year, it has not been fluke, we are not

one season wonders, the group are going to stay together, we will be

better for that, there are a couple of adigs that will make us better,

so, yes, I think on wards and upwards for next season. I have

every respect for what Lee has done. They are a fantastic club with a

fantastic roster, to get that win was satisfying. You weren't getting

worried in the second half? No we have won so many games this year, we

know with the last gasp tries so I am used to it. We will be, we have

to a challenge with Warrington next week but we will be there or

thereabouts. When I said I was leaving I said I am focussed on

getting a bit of silverware before I left, so, yes, putting that game

today, you know, it is 80 minutes away from doing what I have said.

Jonathan, what a fantastic and dramatic second half we had. Yes,

the second half was superb, I thought that Hull were, looked out

of it, dead and buried in the first half. I don't know what he said at

half-time but they came out with all guns blazing. Tuimavave stepped up a

bit. Took a bit of pressure off Sneyd. It was last minute a try by

Gelling to secure their place in the final. A brilliant second half. I am

delighted for Hull. After the Challenge Cup they haven't played

very well. It is great for them to pinnish on a high. Wigan, they have

got some character in that rank, those youngsters. And with a lot of

kids, they have had the same injury problems of most big teams and they

have come through the other side better, we thought it was going to

be 30-0 but they stormed away in the first half with cracking tries, but

Irene force what was said, and Lee Radford must have given them round

the houses at half-time. They came out a different team. They couldn't

quite defend their own chalk well enough. Full credit to Wigan, many

teams would have crumbled when Hull went ahead in that second half. They

found their resolve, Wigan and the determination to post another couple

of scores. Warrington versus Wigan, how do you see it going? It is very

tough to call both semifinals. I was impressed by Warrington's front row

yesterday, they run from half-backs, they haven't got the cutting-edge I

thought they did v so selection will be interesting, but again, Wigan

with the structure they have and the youngsters, with the performance,

the belief they have, they will go in thinking they are underdogs, it

is a dauful. Warrington just start as favourite, I think, but again,

anyone's game. You are sitting on the fence! I think Warrington just.

What about you Brian The team with the most energy, after this winter

night that will enthuse Wigan, so Warrington have their hands full.

They have unfinished business, they have lost a Grand Final and they

haven't quite got it on their their CV I am probably just tipping

Warrington. It is Warrington versus wig none the Grand Final and we will

have highlights of that game on BBC Two. Before that we have highlights

of the Million Pound Game, Hull versus Salford. Highlights tomorrow

BBC Two at 6.00. So just one weekend left of the domestic rugby league

season, but the rugby league doesn't stop there here on the BBC. In just

four weeks' time, the four nations starts, and it starts with this.

Our coverage starts on Saturday 29th October, with England versus New

Zealand, live. We will also have highlights of Australia against Scot

Scotland. That is BBC One at 1.15. The Four Nations how will they get

on? I don't think Scotland will do well, unfortunately. It's a

development, you know, for them. They are up against the big three,

you don't expect much from them, but they will gain a lot 06 experience

from it. Englandic just think, half-backs selection is crucial, if

they go well at half-backs, I think they have got a great chance of

doing particular I well. Wane what will he bring, what Stam of Wayne

Bennett will we see Wayne's world. He will make a difference game day,

he says some things and does things that will enthuse the squad, so we

will see, the proof of the pudding will be in the eating. I think he

will make a big difference. All that is to come, here, Wigan have booked

their place in the Grand Final to take on Warrington. My thanks to

Brian and Jonathan, we will see you there.

JOHNNY CASH: # You can run on for a long time