Wigan Warriors 14 Huddersfield Giants 16: Good day, bad day, ref watch and player ratings
Following the fixture at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Peter Smith runs through the key moments from the game.
Good day - For Wigan, obviously, but also rugby league. Despite a disappointing attendance, a gripping final portrayed the sport in its best light.
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Hide AdBad day: For Tui Lolohea, the Huddersfield Giants’ full-back, had a fine game, providing the final pass for two touchdowns and making a superb try-saving tackle, but his off day with the boot proved costly in the end.
Key moment: 77th minute - Liam Marshall’s try in the 77th minute, from an astute kick by Harry Smith, broke Giants’ hearts and won the Cup for Wigan.
Ref watch: James Child - Did a good job overall in his first Challenge Cup final, but the result might have been different had Morgan Smithies been sin-binned for either of his two high tackles in the second half.
Verdict: Huddersfield Giants should be proud of their performance, collectively and as a team. They were the better side and deserved more than losers’ medals.
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Hide AdQuote of the Day: "It (the Lance Todd award) is something I am extremely proud of, but I’d give it back for the other trophy." - Huddersfield Giants forward Chris McQueen.
Player ratings - Huddersfield: Lolohea 8, McGillvary 8, Cudjoe 8, Leutele 8, Senior 7, Cogger 7, Russell 8, Hill 6, Levi 7, Wilson 7, Jones 7, McQueen 8, Yates 8 Substitutes: English 7, Greenwood 6, Trout 6, Golding 7.
Wigan: Field 7, French 7, Thornley 7, Bibby 7, Marshall 7, Cust 7, Smith 8, Singleton 7, O’Neill 8, Byrne 6, Farrell 7, Bateman 8, Smithies 7. Substitutes: Leuluai 8, Mago 7, Ellis 7, Harvard 8.