Challenge Cup 2013: Widnes Thumping Puts Wigan on Course for Wembley Glory

Wigan romped home to a convincing 48-4 win over Widnes to seal a place in the last four of the Challenge Cup and put themselves on the brink of a return to Wembley.

Having missed out on major silverware altogether last season, excluding the League Leader's Shield, the Warriors will be desperate to get their hands on a trophy this year.

Josh Charnley was in inspirational form once again for the hosts, touching down for a classy first-half hat-trick that all but ended the contest before the break.

Charnley is this season's top scorer in Super League with 25 tries, and this treble took his overall tally to 32 for the season. The England winger is having a superb year and is currently second in overall metres made (2615) and clean breaks (28) in league competition.

His coach, Shaun Wane, reiterated this point to BBC Sport after the game, saying:

"

Josh Charnley was outstanding. He has been consistently good for a few months. He works hard in training and it shows with how he plays.

"

Charnley was joined on the scoresheet by Sam Tomkins, Matty Smith, Liam Farrell, Ryan Hampshire and Blake Green, while eight successful conversion attempts from Pat Richards completed the rout for the hosts. Patrick Ah Van registered a lone consolation for the Vikings, who will be disappointed with a generally disjointed performance.

After such a closely run 33-32 defeat last month, Widnes had high hopes of registering an upset in this fixture, especially with the Warriors' recent injury concerns. However, the hosts welcomed back key performers; Tomkins, Lee Mossop and Sean O'Loughlin, and the Vikings' ended up producing a performance more reminiscent of the 62-4 demolition they suffered against Wigan in March.

Wane commented on just how crucial those returnees were to his side, again to BBC Sport:

"

I thought we played well and scored some good tries. It was good to get Lockers (Sean O'Loughlin) and Sam back.

We were crisp in our attack. It was our best performance for about three weeks, it just shows what a difference Lockers makes.

"

The Warriors must now fancy their chances of hoisting their second Challenge Cup trophy in three years, especially after drawing the rather beleaguered London Broncos in the semifinals.

The Broncos currently prop up the Super League table, and should Wigan prevail in that contest—as their most recent 64-6 drubbing suggests they might—Wane's side will face either Hull FC or recent cup specialists Warrington at Wembley.

The Wolves hold a victory over Wigan already this season and would clearly test the Super League leaders, as they have done on several occasions over recent years.

However, given their form tonight, and that fact that key players seem to be on the mend, the Warriors look clear favourites to take home the trophy.

Statistics via superleague.co.uk