Hull Sharks 16, Wigan Warriors 38 WIGAN were relieved to grab two points and get back down the motorway after comfortably overcoming the potential banana skin of a trip to Hull.

Even though the Sharks had gone five games without a win coach John Monie didn't underestimate them.

"It was always going to be a tough afternoon at the Boulevard so you have just got to do the best under difficult conditions," he said. "It is a long way and we got the two points. We are happy to get on the bus and get out of here."

The Warriors, despite conceding three tries for the first time this season, were never threatened despite a brave display from the Sharks.

Wigan had too much craft and speed and with Andy Farrell producing a much better kicking game than of late there was only ever going to be one winner.

But all credit to Hull, who despite being pinned back in their own half for the first 30 minutes, produced a much better second-half. They frustrated Wigan when a heavy defeat looked on the cards.

Denis Betts and Farrell were outstanding in the Wigan pack, while the back line always had the speed and ability to create chances.

Monie admitted that Hull's tactics had got to his side.

"My players got a bit frustrated in the second-half and gave away penalties. With the ball in hand our attacking play was good out wide. But I was concerned about the 16 points we gave away. Our kicking game was much better. We have worked at it and can still improve on it."

Monie added that he was delighted with Darryl Cardiss who started his first game in place of injured scrum-half Tony Smith.

"I had intended using him for 20 minutes before bringing in Jason Robinson, but I was happy with his performance and he played right through the game."

Skipper Farrell was quick to admit the kicking game was much better: "We have done a hell of a lot of work this week. We have stayed behind after training and worked to a pattern which we put into effect today."

The Warriors raced to a 12-0 lead in the opening 20 minutes, with quick hands providing the overlap for two tries.

The first saw Kris Radlinski put prop Neil Cowie over for his second try in as many games and then brilliant handling by Farrell and Mark Bell allowed Simon Haughton to scamper over. Farrell added two goals before the Sharks replied when Alan Hunte's desperate pass was kicked on by Jamie Smith who dived over to score.

Wigan nosed further ahead when Farrell's up and under was juggled by Robinson before he touched down in the corner and Farrell converted. On the stroke of half-time Paul dropped Bell's pass with the line at his mercy.

Weak tackling allowed Danny Moore to push Wigan further in front in the 56th minute, but it was not until the 72nd minute when the Hull defence was breached again when Paul's long pass found Gary Connolly.

Moore completed the scoring after a superb move from Lee Gilmour and Farrell added four further goals. Hull scored twice in the second-half through Logan Campbell and Fili Seru, with Smith adding a goal.

WIGAN: Radlinski, Bell, Connolly, Moore, Robinson, Paul, Cardiss, Cowie, McCormack, Mestrov, Betts, Haughton, Farrell. Subs: Holgate (for Mestrov 31), Gilmour (for Haughton 52), Cassidy (for Cowie 61), Mestrov (for Holgate 64), Johnson (for Robinson 70). Att: 6,998.

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