Wigan 82 Bath 6 WIGAN showed little mercy as they dispatched Bath in a complete mismatch at Maine Road last night.

The rugby league champions produced a professional and clinical performance which left their rugby union counterparts reeling with the power and pace of the game.

But that takes nothing away from Bath's performance. It was full of pride and spirit and they never let their heads drop despite being completely outplayed in a game totally alien to them. England internationals Phil de Glanville, Jonathan Callard, Mike Catt and Andy Robinson worked tirelesly but their efforts were in vain against a Wigan outfit determined to put the double rugby union champions firmly in their place.

More importantly, however, the game helped heel the wounds of 100 years animosity between the two codes while at the same time boosting the clubs' depleted coffers.

Wigan blitzed their opponents from the start scoring their first try as early as the first minute and by half-time led 52-0. Martin Offiah led the way with six tries, while Jason Robinson (2), Terry O'Connor (2), Andy Johnson (2), Henry Paul, Scott Quinnell, Craig Murdock and Mick Cassidy all grabbed touchdowns in the scoring spree. Andy Farrell added four goals and Martin Hall five.

Bath's cosolation try and goal, much to the delight of the crowd, came through Callard when he darted over in the 48th minute.

Wigan skipper Shaun Edwards was quick to praise his oponnents saying: "The Bath lads never gave in. They showed why they are a double winning side and battled back. "It will be tough at Twickenham as we have a lot of rules to learn but we will give it our best shot."

The Bath players can't wait for the return on May 25th when, playing their own game, are confident they can reek revenge on Wigan.

"It was a shock to the system," admitted Bath flyer Jon Sleightholme. "But we came back well in the second half and we will be looking to make amends in the return."

Bath captain de Glanville said: "We are as green as they come but we learned as we went along. We were up against it but stopped making mistakes and were gradually starting to get there." The return will not be as one-sided as this because although Wigan may lack the technique they have the fitness, speed and power which makes for an intriguing contest.

As Bath half-back Mike Catt said: "They have a better chance of getting close to us at Twickenham. But tonight was a great occasion and we never gave in.

WIGAN: Radlinski, Robinson, Tuigamala, Connolly, Offiah, Paul, Edwards, Cowie, Hall, O'Connor, Haughton, Cassidy, Farrell. Subs: Smyth (for Paul 14), Johnson (for Farrell 14), Murdock (for Tuigamala 25), Quinnell (for cassidy 25), Cassidy (for Smyth HT), Tuigamala (for Cowie 62). Att: 20,418.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.