Champs sweep aside Bramley

The RL giants began the defence of their Silk Cut Challenge Cup title with the easiest of ties and despite the Yorkshiremen's spirited display they could do little to halt the one-way traffic. With a record nine successive titles in their sights Wigan were professional to the last. They fielded their strongest line-up despite their hectic schedule and showed the second division side little mercy.

Inspired as usual by man-of-the-match Shaun Edwards they roared into a 32-12 half-time lead with flowing rugby ending in tries by Scott Quinnell, Gary Connolly, Martin Offiah, Kris Radlinski (2) and Jason Robinson, with Henry Paul tagging on four goals.

Bramley had nipped in for two neat tries themselves through Richard Stead and Wayne Freeman with two Dean Creaser goals, but after the break even that pleasure was denied them as the champions all too easily ran rampant.

Offiah bagged another three tries, substitute Andy Farrell - making a surprise first appearance since recovering from his hernia operation - stormed over for two more, while Quinnell grabbed his second and Neil Cowie and Va'aiga Tuigamala got one each. Martin Hall landed five goals. Coach Graeme West, always looking for perfection, thought his side were not on top of their game.

"It was one of those games when they struggled to get motivated, that is the way it happens sometimes. They got frustrated at times but scored some good tries and the second-half was a lot better.

"The difficult thing now will be the two weeks between the rounds as the players are used to playing at least weekly." WIGAN: Connolly, Robinson, Tuigamala, Radlinski, Offiah, Paul, Edwards, Cowie, Hall, O'Connor, Quinnell, Cassidy, Haughton. Subs: Smyth (for Radlinski 49), Farrell (for Haughton 26), Radlinski (for Paul 49), Haughton (for Cassidy 72).

Att: 4,627.

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