Marshall grabs Challenge Cup glory for Wigan to break Huddersfield hearts

Liam Marshall’s try three minutes from full-time secured the Challenge Cup for Wigan for a record-extending 20th occasion in dramatic fashion, denying Huddersfield their first major trophy in 69 years.

Marshall scored the winner in the Warriors’ semi-final victory over St Helens and just as it seemed as though an absorbing final was beyond them, the winger seized upon Harry Smith’s pinpoint kick to secure the trophy.

For Huddersfield, who led for large periods, the manner of defeat will have been devastating. They certainly did not wither on the biggest stage but were ultimately undone by a moment of brilliance by their opponents.

Huddersfield led by four points at half-time and they settled the quicker of the two sides. Their early dominance was rewarded via a penalty, converted by Tui Lolohea, before Ricky Leutele forced his way across the line from close range to score the first try. Lolohea was off-target with the conversion though, a theme that would run throughout the afternoon.

The Giants then suffered a blow when Chris Hill was forced from the field injured and three minutes later Wigan’s first real foray into Huddersfield territory yielded their first try. A wonderful offload from Morgan Smithies freed Harry Smith, who raced home before converting from out wide to level the scores at 6-6.

Huddersfield regathered themselves well from that setback and by half-time, they were back in front as slick hands to the right created the space for Chris McQueen to dummy across the line despite the attention of three defenders. But Wigan responded with real style after the break, as Bevan French and Jai Field combined to send the latter across.

Lolohea then missed a penalty that would have levelled the scores, and he was off