1. Joe Lydon, 2. Jason Robinson, 3. Barrie-Jon Mather, 4. Gary Connolly, 5. Martin Offiah, 6. Frano Botica, 7. Shaun Edwards

WiganlTries:l

Martin Dermott, Martin Offiah, Andy Farrell, Phil Clarke, Neil Cowie, Shaun Edwards, Sam Panapa

1. Steve Prescott, 2. Mike Riley, 3. Phil Veivers, 4. Paul Loughlin, 5. Anthony Sullivan, 6. Jon Griffiths, 7. Gus O'Donnell

StlHelenslTries:l

It had been well speculated but Wigan finally announced the signing of All Black Va'aiga Tuigamala prior this Christmas derby, but the game almost didn't happen. Wigan had forgotten to switch on the undersoil heating system and it was left to natural weather to decide whether the game would go ahead. Saints didn't fancy it and protested heavily that the game should be off but referee John Holdsworth declared the pitch fit. It was a slow burner for Wigan. Steve Prescott had already given Saints a 2-0 lead before scoring a try and converting for 8-0 in the 16th Minute. That start led to John Monie replacing Martin Hall with Martin Dermott at hooker and it quickly paid dividends with the substitute crashing over on 22 Minutes. Then Sam Panapa slipped a lovely pass to send Martin Offiah in the left corner and this put Wigan 12-8 up at the break. A try for Andy Farrell made it 18-8 on 43 minutes but it was only after Phil Clarke scored on 58 minutes that Saints began to collapse. Further scores from Neil Cowie, Shaun Edwards and Sam Panapa completed the victory. The pitch for Widnes v Warrington didn't pass an inspection, so Wigan were able to go top of the table for 24 hours at least with that match being re-arranged for the 27th December.

Wigan 12 St Helens 8

29,161

Referee:l

John Holdsworth (Kippax)

Television:l

Delayed Coverage on Sky Sports