Wakefield 

1. Andy Hodgson, 2. Lynton Stott, 6. Shane Kenward, 25. Adam Hughes, 24. Neil Law, 13. Tony Kemp, 7. Glen Tomlinson, 8. Francis Stephenson, 9. Ian Talbot, 22. Paul Jackson, 11. Gary Price, 20. Graham Law, 12. Willie Poching.
Interchange: 21. David March, 26. Jamie Field, 27. Alfred Songoro, 30. Gareth Ellis.

Tries: Lynton Stott, Ian Talbot, Francis Stephenson, Tony Kemp
Goals: Ian Talbot 4

Wigan Warriors prepared for the serious business of the JJB Super League play-offs, and the defence of their championship, with a convincing win that owed much to their ability to find an extra gear when necessary. Indeed, they were trailing by two points at half-time - and that after taking a 10-0 lead in the first three minutes - and there was rarely a hint that spirited Trinity would collapse in the second half.

The highlight of Wigan's excellent recovery was a ten-minute hat-trick by Kris Radlinski, their full back. Danny Moore, the centre, also scored three tries but the collapse of Wakefield brought an alarming end to the season for their coach, Andrew Kelly: 126 points conceded in their final two games. They were beaten 66-6 at Gateshead a week ago.

Kelly was justifiably proud of his team's first season in the top flight but now that they have established themselves, there is more work to be done if they hope to become challengers for honours. Ian Talbot, surplus to requirements at Wigan and eventually sold to Wakefield, did much to inspire his team. His contribution of 12 points in four goals and a try, plus an excellent supporting role to provide prop forward Stephenson with his try, kept Wakefield in the chase until the second half when Wigan cut loose and ran in 38 points without reply. Wigan went in front after just 39 seconds with a try from Jason Robinson and this was quickly followed by another from Chris Chester, his first for the club.

By half-time, the teams had traded points, with Wakefield leading 24-22. However, Radlinski, Clinch and Moore scored further tries for Wigan before Mestrov provided the finishing touch with his first try of the season, just four minutes from the end. Wakefield's challenge fell apart in bizarre fashion in the 44th minute when Clinch, of Wigan, a craftsman at ball stealing during his days at Halilfax, ran into Stott who was carrying the ball away from danger. But from the collision, Clinch emerged with the ball and ran unopposed for the try that restored Wigan's lead.

It also sparked the ten-minute spell that belonged almost exclusively to Radlinski. Farrell and Gilmour combined to send the full back in for his first try after 56 minutes. Eight minutes later, he outpaced the towering Wakefield defence to score, stretching the lead to 48-24. Moore added further misery to Wakefield and, in the 76th minute, Connolly, having already crossed the Wakefield line, had time to wait for the arriving Mestrov to give the Australian a chance to celebrate his first score of the season.

Wakefield 24 Wigan 22

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Russell Smith (Castleford)