Bradford (6) 22
Tries: Whitehead, Ah Van 2, Royston Goals:Ah Van 3

Wigan (10) 26
Tries: Richards 2, Tomkins, Finch, Farrell Goals: Richards 3

Wigan beat Bradford in Challenge Cup thriller

Wigan Warriors resisted a fightback from 12-man Bradford Bulls to reach the Challenge Cup quarter-finals.

Elliott Whitehead put the Bulls ahead, but Pat Richards cancelled that out and Gareth Raynor was sent off for a foul on Sam Tomkins, who still crossed.

The Warriors increased their advantage through Brett Finch and Richards after the break, before Patrick Ah Van and Shad Royston gave Bradford hope.

But Liam Farrell confirmed victory for Wigan before Ah Van's consolation try.

Bradford were unrecognisable from the side humiliated 44-10 at home by Wigan in February and deserved their early lead.

Bryn Hargreaves and Andy Lynch combined to help makeshift centre Whitehead cross the line, Ah Van converting.

Wigan pulled a try back through Richards, who took Darrell Goulding's pass to cross.

But the real drama came when former Great Britain winger Raynor was sent off after half an hour for a foul on Tomkins, as he crossed for Wigan's second try.

He appeared to try to dislodge the ball from Tomkins' hands but referee Steve Ganson decided that he had intended to harm the Wigan full-back.

Tomkins was out cold for several minutes and, after being helped up, was taken off never to return.

Tomkins knocked out as he scores try

Wigan were also down to 12 men, temporarily, when prop Jeff Lima was sin-binned for use of the elbow. And, when he came back, on the Warriors were further ahead.

Stand-off Finch sprinted 70 metres for the first before Richards, who moved to full-back in Tomkins' absence, touched down for his second try.

Bradford rallied, scrum-half Ben Jeffries carving out a try for winger Ah Van and full-back Royston pounced on Briggs' grubber kick to cut the deficit to four points.

Wigan made it safe through Farrell's 75th-minute try, but Ah Van had the last say.

Bradford coach Mick Potter plans to discuss Raynor's red card with RFL director of referees Stuart Cummings.

Bradford coach Mick Potter:

"I'll go through the appropriate channels. I thought Gareth Raynor was trying to stop the try.

"It was without a doubt the turning point, that was plain to see. 12 v 13 in the second half was tough. It wasn't impossible but it was tougher than it would normally be."

Wigan coach Michael Maguire:

"He didn't miss him so I thought it was a fair call.

"Sam took a fair knock. He was definitely out when the doctor got to him and he's still quite groggy.

"But I'm hoping Sam will be OK for next week. We'll assess that as the week goes by."

Bradford: Royston; Raynor, Platt, Whitehead, Ah Van; Briggs, Jeffries; Lynch, L'Estrange, Hargreaves, Elima, Sibbit, Langley.
Replacements: Burgess, Diskin, Kopczak, Olbison.

Sent Off: Raynor (30).

Wigan: S Tomkins; Charnley, J Tomkins, Goulding, Richards; Finch, Leuluai; Coley, McIlorum, Mossop, Farrell, Hoffman, O'Loughlin.
Replacements: Tuson, Lima, Deacon, Prescott.

Sin Bin: Lima (36).

Attendance: 5,828.

Referee: Steve Ganson (St Helens).

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