Wigan set aside their injury worries to end St Helens' 10-match winning run and rekindle their own hopes of a high finish in Super League.

Defences were on top during a try-less first half, but the Warriors overcame the loss of five internationals to secure a precious victory with three tries in the second period.

The result damages Saints' hopes of pipping Bradford to top spot, but Ian Millward's men have themselves to blame after failing to come to terms with the wet conditions.

They repeatedly ruined some enterprising approach work through their inability to hold onto a ball made slippery by a deluge before kick-off.

Adrian Lam, currently considering the offer of a new contract, continued his unbeaten record as stand-in Wigan skipper with a skilful man-of-the-match display.

There was also an accomplished performance from Julian O'Neill, who kicked five goals from seven attempts.

St Helens, who were hoping to avenge their Challenge Cup final defeat, felt the wrath of referee Russell Smith in a penalty-ridden first half.

But the first try came for Wigan after the break, courtesy of neat inter-play on the last tackle between centre David Hodgson and his winger Jamie Ainscough, who scored.

O'Neill landed the touchline conversion to make it 8-2 and the Warriors extended their lead six minutes later after Lam showed electrifying pace to touch down.

Wigan piled on the agony for their shell-shocked visitors when loose forward David Furner took O'Neill's neat reverse pass to cross for the third try.

St Helens finished a well-beaten side but at least they had the last say when substitute Tommy Martyn intercepted and held off the cover to touch down for a consolation try.

Wigan: Connolly, Briscoe, Aspinwall, Hodgson, Ainscough, O'Neill, Lam, O'Connor, Newton, C. Smith, Wild, Cassidy, Furner.
Replacements: Bibey, Tickle, Howard, M. Smith.

St Helens: Wellens, Stewart, Gleeson, Newlove, Albert, Sculthorpe, Long, Britt, Cunningham, Nickle, Joynt, Stankevitch, Shiels.
Replacements: Ward, Martyn, Higham, Bennett.

Referee: Russell Smith (Castleford)