Rugby League: Britain's best hope sunk by Mariners

Wigan 18 Hunter Mariners 22

Britain's brightest hopes were extinguished as Wigan went out of the World Club Championship at Central Park last night and the Mariners preserved their doomed existence for another week at least.

Although it was a match of numerous controversial rulings, there was no denying that the Australians, under threat of closure when they go home, were the more accomplished team.

Wigan took the lead through an Andy Farrell penalty in the fourth minute, but then faced a torrid assault from the Mariners, who scored one try and were only just denied another.

Their score came when Scott Hill took Brett Kimmorley's pass and, despite seeming to be held up by Jason Robinson, twisted to set the ball down. Kevin Iro, back on the ground where he made his reputation hit the post from an easy position.

There was another try on the way when Tyran Smith split Wigan's defence, but a wonderful tackle from Kris Radlinski stopped Brad Godden with the line in view. Another Farrell penalty brought Wigan level.

The game was anything but even, though, with Hunter frequently stretching Wigan, whose own attacking intentions were completely stifled.

Five minutes before half-time Henry Paul made a mess of his initial attempt to kick through from halfway, but then appeared to be tripped by Tony Iro as he went for a second stab at it.

With players on both sides waiting for the stoppage and the referee, Russell Smith, reaching for his pocket, Radlinski picked up the loose ball and cantered away for a try allowed after long video deliberation and improved by Farrell.

There was another try-saving tackle by Gael Pallec on Hill before Wigan rode their luck again, Ross losing Farrell's high kick and Danny Ellison following up to touch down.

That good fortune could not last forever and when Hunter did get a try through Nick Zisti there was a suspicion of a forward pass in the build- up.

Within three minutes, they were over again with Kevin Iro and Ross opening the way for John Carlaw.

Wigan looked certain to go behind, but Kimmorley lost the ball lunging for the line.

They did so when Kimmorley's long pass, again possibly forward, sent in Zisti for his second, this time converted by Iro.

Hunter clinched it five minutes from time when Ellison's attempt to hack clear a kick put the ball straight into the arms of Richard Swain and Ellison's own try in injury time was academic.

Wigan: Robinson; Ellison, Johnson, Radlinski, Cardiss; Paul, Murdock; Cowie, Clarke, Hansen, Haughton, Cassidy, Farrell. Substitutes used: O'Connor, Holgate, Wright, Tallec.

Hunter Mariners: Ross; Zisti, Godden, K Iro, Carlaw; Hill, Kimmorley; Stone, McCormack, Brann, Doherty, Marquet, Smith. Substitutes used: Maddison, T Iro, Swain.

Referee: R Smith (Castleford).