Rugby League: Bell's comeback points the way: Wigan need to win last match to retain the Championship

Warrington. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Wigan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

WIGAN must still beat Castleford on Friday to become the first team in 90 years to win the Championship on point difference, but they took a major step towards retaining the title with this convincing victory.

The return of Dean Bell after a 15- day lay-off with concussion made a crucial difference to Wigan. His two tries in four minutes midway through the first half settled their early unsteadiness and pointed the way to a win that was more clear-cut than it sounds.

His first came after Shaun Edwards had sent Andy Farrell striding on to a perfect short pass. Farrell, only added to the team when Phil Clarke pulled out with a back injury, timed his pass to Bell equally well.

Edwards also opened the door for Bell's second with another neat pass and at 12-0, following Botica's conversion, Wigan were cruising. But Warrington, who had spurned an early chance when Mark Forster stepped into touch, hit back in the 28th minute through Duane Mann.

The New Zealand hooker tried what seemed an optimistic little kick near the Wigan line, but he got a favourable rebound off Steve Hampson and clung to the ball to score.

Any chance that Warrington might stage a serious comeback was undermined by the way they frequently threw the ball away in their own 25. That put them under pressure that was certain to tell eventually, even against a depleted and jaded Wigan.

Six minutes after the break Forster lashed out at Martin Offiah and Botica slotted the penalty. A pass dropped by Neil Harmon then allowed Wigan to continue to turn the screw when Martin Dermott and Botica supplied Edwards with his 45th try of the season.

Botica's drop goal edged Wigan further ahead and Farrell got a deserved try when he latched on to Sam Panapa's pass.

Wigan finished untidily with Paul Williamson and Paul Cullen claiming tries for Warrington when it was too late.

Wigan's own position is now clear. Their massively superior points difference - the major contributor, Botica, moved to within five points of Fred Griffiths' 42-year-old club record yesterday - will see them safely home if they beat Castleford.

Their coach, John Monie, hopes to have Clarke and Andrew Farrar back then. In the meantime, he can thank Wigan's youth policy for the emergence of a fresh talent like Farrell just when it is needed most.

Warrington: Darbyshire; Williamson, Bateman, Thorniley, Forster (Bennett, 48), Ellis, Mackey; Harmon, Mann, Chambers (Tees, 56), Cullen, Richards, Shelford.

Wigan: Hampson; Robinson, Bell, Lydon, Offiah, Botica, Edwards; Cowie (Gildart, 61), Dermott (Cassidy, 59), (Cowie, 66), Forshaw, Farrell, Panapa, Betts.

Referee: D Campbell (Widnes).