Rugby League: Hampson passes test to make Wigan happy

STEVE HAMPSON has been passed fit to play for Wigan in the Silk Cut Challenge Cup final against Widnes at Wembley tomorrow, writes Dave Hadfield.

Hampson came safely through a test on his calf before Wigan set out for London yesterday, but his coach, John Monie, has delayed a decision on which of his 16-man squad will miss out on the big occasion.

The complicated injury picture at Widnes has been clarified slightly. Of the fitness tests taken yesterday, the full-back, Stuart Spruce, will definitely play, but the back-up winger, Adrian Hadley, has been ruled out with a damaged hamstring.

John Devereux, in doubt all week with a shoulder injury, is now confident that he will be fit. 'I've been able to work on the tackle bags without any ill-effects and I should be all right,' he said.

The veteran prop, Kurt Sorensen, for whom Wembley will mark the last match in an 18-year professional career, now has the full range of movement in the leg he bruised badly on Sunday, but he still faces a fitness test.

Also subject to late checks will be David Myers, Andy Currier and Darren Wright, so the Widnes coach, Phil Larder, has brought his young utility back, Christian Tyrer, to the team's headquarters in St Albans, as well as his Australian reinforcement, Julian O'Neill.

'I am putting off final decisions but from being down in the dumps it looks as though we may be able to put out a recognisable team,' he said.