Warriors back to winning ways at top

Wigan bounced back in style from their first defeat of the season with an eight-try 48-24 rout of Hull to consolidate their lead in the Engage Super League.

Any fear of a hangover from their second-half collapse at Bradford seven days earlier was removed by the interval, with all the Warriors three-quarters scoring tries in a clinical display.

Hull, who had the chance themselves to go top of the table, were on the back foot from the start as Pat Richards, Darrell Goulding, Martin Gleeson and Amos Roberts struck decisively to establish a commanding 18-point lead.

By the end, all the Wigan backs had got among the tries and Richards, the League's leading scorer, finished with another 20-point haul.

There was no sign of Paul Cooke at Craven Park but the controversial stand-off will have afforded himself a wry smile as his future employers put his current ones to the sword as Wakefield produced a stunning fightback to defeat Hull KR 31-18.

Cooke is poised to complete a season-long loan switch to Wakefield after once again falling out of favour at Craven Park, but he was not needed by John Kear's men here as they fought back from 18-6 down to end a two-game losing streak and banish the memories of last weekend's 52-0 hammering at home to Huddersfield.

The Wildcats trailed by 12 at the break and, despite starting the second-half without the sin-binned Danny Brough, posted two quick tries to level matters before going on to seal a fourth win of the season with 25 unanswered points.

Gareth Thomas watched a thrilling encounter as Crusaders gave St Helens a huge fright before leaving the GPW Recruitment Stadium with their pride intact and their reputation enhanced following Saints' 37-30 victory.

Eyebrows were raised when the Wales rugby union legend, 35, recently joined the Wrexham-based club on an 18-month deal, but on this evidence he should relish the experience. Thomas - who should make his debut for Crusaders in next Friday's home clash against Catalans - watched on from St Helens' main stand and saw his new team outscored by six tries to five.

Yet Brian Noble's men played some delightful stuff at times and never let their spirits sag, giving Saints several anxious moments with four second-half tries and leaving Thomas with much cause for optimism as he embarks on his new career.