Challenge Cup holders Warrington Wolves were denied the chance to make it three titles in a row when they were beaten 44-24 by Wigan in their quarter-final on Saturday.

The hosts made a terrible start as tries from Harrison Hansen, Sam Tomkins, Andy Coley and Pat Richards gave Wigan a 22-0 lead after 27 minutes.

But Warrington, who beat Huddersfield Giants and Leeds Rhinos in the last two finals at Wembley, battled back in trademark fashion.

A try from Matt King and two from Richie Myler brought it back to 16-20 at the break and another from David Solomona just after the break brought Warrington back to within two points of Wigan.

Richards and King then traded tries - the second of the match for both of them - before 19-year-old Josh Charnely made up for an indifferent defensive display with a late double that sealed the match for Wigan.

"He got caught out a couple of times but that was in the first half and in the second half he did his job," said Wigan coach Michael Maguire.

"For a kid like that to bounce back and come up with a try like that, it is an outstanding effort."

Warrington coach Tony Smith vowed to bounce back in the Super League where the Wolves trail leaders Wigan by one point with seven rounds to go.

"We would have loved to have gone back to that special place down south but it is somebody else's turn this year," he said.

"On the positive side we can really go for the other part of it now without distractions.

"We would have loved to have gone through and done it the hard way - going to Wembley and then fronting up for the (play-off) finals.

"However that is not the case. We can just focus on Super League and we will be well and truly focused."

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