Former Newcastle centre George Carmont set Wigan on their way to a first Wembley final since 1998 as they held off St Helens 18-12 in their Challenge Cup semi-final on Saturday.

The veteran centre grabbed the only try of the first period with stunning tries from starlets Josh Charnley and Sam Tomkins putting them in control heading into the final quarter.

Saints, who have now exited at the semi-final stage for the last three years, stormed back with Francis Meli laying on two tries for Jamie Foster but the champions held firm to seal their final place.

They now await the winners of Sunday's semi-final between Castleford and Leeds.

Saints, who were given a pre-match boost when prop James Graham declared himself fit, started the brighter with a couple of repeat sets of six.

Ex-Wests Tigers back Pat Richards had the first chance to end the stalemate but uncharacteristically fired a 30m penalty wide of the posts.

Both defences remained on top and it was 25 minutes before there was a score when Saints winger Jamie Foster slotted over a simple penalty.

Then from nowhere a moment of magic from Josh Charnley was finished off by Carmont, the play also including some smart lead-up work from Australian duo Brett Finch and Ryan Hoffman

Wigan had their second try in the 56th minute following more wonderful wing play from Charnley, the 20-year-old dancing past Francis Meli and Paul Wellens before going under the posts.

That seemed to deflate Saints and three minutes later Sam Tomkins barged and jinked his way over from close range and Richards' boot made it 18-2 with 20 minutes to go.

Three minutes Carmont fluffed a certain try as he dropped the ball over the line, Saints going straight up the other end to reduced the deficit with Meli brilliantly offloading to Foster to go over in the corner.

And when the same players combined for Foster to go over again on 70 minutes it was game on again with Foster missing with the boot.

But try as they might Saints, who have failed to beat their old foes in four matches this season, just couldn't force their way over again.

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