Wigan shatter Leeds' Grand Final dream

Wigan ended the champions' hopes of reaching another Grand Final following a high-intensity semi at Headingley and will play St Helens at Old Trafford in a week's time.

Despite winning an epic play-off between the sides a fortnight ago, the Yorkshire club could not reach the same standards this evening as their ecstatic opponents - who also suffered a Challenge Cup exit here in May - gained the sweetest of revenge.

Leeds gave everything in front of a crowd of 13,692 but ultimately, when chasing the contest in the last half-hour, they needed some of Danny McGuire's magic or Jamie Peacock's inspiration.

Both were missing due to injury and Wigan, who finished as League leaders, rightfully earned their spot in the showpiece as they continue their search for a first championship since 1998.

The contest had been billed as grudge match due to the ill-feeling between the clubs, Leeds furious about the re-action of some Wigan players in the aftermath of McGuire's injury at DW Stadium two weeks ago.

They were also incensed by ex-Wigan captain Phil Clarke's comments who had said the Rhinos stand-off - who suffered the injury after pulling back George Carmont - possibly deserved the eight-month lay-off as some sort of karma.

The Sky pundit did risk the wrath of the Leeds fans by performing his usual pre-match commentary from the side of the pitch although he comically had a security guard to take him up the gantry.

The game was finely-balanced 8-6 in Wigan's favour at half-time following a tightly contested opening period.

It started at a relentless pace and was almost error-free with hardly a break in play before Pat Richards put Wigan in front courtesy of a 15th minute penalty.

Leeds had matched the opponents but struggled to gain much field position to force their own attacks.

However, they were gifted that just three minutes later when Wigan centre Martin Gleeson fumbled under a heavy joint-tackle from Danny Buderus and Ian Kirke.

Jamie Jones-Buchanan picked up and swiftly fed Kevin Sinfield, the Leeds captain exploiting Wigan's out-of-position defence to arc away from Harrison Hansen and ease clear from 35 metres.

Sinfield converted his own score but Wigan, shrugging off the loss of captain Sean O'Loughlin midway through, hit back strongly.

Darrell Goulding thought he had got over after kicking around Brent Webb but was denied the try due to a slight knock-on short of the line.

However, the prolific winger did cross four minutes before the break following a slick move involving Thomas Leuluai, Sam and Joel Tomkins, Richards' kick giving them an 8-6 interval advantage.

Leeds suffered the worst possible start to the second period, Joel Tomkins scoring after just 58 seconds when Scott Donald misjudged Paul Deacon's hanging kick and the England second-row juggled his way over.

Richards improved and did likewise when the Cherry and Whites secured a fortuitous third try in the 46th minute.

Michael McIlorum appeared to drop the ball in contact with Kylie Leuluai before George Carmont hacked over the whitewash to scrappily touch down but video referee Ben Thaler ruled the Leeds prop had ripped possession and awarded the score.

Richards converted and Leeds - who lost another injured prop Ryan Bailey in the first half - began their attempt to wrestle back control.

With full-back Brent Webb outstanding they did have chances but some dubious referee decisions mixed with some stellar Wigan defence denied them.

Buderus bizarrely saw an effort ruled out near the death by Thaler and, to rub salt into the wounds, Martin Gleeson eased over in the final seconds as Wigan added gloss which they did not really warrant, Richards maintaining his 100 per cent record.

Leeds: Webb, Donald, Senior, Delaney, Hall, Sinfield, Burrow, K Leuluai, Buderus, Bailey, Ablett, Kirke, Jones-Buchanan. Substitutes: Diskin, Eastwood, Lauitiiti, Clarkson.

Wigan: S Tomkins, Goulding, Gleeson, Carmont, Richards, Deacon, T Leuluai, Fielden, Riddell, Coley, Hansen. J Tomkins, O'Loughlin. Substitutes: Prescott, Paleaaaesina, McIlorum, Farrell

Referee: Richard Silverwood (Mirfield)