Sunday 8th July 2012, 15:30 - Round:20

Sam Tomkins starred with a 24-point haul as Wigan Warriors extended their lead to five points at the summit of the Stobart Super League with a comprehensive victory over Wakefield Trinity Wildcats.

Wakefield took an early lead through a Peter Fox try but Wigan, who were superb throughout, responded in style to take the win as both Tomkins and George Carmont each ran in a hat-trick of tries.

Fox’s third-minute effort after some good work from former Wigan man Tim Smith put Wakefield ahead but the Warriors drew level in the 16th minute when Tomkins grabbed his first try of a magnificent afternoon.

The England full-back was in support for the simplest of finishes after Sean O'Loughlin had put Chris Tuson away with a superb flat ball.

Tomkins then converted his own try to push the visitors in front - a lead they never relinquished.

After some near misses from both sides, the Warriors moved further clear on the half-hour mark as Matty Smith, fresh from his move from Salford City Reds earlier in the week, created the space for fellow half Brett Finch, who sent Gareth Hock racing away to score.

That sparked the Warriors into life and they scored a further two tries in the final 10 minutes of the first half to give themselves real breathing space.

First, Tomkins grabbed his second of the match thanks to some masterful play from dummy-half; the full-back making sure after Carmont had bombed a golden opportunity to go over the tackle before.

Then, Hock's superb offload laid the platform for Carmont to race in for the easiest of scores, Tomkins this time pushing his kick wide of the posts to give the visitors an 22-4 half-time lead.

The pattern continued into the second half, and two quick-fire penalties cost the home side dear when O'Loughlin put Harrison Hansen in for a well-worked try, seemingly ending the game as a contest.

Any lingering doubts over the result were eradicated just minutes later as Iain Thornley grabbed himself a quick brace of tries - both thanks to some excellent play by the visitors to keep the ball alive.

The Warriors were now running riot, and Carmont became the third Wigan player of the afternoon to grab a double when he was on the end of another Warriors line break, collecting Hock's pass to finish in the corner.

There was still time for the superb Tomkins to grab his hat-trick try - and it was the pick of the bunch.

After first chipping over the defensive line and regaining the ball, the full-back then chipped the ball over opposite number Richie Mathers for a try of the highest quality.

The Wildcats grabbed a consolation score when Ali Lauitiiti and Ben Cockayne combined to send the latter over for a simple finish, but the Warriors rounded off the scoring when Carmont completed his hat-trick, courtesy of a majestic break from that man Tomkins.