Wigan Warriors 36 Hull FC 4

According to the old cliche, this knock-out competition is all about the result rather than the performance.

But the Warriors exhibited their trophy-winning credentials with a scintillating outing which was - possibly - their best of the season.

Their reward is a semi-final against Leeds on October 3 - the draw was made at half-time - with their sights on reaching the final two weeks later.

On this display, they are certainly capable of going all the way. They were composed, clinical and confident, full of energy and invention.

Liam Farrell and Bevan French both scored two tries for Wigan, who effectively had the game wrapped up when they led 26-0 at half-time.

Sean O'Loughlin made his first appearance since the season restarted while hooker Sam Powell made his 200th appearance for his hometown club. George Burgess, Ben Flower, Tony Clubb, Morgan Smithies, Joe Bullock and Liam Marshall were among the absentees due to injury or suspension.

Halfback Marc Sneyd - man of the match in the final victory against Wigan three years ago - made a surprise return from injury. But FC, playing their third game in nine days, were missing key players Albert Kelly and Jamie Shaul.

Wigan played with intent from the start. O'Loughlin's influence sharpened up their work with the ball, providing the offload for Powell's fifth minute opener.

They powered on with a try from Farrell and, while there was a bit of fortune as he touched down a loose ball in a scramble, the early 12-0 scoreline reflected their early dominance.

French scored the first of his first half double in the 22nd minute, showing he has strength as well as footwork to punch through the line.

And Wigan refused to let the loss of Dom Manfredi and Powell to head assessment's disrupt their rhythm.

Hull FC, though, were sloppy with the ball and loose in defence. And with two minutes to go before half-time, Wigan hit them a quickfire double salvo to make it 26-0.

First, a crisp, sweeping move to the right released makeshift winger Hardaker, whose measured angled kick was pounced on by French.

And in the final play before the break, FC's desperation resulted in a ball going to ground and Joe Burgess was on hand to scoop it up and race the length of the field.

The Black and Whites regathered some resemblance of composure from the restart but in the 55th minute, Wigan all-but secured the result.

Jackson Hastings, O'Loughlin and Harry Smith combined crisply to send Farrell over for his second try to extend their advantage to 30 points.

And after Smith sent Oliver Gildart over for a touchdown, he celebrated by mimicking the referee - whistling and pointing to the spot!

Mahe Fonua crossed for a consolation as the game ended into the final 10 minutes but it did little to dampen the spirits of the Warriors and their fans.

Wigan: French; Manfredi, Hardaker, Gildart, J Burgess; Hastings, Leuluai; Havard, Powell, Partington, Isa, Farrell, O'Loughlin. Subs: Clark, Greenwood, Jo Shorrocks, Smith.

Hull FC: Wynne; Fonua, Tuimavave, Griffin, Faraimo; Connor, Sneyd; Matongo, Johnstone, Fash, Ma'u, Lane, Cator. Subs: Houghton, Satae, Sao, Brown.