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Wigan equal record with fifth global crown after dubious Wardle try secures dramatic victory

- DAVE CRAVEN

Wigan Warriors 16 Penrith Panthers 12

AFTER all the red card nonsense 24 hours earlier, it was wonderful Wigan's cherry red that ruled the world.

The World Club Challenge threatened to be overshadowed by Friday's farcical sending-off of Hull's Nu Brown at Warrington.

Frustrated players and fans alike were in uproar that someone could be dismissed for an accidental head clash with such 'minimal' contact.

However, the RFL's strict new rulings weren't in use last night.

Super League champions Wigan and three-peat NRL premiers Penrith battled it out for global glory.

And between them they delivered a classic in front of a rocking sold-out DW Stadium - with desperate Wigan producing a remarkable try-saving tackle on Taylan May (right) with the final play.

There were huge doubts over Jake Wardle's 57th-minute match-winning try as Wigan won the title for a record-equalling fifth time.