Wigan Warriors, possibly inspired by Manchester United’s title-clinching victory in the Barclays Premier League at the JJB Stadium the previous day or, more realistically, desperate to atone for their thrashing by St Helens in Cardiff last week, annihilated Whitehaven in the Carnegie Challenge Cup last night to set up a quarter-final away to Leeds Rhinos.

Of their 18 tries, all bar one converted by the prolific Pat Richards against bewildered National League One opponents, Sam Tomkins, 19, contributed five on his debut. Richards scored a try late on in taking his tally to 38 points.

“To score five tries on your debut is very special,” Brian Noble, the Wigan coach, said of Tomkins. “Let’s not put him in the ‘Universe’ team yet, but we know we’ve got a good talent.”

The fifth-round tie was held over to keep the pitch pristine for United’s crowning moment, but Wigan motored across the green sward with even greater alacrity, Tomkins completing his hat-trick in an eight-minute spell. Trent Barrett scored three tries and Harrison Hansen, Mark Calderwood and Iafeta Paleaaesina two apiece.

Hull Kingston Rovers will hope to repeat their opening-round league victory over St Helens, the cup-holders, in their quarter-final tie at Craven Park. “That’s a long time ago. We’re a different team and so are they,” Daniel Anderson, the St Helens coach, said.

Bradford Bulls are at home to Hull in a third all-Super League tie, and Wakefield Wildcats, the 12-1 cup outsiders, who will be firm favourites to reach the semi-finals, host Oldham, of National League Two.

— Carnegie Challenge Cup: Quarter-finals (May 31 and June 1): Wakefield Wildcats v Oldham; Leeds Rhinos v Wigan Warriors; Hull Kingston Rovers v St Helens; Bradford Bulls v Hull.