Wigan brought down the curtain on 97 years of history at their Central Park homeground with a show-stopping victory over arch-rivals St Helens.

There could hardly have been a more fitting finale for the stadium which was packed to the rafters with 18,000 fans eager to get their last glimpse.

The Saints had come to Central Park determined to spoil their farewell party.

But Wigan's Jason Robinson produced an epic performance, scoring two solo tries and setting up a third to ensure the goodbyes were sweet.

Break-out

Robinson sparked Wigan's opening try, breaking out from his own back line to set off on a 30-yard run before releasing Dennis Betts to go under the posts.

Connolly added another before Robinson burst into life again with a superb solo try, his explosive jinking tearing through the heart of the Saints defence.

But St Helens were resolved to play their part in the finale and hit back with a superb touchdown which was as much about team-work and support play as Robinson's had been about individualism.

Robsinson added his second try in the second half as the heat took its toll on the tiring sides.

Last-minute spoiler

But Wigan rose to the occasion and broke out again with a few minutes remaining for substitute Paul Johnson to score what he believed would be the last ever try at Central Park.

But that honour fell to Tommy Martin, ensuring that although the Saints lost the points they won a small place in the history of their fiercest rivals.

The Warriors will now share the nearby £25m JJB Stadium with Wigan Athletic Football Club. Central Park is to be demolished.