Wigan 25 Bradford 18: Aussie centre Phil Bailey scored two first-half tries in a match-winning performace to help Wigan Warriors topple second-placed Bradford.

After last week's defeat against Wakefield, Brian Noble's side looked a completely different prospect - seemingly determined to put the issue of salary cap problems firmly into the back of their minds.

Bradford, too, were in the same boat - but without Gloucester-bound winger Lesley Vainikolo, they could not get close enough to Wigan to earn the victory which would have seen them top Super League.

Warriors coach Noble had largely chosen to keep faith with the 17 that performed so woefully at Wakefield last week, with only Liam Colbon coming in for the injured Pat Richards on the wing and youngster Mike McIlorum replacing Shane Millard on the bench.

The Bulls had opened the scoring after just two minutes through James Evans thanks largely to poor tackling, but tries from Trent Barrett and a brace from Bailey put Wigan in charge at the break, with three Paul Deacon goals keeping the Bulls in touch.

Evans' second try and another goal from Deacon edged the Bulls in front but further tries from Mark Calderwood and a late effort from Liam Colbon gave Wigan the spoils, deservedly so having outscored Bradford by five tries to two.

Elsewhere, Leeds produced a magnificent effort to beat St Helens at Knowsley Road.

Tries from Danny McGuire, Rob Burrow, Ryan Hall, Jordan Tansey helped Tony Smith's side to a 22-10 victory.

Bottom club Salford, who lost assistant coach Jimmy Lowes to Warrington yesterday, were soundly beaten 35-18 by Wakefield. Centre Ryan Atkins helped himself to two tries.