VETERAN hooker James Lowes rolled back the years to ensure he will mark his farewell season with a Powergen Challenge Cup final appearance.

The 33-year-old Lowes, who intends to retire at the end of the year, produced a man-of-the-match performance to help Bradford to a 36-22 semi-final victory over holders Wigan.

Lowes scored the first of his side's six tries and set up second-rower Lee Radford for a brace as the Bulls overcame a battling Wigan to set up an all-Yorkshire final with Leeds in Cardiff on Saturday week.

"Jimmy was outstanding," admitted Bradford captain Robbie Paul.

"He is our on-field leader. I just hope that, when I get to his age, I am turning out the same type of performance.

"It's going to be a big blow to us when we lose him. We could get three more years out of him."

Brian Noble's men appeared to be cruising to their predicted victory after Lowe's early handiwork but the injury-hit Warriors fought back gamely and took a 16-12 lead with quickfire tries from Terry Newton and Danny Sculthorpe just before half-time.

But Bradford turned on the power in the second half and four tries in a 20-minute spell swept them past the holders.

Scrum-half Paul Deacon contributed 16 points with a try and six goals while centre Shontayne Hape maintained his record of touching down in all his side's cup ties this year.

Updated: 09:37 Monday, April 14, 2003