Wolves win thriller at Wigan

WARRINGTON Wolves won a thrilling and bruising battle at Wigan with a

hard fought 20-22 victory to go back to the top of the Super League table.
The victory, which is Warrington’s third consecutive win on the bounce at the DW Stadium, was all the more remarkable as Wigan dominated for long periods of the game, with possession 75-25 in the first quarter of the second half.
But Warrington’s defence was superb and never allowed the Warriors to turn their posession into a match winning lead.
It was Wigan who started the brighter, dominating the first five minutes, forcing the Wolves to make some basic unforced errors.
But they could’t find a way through a resolute defence and surprisingly took an early penalty on five minutes when Adrian Morley was penalised for a high tackle and Pat Richards banged over the conversion.
From the kick off Wigan knocked on and the Wolves took advantage as a sweeping move saw Lee Briers and Richie Myler combine to send Ryan Atkins over wide out. Brett Hodgson landed a super touchline conversion to make it 2-6.
Wigan were soon back on the front foot as Warrington continued to surrender possession and it was no surprise when Gareth Hock eventually forced his way over the line on 17 minutes with Richard’s conversion giving the home side an 8-6 advantage.
On 26 minutes Wigan extended their lead when Michael McILorum finished off a flowing move. With Richards nursing an injury after accidentally clashing with Sam Tomkins when they both went for the same high ball, youngster Josh Charnley slice the kick wide, leaving the gap at just one converted try at 12-6.
Back came Warrington as a sweeping move involving Briers and a long pass from Hodgson sent Joel Monaghan (pictured right) diving in at the corner. Hodgson was just wide with the conversion but added a penalty just on the hooter to make it all square at the break 12-12.
Wigan again started on top and scored straight from the re-start after a scintilating run from Sam Tomkins, deep from within his own half was eventually finished off by Richards in the corner. Charnley was again unable to add the extras making it 16-12.
On 47 minutes Warrington were again penalised giving Charnley an easy two points but the Wolves were back on level terms within a minute of the re-start as master poacher Briers intercepted to score, with Hodgson adding the extras to make it 18-18.
With defences now on top Wigan took the two points on offer when Matty Blythe was penalised for a high shot as Charnley made no mistake.
On 65 minutes Warrington unusually opted to go for the two when Prescot hit Mike Cooper with a high tackle and Hodgson made no mistake to level the scores.
With the clock ticking down Warrington again opted for the two points when Lauaki was put on report for the second time after a spear tackle on Blythe and Hodgson kept his cool to slot over what turned out to be the match winning kick.