WARRINGTON Wolves closed the gap on table topping Wigan to just one
point as they completed a league double over their arch rivals with a
resounding 30-10 victory at the Halliwell Jones.
It was only Wigan’s strong defence which restricted the free flowing Wolves to five tries as the visitors were their own worst enemy as they continually surrendered possession.
It took just two minutes for the Wolves to open the scoring as Lee Briers scooped up a lose Wigan pass to race 60 yards. Although he didn’t have the legs to make the line the field position allowed Benny Westwood to power over wide out, with Brett Hodgson cooly slotting over to make it 6-0.
Within five minutes the Wolves had doubled their lead as Wigan were penalised on their own line for off-side with Richie Myler feeding Chris Hill who sent Ben Harrison over by the sticks. Hodgson added the extras to make it 12-0.
Warrington continued to dominate and it was only Wigan’s defence which kept them out. Chris Riley thought he had scored on 23 minutes but it was ruled out by the video referee after replays clearly showed Ryan Atkins knocking on in the tackle.
It was 24 minutes before Wigan really caused any pressure as Myler was held in goal.
Warrington were penalised on their own line on 33 minutes and the visitors took full advantage as Gareth Hock forced his way over and Josh Charnley added the extras to make it 12-6.
But the Wolves hit straight back as Wigan again dropped the ball with Brett Hodgson bursting through and sending Michael Monaghan in at the corner from what was clearly a forward pass. Hodgson slipped as he took the conversion which dropped just short making it 16-6 at the break.
Two minutes into the second half Wigan were penalised again for off-side and Hodgson took the two to make it a three score game for the visitors to have any chance of winning.
Wigan thought they had closed the gap when Charnley went in at the corner but replays showed his foot was in touch thanks to a great tackle by Chris Riley.
On 55 minutes as Wigan pressed a Matty Smith kick was intercepted by Stefan Ratchford who raced 80 yards for a great try, with Hodgson’s goal making it 24-10.
But within two minutes Wigan hit back as Briers failed to find touch from a penalty and the visitors quickly moved the ball out wide for Iain Thornley to score in the corner. Charnley couldn’t add the extras making it 24-10.
Thirteen minutes from time Warrington eventually made the game safe as Michael Monaghan sent Myler through a gap with Hodgson adding the extras to complete the scoring to keep Warrington’s title hopes alive.
