WARRINGTON Wolves surrendered a commanding 4-18 half-time lead as they were edged out 24-20 by arch rivals Wigan, suffering their first defeat at the DW Stadium since 2009!
The loss means Warrington can finish no higher than 4th in the final league placings and could end up 5th depending on other results over the weekend.
After losing Ben Westwood and Simon Grix to injury at St Helens last week, they suffered further injuries to Ben Harrison, Chris Bridge and James Laithwaite, who was stretchered off in the closing stages with a neck injury.
In a frantic opening spell Warrington almost took the lead in the 2nd minute but Joel Monaghan (pictured top) was forced into touch at the corner flag.
But then on six minutes Wigan got a lucky bounce from a charge down which saw Joe Burgess in at the corner. Matty Smith couldn’t add the extras making it 4-0.
Two minutes later Wigan were nearly in again but a great covering tackle by Joel Monaghan took Burgess into touch.
Warrington gradually started to gain the momentum and on 26 minutes they were rewarded when a flowing move saw Ratchford (pictured right) and Bridge open up the Wigan defence to send Joel Monaghan in for his 27th try of the season. Ratchford then kept his cool to land a superb conversion to give Warrington the lead at 4-6.
The Wolves extended their lead on 34 minutes as Bridge broke clear to send the supporting Myler under the sticks, giving Ratchford a simple conversion to make it 4-12.
Then just before the break Warrington scored an incredible try as a pin point kick by Myler was collected by Monaghan who touched down for his second score of the night with inches to spare. Ratchford was again on target to make it 4-18 at the break.
But after the interval it was nearly all Wigan, who started their fight back in the 43rd minute as Anthony England lost possession and from the scrum Burgess went over for his second. Smith was again off target with his kick, 8-18.
Wigan kept up the pressure forcing a drop out and on 52 minutes Josh Charnley kicked the ball clear and won the race to the ball to make it 12-18 as Smith missed his third conversion attempt.
Tempers flared as Paul Wood swung several punches at Eddy Pettybourne, with both players getting sent to the sin bin for 10 minutes.
Warrington got their only points of the half on 58 minutes when Ratchford took the two on offer from a penalty awarded against Joel Tomkins for a shoulder charge.
But then on 62 minutes a loose pass from Michael Monaghan gave Charnley an 80 yard interception and Smith landed his first conversion from in front of the posts to make it 18-20.
Three minutes later Wigan took a lead they were never to lose as Blake Green powered over against a tiring defence and Smith was again on target to complete the scoring at 24-20.
Wigan thought they had scored again on 69 minutes when Anthony Gelling kicked ahead and won the race to touch down, but the try was ruled out by the video referee for obstruction.
James Laithwaite was then stretchered off after taking a late challenge from behind from Michael McIlorum, who was placed on report following the incident.
Warrington forced back to back drop outs in the closing stages but couldn’t find a way through as Wigan held out for victory.
Try time for Richie Myler
Matty Russell breaks clear
Wigan: Matty Bowen, Josh Charnley, Anthony Gelling, Dan Sarginson, Joe Burgess; Blake Green, Matty Smith; Ben Flower, Michael McIlorum, Dom Crosby, Joel Tomkins, Liam Farrell, Sean O’Loughlin. Subs: Sam Powell, Eddy Pettybourne, Tony Clubb, John Bateman.
Wolves: Matty Russell, Joel Monaghan, Stefan Ratchford, Chris Bridge, Rhys Evans; Gareth O’Brien, Richie Myler; Chris Hill, Michael Monaghan, Roy Asotasi, James Laithwaite, Trent Waterhouse, Ben Harrison. Subs: Micky Higham, Paul Wood, Ben Currie, Anthony England.
