Wigan inflict last gasp heartbreak on Wolves

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WARRINGTON Wolves’ dream of a third successive Grand Final was shattered

as Wigan inflicted last gasp heartbreak with a 16-12 victory at the DW

Stadium.
The Wolves gave their all in a pulsating semi-final, missing two drop-goal attempts in the closing stages before the Warriors went up field to score the winning try in the 78th minute.
The Warriors bombarded the Wolves’ try line in the first half but only managed to secure an 8-4 advantage at the break, with Warrington proving more than a match in the second period.
Wigan opened the scoring in the 6th minute when they opted to take the two when the Wolves were penalised for not standing square at the the play the ball, with Matty Smith kicking the penalty.
The Warriors continued to bombard the Warrington try line, twice being held up over the line.
Warrington’s defence was eventually breached in the 23rd minute when Blake Green sold James Laithwaite an outrageous dummy to break clear to send the supporting Joel Tomkins over near the sticks. Smith made no mistake with the conversion to make it 8-0.
On 29 minutes the Wolves came close but Rhys Evans was forced into touch close to the line and then Chris Bridge was forced to hobble off with a groin injury, forcing a re-shuffle as full-back Stefan Ratchford moved to centre with Matty Smith coming off the bench at full-back.
Warrington finished the half strongly and scored in the 37th minute when a Richie Myler pass bouned off Ben Curries head, allowing Joel Monaghan to touch down, much to the dismay of the Wigan players and crowd. Ratchford’s conversion attempt was wide making it 8-4 at the break – with the Wolves still very much in a game the home side had dominated.
It was ther Wolves who started off strongly the the second half forcing a Wigan drop out in the the opening minute.
On 45 minutes the Wolves hit the front as Gareth O’Brien kicked a bomb which he was able to recollect as the Wigan full-back Matty Bowen stood and watched. O’Brien added the extras and the Wolves were in front at 8-10.
But back came Wigan with a sweeping move as Smith sent Anthony Gelling over on 53 minutes but Smith couldn’t add the extras.
Warrington gratefully took the two when Wigan were penalised for holding down on 64 minutes with Ratchford cooly slotting the ball over from 25 metres to level the scores at 12-12.
On 67 minutes Smith just missed with a drop goal attempt, followed by two failed drop goal attempts from O’Brien on 70 minutes and Myler on 76 minutes.
With the clock ticking down Wigan had a try ruled out for off-side on 77 minutes but a minute later they broke Warrington’s hearts when Joel Burgess was able to get over the line against a tiring defence.
Pictured below – the highs and lows!


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Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.

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