Wigan 38-18 St Helens

Pat Richards was instrumental as Wigan pulled off a shock in Edinburgh to come away with a “Magic” victory

Brian Noble took a gamble by leaving top score Shaun Ainscough out of the line up and putting Richards on the wing. Michael McIlorum started at hooker in place of the injured Mark Riddell and both Tomkins brothers took their places on the bench

The Warriors started off the game strongest and took just 8 minutes to score through Sean O’Louglin. Richards added the extra two points.

Ten minutes later, Ade Gardner failed to deal with a grubber kick into the corner and Richards beat the dead ball line to the ball, converting his own try.

Gareth Hock put the Warriors further ahead with another score, Richards again converting, before Sean Long punished a rare Warriors moment of indiscipline to finally put the Saints on the board. Eatmond converted. Joel Tomkins then utilised a gap in the Saints defence to give Wigan an 18 point half time lead.

An Ade Gardner knock was closely followed by a penalty, which Richards kicked to make it five from five with the boot. It was Richards again who was the main man in the next Wigan score, making a break before supplying Thomas Leuluai for his sides 5th try of the evening.

Leon Pryce spotted the narrowest of gaps to scoot over and give Saints hope with 20 minutes left, with Sean Long slotting over the extras. Matty Ashurst then set up full back Paul Wellens in the corner as time started to run out for Saints.

Saints knocked the ball on on their own line and after a repeat set, Pat Richards went over in the corner to end any chance of a comeback with 4 minutes remaining. The winger converted his own score to continue his 100% record with the boot on the night.