Wigan end Warrington’s unbeaten run with clinical display
Photo courtesy of Richard Long
Wigan put in a professional performance to end Warrington’s ten-game winning streak and keep pressure on league leaders St Helens.
Warrington had won their last ten games prior to Magic Weekend 2018, with their last defeat coming against table toppers St Helens on March 9.
Wigan’s 36-10 win over Warrington at Magic Weekend sees the Warriors win their eighth game in a row. They haven’t lost since Good Friday.
Shaun Wane made three changes to his Wigan side that beat Hull KR in the Challenge Cup last week. George Williams, Morgan Escaré and Romain Navarrete replaced Josh Woods, Dan Sarginson and Sean O’Loughlin. Tony Clubb made his 100thappearance in a Wigan shirt.
Warrington coach Steve Price made one change to his outfit that beat Toronto Wolfpack in the Challenge Cup last time out. Ireland prop George King came in for Mike Cooper. Kevin Brown is the only player to have appeared in all eleven Magic events.
Wigan took the lead in the first couple of minutes. Sitaleki Akauola gave away a penalty on his own line for a high shot on Sam Powell. Wigan then opted to take the two and Sam Tomkins added the penalty goal to put his side in a 2-0 lead.
Harvey Livett scored his sixth try in four games for Warrington, following a superb offload from Tom Lineham. Livett has now scored in Warrington’s previous four games. Bryson Goodwin failed to convert, but the Wolves led 4-2 after 12 minutes.
The Cherry and Whites went back in front midway through the first half. Powell took on the Wolves defence and just about reached the line to score. Sam Tomkins’ boot made the score 8-4 to Wigan.
Sam Tomkins was a big influence on Wigan in the first half and got on the scoresheet when he slipped through the arms of former team-mate Josh Charnley to reach over the line. He converted his own try to put his side 14-4 ahead after half an hour.
Price’s men soon pulled a try back. Stefan Ratchford latched onto a Brown grubber to score. Goodwin added the conversion and they were only 14-10 behind.
Wigan extended their lead just before the break. Warrington half-back Tyrone Roberts gave away a penalty for a high tackle on Williams. The Warriors opted to take a shot at goal at Sam Tomkins added the penalty goal to put Wigan 16-10 to the good at the interval.
Livett was denied his second try shortly after the restart due to a try-saving tackle from Ryan Sutton.
In the 50thminute, Escaré dropped the ball off to England star John Bateman who went on a weaving run to score under the posts for Wigan. Sam Tomkins converted, Wigan 22-10 Warrington.
The Warriors were in again just a couple of minutes later. Liam Marshall showed a clean pair of heels to get away from Josh Charnley and assist Williams who scored.
Warrington full-back Ratchford was denied a try by the video referee for obstruction earlier in the play.
And Wigan were in for another in the 73rdminute. Marshall raced onto a chip over the top from Williams to score his tenth try of the Super League season. Sam Tomkins’ conversion hit the post and bounced out, but Wigan were 30-10 up.
Tom Davies scored the final try of the game after being assisted by France star Escaré. The conversion was on point and Wigan were 36-10 ahead.
Warrington gave away a penalty for holding down late on. Wigan went for goal and Sam Tomkins added the penalty goal to secure a marvellous 38-10 win for Wigan.
The Warriors sit just behind league leaders St Helens by two points, but with a game in hand against Castleford Tigers.
Wigan: S Tomkins; Davies, Bateman, Gildart, Marshall; Williams, Powell; Clubb, Leuluai, Flower, Isa, Farrell, J Tomkins. Subs: Escaré, Sutton, Navarrete, Tautai.
Warrington: Ratchford; Lineham, Goodwin, Atkins, Charnley; Brown, Roberts; Hill, Clark, Akauola, Livett, Hughes, Westwood. Subs: Murdoch-Masila, Patton, Philbin, G King.
Starman: Sam Tomkins has been in mercurial form for Wigan this season and played a key role in their win over Warrington.
