WIGAN HAMMER WOEFUL WILDCATS
Wigan Warriors came into this game on the back of 3 losses, and not only needed a win, but a big one at that. That’s just what Wigan delivered, beating a very weakened Wildcats side by 60-12. It was a superb 11-try victory for the Warriors, who looked to make a statement to open up their Super 8s campaign.
Wigan were handed a bonus seeing Warrington beaten on Thursday night, they knew that a win would give them a chance to leapfrog the Wolves back into 2nd. Wigan started the game off on the front foot and looked in no mood for a real tussle. Wigan led 22-0 after just 25 minutes following tries from Williams, Powell, Charnley and Sam Tomkins. Each coming on the back of some great rugby, something that they have struggled to do in recent weeks. Wakefield surprised everyone when they got a try back through Joe Arundel after their first real attack on the Wigan line.
However, this didn’t hurt the Warriors much as they would go over for another 2 tries through Bateman and Gildart to extend their lead to 30-6 at halftime. It was a really good first half from the Warriors, a half that consisted of some great rugby and good game management.
RELENTLESS WARRIORS
It was a bit of a slow start to the second half, both sides where just going through the paces early on. Wigan would then score 3 tries in 5 minutes through Manfredi, Williams and Sarginson. The first of the three being a 90-metre interception that certainly got the Wigan fans and players going in the second half. Little mention for the young Shorrocks for Wigan who stepped in at fullback late on and also kicked 5/5 conversions on the night, it was a great display from a young academy prospect.
Wigan were fully in control of the game and in the mix of throwing the ball around, Wakefield had an interception of their own and Craig Hall dashed 30-metres for a consolation try. Wigan would wrap up the scoring with minutes to go through an unlikely scorer in Matty Smith. I guess thats when you know its your day.
It was a real solid display for the Warriors, and while its nothing to get too carried away with in the scheme of things, it’s still a great boost going into the next few games of the Super 8s. Wigan definitely stepped up their attacking prowess tonight and while they didn’t have to defend much, there was enough on show tonight to give the Wigan fans some real belief for the rest of the season.
GREAT START TO THE SUPER 8s
Many will look at this game and just say that Wigan should be winning by a big margin against that Wakefield side, which I guess, is true in some respect. However, a job still needs doing, and Wigan did it with style on Friday night. They started to throw the ball around from the get go, something that they have been clearly told to do. Wakefield had many key personnel missing from their squad, and it was made clear in this game, Wigan took full control very early on and never looked like giving it up.
Wigan fans have been frustrated all season, while the Warriors have been in the top 4 for the majority of the season, they’ve don’t it without playing the style of rugby that has been associated with the cherry and whites for so many years. They’ve won games very ugly this season, which is not too bad for a few games, but after a while, it gets frustrating and not great to watch for the fans.
Wigan needed a good start to the Super 8s after beginning the campaign in 3rd. Following Thursday and Friday’s games, Wigan are now joint 1st with Hull FC and 1 point clear of Warrington, I think its safe to say that it has been a good couple of days for Shaun Wane and his team.
VIEW OF THE MANAGERS
Wigan coach, Shaun Wane was pleased with the performance, but knew his side were playing a weakened Wakefield. Wane said:
“I’m very pleased but I’m not getting carried away.”
“I understand what we were up against, a very spirited Wakefield who were very low on numbers, but I’m very happy with what we did with the ball and our defence was good.”
“We tweaked a few things in training and it just clicked. We saw a different class of attack tonight.”
Wakefield coach, Chris Chester was clearly disappointed with his sides effort on the night. Chester said:
“I thought we very dishonest in that first 40 minutes with the things that we did.”
“I thought we showed in spells what we can do but I just felt there were too many blokes out there today who felt a little bit sorry for themselves.”
“We’re a little bit busted at the minute but I didn’t see 17 guys willing to die for each other out on the field like there has been in recent weeks, which is disappointing.”
IN THE SHEDS
There were no immediate injuries to report, no player left the field being deemed unable to return.
There were no incidents to report in the game that would force the RFL to take action.
FINAL SCORE
Wigan Warriors: (30) 60
Tries: Williams 2, Powell, Charnley, Tomkins 2, Bateman, Gildart, Manfredi, Sarginson, Smith
Goals: Smith 3/5, Charnley 0/1, Shorrocks 5/5
Wakefield Trinity Wildcats: (6) 12
Tries: Arundel, Hall
Goals: Finn 2/2
MATCH DETAILS
Wigan Warriors: Tomkins; Charnley, Sarginson, Gildart, Manfredi; Williams, Smith; Crosby, Powell, Flower, Isa, Bateman, O’Loughlin.
Replacements: Mossop, Tautai, Nuuausala, Shorrocks.
Wakefield Trinity Wildcats: Jowitt; Hall, Lyne, Arundel, Mazive; Miller, Finn; Scruton, Moore, Fifita, Walton, Tupou, Crowther.
Replacements: Yates, Arona, Morris, Sio.
Referee: Scott Mikalauskas
Attendance: 10,593
Venue: DW Stadium, Wigan
Date/Time: Friday 5th Augustย 2016 – 20:00pm GMT
