Warrington edge a 26-24 thriller against Wigan at the Halliwell Jones Stadium. Here’s our verdict..
MATCH DETAILS
Warrington started the better of the two sides, with Bryson Goodwin finding a way into the corner after some good passing play, assisted by Stefan Ratchford.
Mintues later Wigan thought they had equalised, after Dan Sarginson ran 60 meters to score. However, after TMO review found that Tommy Leuluai had knocked the ball on.
However, the Warriors were soon on the score board through Sam Powell. Who was able to find a way through to score after picking up a Leuluai kick.
Moments later, Warrington were back in front, after Jack Hughes was able to find away to get his arm free and score.ย However, Wigan fought back again, as Leuluai broke through the line and scored.
Wire would soon be back in front, through Daryl Clark who broke thorough the Wigan line and ran the last thirty to score under the posts. Ratchford with the extras, to close out the half.
The Second half started quickly, with Wigan getting a penalty and opted to take the two. Hardaker added the extras.ย The Wire responded through Ryan Atkins, as he threw a dummy and found the gap.
Wigan fought back, first through Dan Sarginson, who forced his way over the line. After confirmation from the TMO. Hardaker added the extras.
Moments later, Hardaker got a try of his own, after breaking through the line, managing to barge through. However he missed the extras.
As the clock started to run down, Wigan gave away a penalty close to their try line. The Wolves opted for the two, and Ratchford added the winning points.
Although Wigan tried to win the game, the home side held their own and progressed into the Quarter finals.
Up next for both sides is Super League matches. For the Wolves is a home game against Hull FC, who beat Castlefordย 28-12. Whilst for the Warriors is the historic game at the Camp Nou against Catalan, who beat Doncaster 62-6 on Saturday.
FOUR POINTERS
Daryl Clark Runs riot
The hooker proved to be the difference in this one. His try just before half time and his big line running, allowed for his side to get the edge to win. He was my man of the match.
Price: “I’m both proud and relieved”ย
Steve Price is happy with his sides performance, especially with the last quarter following the win. “I was really proud of the guys especially in those last 15 minutes when we raised the bar and went again – they dug deep today.
On last season’s final disappoints acting as motivation: “Time will tell, I hope it does but there’s an awful lot of football still to be played.”
Lam: “We’re heading in the right direction”ย
Wigan head coach Adrian Lam believe his side is improving following this match, especially after the last match against Wolves, when they lost 25-12.
“There was plenty of effort there but a couple of things cost us. We missed touch towards the end, then didn’t have the ball for 13 minutes and they got the two points to win.
We’re a completely different team to the one we were six weeks ago when we last came here.”
Magic of the Cup
The Draw for the Quarter final was made directly after the game, and the eight teams left are just two match from Wembley.
Here are the four ties, Hull KR Vs Warrington, St Helens vs Wakefield, Hull FC vs Catalan and Bradford vs Halifax.
THE RESULT
Warrington Wolves 26
Tries: Hughes, D Clark, Goodwin,
Goals: Ratchford (5)
Drop Goals: n/a
Wigan Warriors 24
Tries:ย Powell, Leuluai, Sarginson, Hardaker
Goals: Hardaker (4)
Drop Goals: n/a
SQUADS
Warrington Wolves: Stefan Ratchford, Bryson Goodwin, Ryan Atkins, Toby King, Josh Charnley, Blake Austin, Chris Hill, Daryl Clark, Mike Copper, Ben Currie, Jack Hughes, Matt Davisย
Interchanges: Ben Murdoch-Masilla, Joe Philbin, Jason Clark, Sitaleki Akauloaย
Wigan Warriors: Zak Hardaker, Liam Marshall, Dan Sarginson, Oliver Gildart, Joe Burgess, George Williams, Tommy Leuluai, Ben Flower, Sam Powell, Romain Navarrete, Willie Isa, Joe Greenwood, Tony Clubb
Interchanges: Sean O’Loughlin, Chris Hankinson, Taulima Tautai, Joe Bullock
