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Wigan 19 - 50 Warrington
Daniel Morris2 May - 16:26
Wigan runners up, but take heart from strong second half display
Wigan faced Warrington in the final of the Lancashire Trophy this weekend having narrowly escaped relegation the previous weekend, with victory over local rivals Aspull. Warrington’s season, in contrast, finished with them promoted in second place, leaving Wigan very much the underdogs.
It didn’t take long for Wire to open the scoring as Wigan were adjudged to have knocked the ball on in their own 22. The resulting attacking scrum saw Warrington spin the ball out and go over for the try and conversion.
Wigan hit back with a series of penalties which saw them deep into the Wire 22. A series of missile balls saw Hamish Rendell force his way over to bring the score to 5 – 7.
Warrington looked more comfortable on the ball and only diligent Wigan defending stopped Wire from running wild. Eventually the dam broke, and a number of phases took the ball within striking distance and the wily wire scrum half went over.
Wire had the momentum now and great hands at full pace saw the centres exchange passes to canter home from half way.
Wire added to the score as a kick through was miss fielded and their pacey back row punced to dive over for a 5 – 26 lead.
Things went from bad to worse for the Douglas Valley men, as a red card reduced the team to 14 men with 10 minutes left to play in the first half.
Warrington added another score before half time as another kick through saw Wire awarded a penalty as the Wigan full back found himself isolated and conceded a penalty. The quick tap caught Wigan napping and they went over for a 5 – 33 lead at the half time break.
Wigan regrouped at half time and despite the mismatch in numbers, took the game to Warrington in a great display of heart and fight.
Wayne Bullough, showed typical tenacity as he continually took the ball up the middle, making hard yards for his team mates to capitalise on. It was fitting that Bullough was the next to add to the score board with a great drive up the middle. Fillingham added the conversion for a 12-33 score line.
Warrington, maybe feeling some pressure, took the option to kick at goal from a penalty awarded 30 yard out to make the score 12-36. However, this seemed to switch the momentum in Wire’s favour as they added another score to take the game away from Wigan.
Wigan Captain, Harry Barker, deputising at scrum half, added a consolation score as he dummied from the base of the ruck and went over untouched from 15 yards out. Fillingham added the conversion for a scoreline of 19-43 with just a few minutes left.
Wigan were once again pressurising Warrington before a loose pass was intercepted and taken all they way for the final score of 19-50.
Warrington go away the deserved victors after a very classy display of running rugby. Congratulations to their players, staff and supporters.
Wigan can take heart from an excellent second half performance which saw them more than hold their own against a very good Wire team.
Wigan can now look forward to the summer break before resuming in the traditional cup fixture around the August bank holiday.
It didn’t take long for Wire to open the scoring as Wigan were adjudged to have knocked the ball on in their own 22. The resulting attacking scrum saw Warrington spin the ball out and go over for the try and conversion.
Wigan hit back with a series of penalties which saw them deep into the Wire 22. A series of missile balls saw Hamish Rendell force his way over to bring the score to 5 – 7.
Warrington looked more comfortable on the ball and only diligent Wigan defending stopped Wire from running wild. Eventually the dam broke, and a number of phases took the ball within striking distance and the wily wire scrum half went over.
Wire had the momentum now and great hands at full pace saw the centres exchange passes to canter home from half way.
Wire added to the score as a kick through was miss fielded and their pacey back row punced to dive over for a 5 – 26 lead.
Things went from bad to worse for the Douglas Valley men, as a red card reduced the team to 14 men with 10 minutes left to play in the first half.
Warrington added another score before half time as another kick through saw Wire awarded a penalty as the Wigan full back found himself isolated and conceded a penalty. The quick tap caught Wigan napping and they went over for a 5 – 33 lead at the half time break.
Wigan regrouped at half time and despite the mismatch in numbers, took the game to Warrington in a great display of heart and fight.
Wayne Bullough, showed typical tenacity as he continually took the ball up the middle, making hard yards for his team mates to capitalise on. It was fitting that Bullough was the next to add to the score board with a great drive up the middle. Fillingham added the conversion for a 12-33 score line.
Warrington, maybe feeling some pressure, took the option to kick at goal from a penalty awarded 30 yard out to make the score 12-36. However, this seemed to switch the momentum in Wire’s favour as they added another score to take the game away from Wigan.
Wigan Captain, Harry Barker, deputising at scrum half, added a consolation score as he dummied from the base of the ruck and went over untouched from 15 yards out. Fillingham added the conversion for a scoreline of 19-43 with just a few minutes left.
Wigan were once again pressurising Warrington before a loose pass was intercepted and taken all they way for the final score of 19-50.
Warrington go away the deserved victors after a very classy display of running rugby. Congratulations to their players, staff and supporters.
Wigan can take heart from an excellent second half performance which saw them more than hold their own against a very good Wire team.
Wigan can now look forward to the summer break before resuming in the traditional cup fixture around the August bank holiday.
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