Wigan earn late win

Wigan Warriors grab late win over Warrington Wolves.
A late try from Liam Farrell seals the victory for Wigan.
Full time: Warrington Wolves 14-18 Wigan Warriors.

A late Liam Farrell try helped Wigan to a hard-earned victory over rivals Warrington in the race for the top four.

Wigan headed into the break 12-6 down, but came out battling in the second half to turn over the points deficit and grab the win.

The victory takes Wigan up to fourth in the Betfred Super League table, with Warrington dropping out of the top four.

The first real action of note was not a score, but a yellow card for Wigan’s Willie Isa. The second-rower, filling in at centre, caught Jake Mamo; tackling the winger whilst in the air and was sent to the bin.

It was the primrose and blues who got the first points on the board in the 12th through a penalty try. Dom Manfredi was judged to have held back Matty Ashton as he attempted to touch down in the corner.

Warrington extended their lead in the 21st-minute through prop-forward Chris Hill. The experienced forward powered over to the right of the sticks.

Wigan struck back almost immediately through second-rower Joe Greenwood. He’d barely been back on the field after leaving for a head assessment, when Tommy Leuluai fed the rangy Englishman to stride in through the Warrington line.

The Cherry and Whites carried their momentum through half time and were the first to score after the break. A skilful grubber from Jackson Hastings found Zak Hardaker, who touched down under the sticks.

Wolves reduced Wigan’s lead to two points in the 50th-minute when Stefan Ratchford converted a chance after the Warriors line was judged to be offside.

It took until the 75th-minute for another score, and it came in Cherry and White thanks to forward Farrell. Following a big spell of pressure, the second-rower strolled over in trademark fashion to touch down for the win.

Match action: Captured by Bernard Platt.

Warrington Wolves: Stefan Ratchford, Jake Mamo, Anthony Gelling, Toby King, Josh Charnley, Blake Austin, Gareth Widdop, Chris Hill, Daryl Clark, Mike Cooper, Ben Currie, Jack Hughes, Jason Clark.

Interchanges: Joe Philbin, Matty Davis, Ellis Robson, Matty Ashton.

Tries: Ashton (12’), Hill (21’)

Conversions: Ratchford (2/2)

Penalties: Ratchford (50’)

Wigan Warriors: Bevan French, Dom Manfredi, Willie Isa, Zak Hardaker, Jake Bibby, Tommy Leuluai, Jackson Hastings, Joe Bullock, Sam Powell, Oliver Partington, Joe Greenwood, Liam Farrell, Sean O’Loughlin.

Interchanges: Morgan Smithies, Harry Smith, Brad Singleton, Joe Shorrocks.

Tries: Greenwood (23’), Hardaker (44’) Farrell (75’)

Conversions: Hardaker (3/3)

Yellow cards: Willie Isa (5′)

Referee: Chris Kendall

Video Ref: Ben Thaler