Wigan reach 2020 Grand Final

  • Match report as Wigan Warriors advance to the Grand Final after victory over Hull FC.
  • 16 unanswered points in the second half sees Adrian Lam’s men past the Black and Whites.
  • Full time: Wigan Warriors 29-2 Hull FC.

Wigan Warriors reach the 2020 Betfred Super League Grand Final after a hard fought victory over Hull FC at the DW Stadium.

A brilliant second half from the Cherry and Whites brought about 16 unanswered points to see them past Andy Last’s side and put them within 80 minutes of the Super League trophy.

A rip-roaring opening ten minutes saw both sides exchange big shots and make breaks into each other’s 20-metre zone, without either capitalising with a score.

The first points of the game went to the visitors through half back, Marc Sneyd, converting a penalty after Harry Smith was judged to have held on in the ruck.

However, it was Wigan who grabbed the first try of the game through Joe Burgess. A lightning quick assist from Oliver Gildart freed up the winger to cross in the corner to put Wigan ahead.

The Warriors struck again in the 33rd through young half back Smith. Burgess turned provider, grubber kicking from the side-line to find Smith to touch down.

Smith extended the Warriors’ lead on the half time whistle by firing over a drop goal to make it 13-2 heading in at the break.

Lam’s men came back out with their tails up and scored soon after half time through Zak Hardaker. A neat drop-off play from Bevan French opened a gap in the Hull line on 40 metres, enabling the centre to speed home and score under the sticks.

Wigan added another in the 75th through Jake Bibby. French provided a great cut-out pass to find the winger, who dived in the right corner.

French added the cherry on top in the 79th, latching onto a Gildart ball to coast home to seal the victory.  

Wigan Warriors: Bevan French, Jake Bibby, Zak Hardaker, Oliver Gildart, Joe Burgess, Tommy Leuluai, Harry Smith, Joe Bullock, Jackson Hastings, Brad Singleton, Willie Isa, Liam Farrell, Oliver Partington.

Interchanges: Tony Clubb, Ben Flower, Sean O’Loughlin, Morgan Smithies.

Tries: Burgess (27’), Smith (33’), Hardaker (45’), Bibby (75’) French (79’)

Drop Goals: Smith (40′)

Conversions: Hardaker (4/5)

Hull FC: Jake Connor, Ratu Naulago, Mahe Fonua, Josh Griffin, Bureta Faraimo, Carlos Tuimavave, Marc Sneyd, Scott Taylor, Jordan Johnstone, Josh Bowden, Manu Ma’u, Andre Savelio, Joe Cator.

Interchanges: Brad Fash, Danny Houghton, Ligi Sao, Chris Satae.

Penalties: Sneyd (13′)

Referee: Chris Kendall

Video Ref: James Child

Thursday 19 November 2020