Warriors lose to Rovers

• Match report as Wigan Warriors are beaten by Hull Kingston Rovers in the Betfred Super League.
• Oliver Gildart grabbed a double in vein in his first appearance of 2021.
• FT | Wigan Warriors 8-18 Hull Kingston Rovers

Two Oliver Gildart tries on his return from injury were not enough for Wigan as they lost 8-18 to Hull Kingston Rovers at the DW Stadium on Friday evening.

The return of the Cherry and White faithful to the Warriors’ home ground was certainly a welcome scene to all involved, but they couldn’t help steer Adrian Lam’s men to victory over the travelling side.

Both clubs eased their way into the fixture, with no real scoring chances inside the opening quarter.

The first real incident of note was in the 32nd minute when Rovers’ George King was sent to the bin after repeat offences in defence.

After a sustained level of pressure on the KR line, it was the away side that managed to turn Wigan around and grab a score before half time.

Winger Ben Crooks dived over in the corner and converted his effort to lead the sides in 0-6 at the break.

It took another 23 minutes before the first score of the second half, and it again went to the away side.

Half Mikey Lewis hoisted a kick on the last, which was snatched by winger Ryan Hall to touch down.

The Warriors struck back in the 67th minute when a great move from left to right saw returning players Liam Marshall and Gildart link up to see the centre score.

The pair linked up again in the 72nd to narrow the visitors lead to within a score, thanks to another skilful inside ball from Marshall to find Gildart to touch down.

Robins full back Adam Quinlan put the game beyond doubt in the 77th when he crossed for the final score for the game.

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Wigan Warriors: Jackson Hastings, Jake Bibby, Willie Isa, Oliver Gildart, Liam Marshall, Thomas Leuluai, Harry Smith, Brad Singleton, Sam Powell, Joe Bullock, John Bateman, Liam Farrell, Oliver Partington.

Interchanges: Liam Byrne, Ethan Havard, Joe Shorrocks, Kai Pearce-Paul.

Tries: Gildart (67′, 72′)

Goals: Smith (0/2)

Hull Kingston Rovers: Adam Quinlan, Ben Crooks, Greg Minikin, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Ryan Hall, Brad Takairangi, Mikey Lewis, Will Maher, Matt Parcell, George Lawler, Luis Johnson, Kane Linnett, Dean Hadley.

Interchanges: Albert Vete, Jez Litten, George King, Matty Storton.

Tries: Crooks (39′), Hall (63′), Quinlan (77′)

Goals: Crooks (3/3)

Yellow Cards: George King (32′)

Referee: Robert Hicks