Wheelchair Reserves beat Bulls

• Wheelchair Reserves take the win against Bradford Bulls.
• Warriors scored nine tries on Saturday afternoon to register a second win in the Championship.
• FT | Wigan Warriors Wheelchair Reserves 46-24 Bradford Bulls Wheelchair.

Wigan Warriors Wheelchair Reserves registered another win in the Championship with victory over Bradford Bulls on Saturday afternoon.

It was the Bulls who got off to the better start when Richard Wright found a gap down Wigan’s left edge. Scott Pyrah then added the extras to give the Away side an early lead.

Quick to hit back, Chris Greenhalgh scored, and converted, a brace of tries to put the Warriors in front. However, after his side were slow to react to the kick off, Bradford regained possession and Pyrah was able to roll in at the corner. With the conversion attempt missing the target, the score was now 12-10 to the Home side.

The see-saw battle didn’t stop there, Greenhalgh first showing his desire to get to the line as he evaded several tackles before placing the ball down, then Pyrah scoring his second of the game for Bradford as he found space in the left corner. Both conversions were missed.

Finishing the half stronger, the Warriors took firm control of the game when Greenhalgh broke away from the halfway line and used his pace to outstrip the chasing defenders. Converting the try from right in front, Greenhalgh made it 22-14 to the hosts at the turnaround.

Having already given five players their competitive debuts this season, Wigan were able to add two more players to that list as Heather Robinson and Jordan Burns were given some time on court in the second half. From the kick off, Greenhalgh collected the ball before releasing Mark Williams who then breezed in for his first of the afternoon.

Continuing the theme of the game, the Bulls were next to cross the line and add points to the board. Connor Hines was put through a gap down the left flank, but he was unable to add the extra 2 points from the tee.

Having come off the bench after his first half stint, Rob Gregson was quickly back into the action when a spread play allowed him to get an overlap outside the last defender. Greenhalgh missed his third conversion which left the score at 30-18.

With an hour played, Wigan were now using their experience to register more tries. Some quick handling allowed Williams to score again, before he skilfully slotted over the conversion, then Stuart Ord capped off another impressive performance when he raced away down the right touchline.

Finishing off the scoring for the Warriors, Greenhalgh crossed the line for the fifth time on the back of a quick play the ball and a burst of pace that started deep inside his own half. Williams was able to slot over another conversion to put the game out of reach.

Not wanting to be outdone, Bradford had one last try in them. Jon Bairstow took the ball to the line and was able to use his chair control to get around the on rushing Wigan defender, from there it was a clear run to the line. Kicking his second goal of the game, Pyrah took the final score to 46-24 in Wigan’s favour.

Being picked out by the opposition as Player of the Match, Stuart Ord covered every inch of the court and was a real threat in both attack and defence. With just three competitive games under his belt, that is a quite an achievement from the young player.

Commenting on the performance, Chris Greenhalgh said: “The challenge we gave the players at the start of the season was to learn game by game. They are taking on board everything the coaches and experienced players are telling them and we’re making improvements every week”.

Wigan Warriors: Chris Greenhalgh, Mark Williams, Rob Gregson, Stuart Ord, Jordan Burns.

Interchanges: Wes Thomasson, Leila Hamrang, Heather Robinson.

Tries: Greenhalgh (5), Williams (2), Gregson, Ord.

Conversions: Greenhalgh (3/6), Williams (2/3).

Bradford Bulls: Scott Pyrah, Becky Wilkinson, Richard Wright, Jon Bairstow, Nathaniel Wright.

Interchanges: Sam Stebbings, Connor Hines, Keiron Johnson, Stephen Potter, David Gregson.

Tries: Wright, Pyrah (2), Hines, Bairstow.

Conversions: Pyrah (2/3), Hines (0/2).

The Reserves will next be in action on Saturday 30th April when they face Rochdale Hornets.