Warriors beaten at Roosters
Wigan Warriors fell to a 20-14 defeat to london roosters in the second round of the Betfred Wheelchair Super League.
Despite leading 14-4 at the break after tries from Declan Roberts (x2) and Nathan Roberts, London Roosters came from behind to hand the Warriors a first league defeat of the season.
Report
An end-to-end start unfolded at the University of Bedfordshire as each side applied pressure to the opposing defence, however, neither team were able to break the deadlock in the opening 15 minutes despite London going the closest in the corner.
The Warriors gained control of possession deep inside the Roosters half, and shortly after Nathan Roberts almost benefitted from an overlap in the corner, Declan Roberts went over from close range to open the scoring. The score remained at 4-0 following an unsuccessful conversion attempt.
Firm defence from the Roosters denied Chris Greenhalgh a try two minutes later, however, the hosts were unable to prevent Nathan Roberts from grounding out wide for the Warriors’ second try. D. Roberts added the additional points to put Wigan 12-0 ahead.
The Warriors increased their lead further before the half hour mark when Dec Roberts dummied his way through from close range for his second try of the afternoon before he added the extras from the tee.
London reduced the points difference two minutes before the break when Mason Billington weaved his way through two Warriors defenders before accelerating clear from halfway. The conversion attempt was unsuccessful as the score remained 14-4 at half time.
After a closely-fought first 15 minutes of the second half, the Roosters struck first to cut the Warriors’ lead when quick hands resulted in Freya Levy scoring on the left wing. Jason Owen’s conversion attempt was successful to make the score 14-10.
The hosts took the lead on the hour when continued pressure on the Warriors defence saw Jack Linden ground in the corner after play was switched from left to right. Owen added the extras once more to give London a two point advantage.
Despite the best efforts of the Warriors to turn the contest around, the Roosters sealed the win with five minutes remaining when Lewis King picked out Linden on the wing for his second try. Despite being unable to convert the try, London held on in the closing stages to record a 20-14 win.
London Roosters: Mason Billington, Jason Owen, Lewis King, Steve Murphy, Scott Trigg-Turner.
Interchange: Matt Wass, Jack Linden, Freya Levy.
Tries: Billington (38′), Levy (55′), Linden (60′, 74′).
Goals: Trigg-Turner (0/1), Owen (2/3).
Wigan Warriors: Chris Greenhalgh, Nathan Roberts, Declan Roberts, Adam Rigby, Phil Roberts.
Interchange: Martin Lane, Toby Burton-Carter, Daniel Dutson.
Tries: D. Roberts (19′, 26′), N. Roberts (22′).
Goals: D. Roberts (1/3).
