Warriors Academy beat the Bulls
- Match Report as Wigan Warriors Academy beat Bradford Bulls Academy at Robin Park Arena.
- Wigan scored seven tries including a Finlay Yeomans double in the victory.
- FT | Wigan Warriors 36-12 Bradford Bulls.
Wigan Warriors Academy scored seven tries to defeat Bradford Bulls Academy 36-12 at Robin Park Arena on Saturday afternoon.
An emphatic start to the contest saw the Warriors score three tries in 19 minutes to build a 16-0 lead which was held until the break.
Despite Bradford scoring twice in the second half, the Warriors continued to dominate with a further four tries to seal a comfortable win on home soil.
Report
The Warriors started strongly and opened the scoring after five minutes when Finlay Yeomans capitalised on a Bradford handling error to run in from close range. Noah Hodkinson added the extras to give the Warriors a 6-0 lead.
Firm defensive work from the Warriors denied Bradford an immediate response before Wigan added a second try on 12 minutes when play was worked to F. Yeomans who burst through a gap on the right edge to score. The lead remained 10-0 after the conversion attempt flashed across the posts.
Despite a handling error returning possession to Bradford from the restart, the Warriors saw out the defensive set before a third try was scored when quick hands created space for Thomas Bridge to dive over in the corner. A successful kick from Hodkinson put the Warriors 16-0 ahead on 17 minutes.
A threatening run from Hodkinson saw the fullback make more than 60m before he was stopped just short of the line. An attempted pass out wide was intercepted by the visitors who evaded conceding a fourth try.
Despite multiple sets deep inside the Bradford half, the Warriors were unable to extend their lead as the sides went into the break with the score at 16-0.
Bradford were penalised for kicking out on the full from the restart, however, the Warriors were unable to capitalise as a handling error on the second tackle returned possession to the visitors.
The Warriors added a fourth try on 43 minutes when a patient set resulted in Jack Purtill breaking free from a tackle to burst over in the right corner. The lead remained at 20-0 following an unsuccessful kick.
The Bull reduced the points difference on 48 minutes when George Rayner grounded his own kick through before Samuel Ackroyd added the extras from the tee.
Two converted tries in three minutes saw the Warriors increase their lead to 32-6 on the hour. First Lukas Mason was in support to receive Jack Purtill’s offload and crash over before Mike Porter broke through the line to slide over as F. Yeomans added the extras.
Despite Bradford crossing for a second try with 10 minutes remaining, the Warriors scored the final points of the contest when quick hands between Austin Daniel and F. Yeomans set up Harlen Smith to ground in the corner. The win keeps the Warriors at the top of the table with four rounds remaining.
Wigan Warriors: Noah Hodkinson, Harlen Smith, Finlay Yeomans, Austin Daniel, Thomas Bridge, Charlie Yeomans, Jack Purtill, Trent Kelly-Duffy, Reece Rowcroft, Dylan Kelly-Duffy, George O’Loughlin, Lukas Mason, Kalum Rathbone.
Interchange: Hamza Butt, Taylor Kerr, Koen Perry, Michael Porter.
18th Player: Leo Wadsworth.
Tries: F.Yeomans (5′, 12′), Bridge (17′), Purtill (43′), Mason (57′), Porter (60′), Smith (77′).
Goals: Hodkinson (2/4), F. Yeomans (2/3).
Bradford Bulls: Connor Sayner, George McKinley, Samuel Spencer, Harvey Duckworth, Demir Acarer, Samuel Ackroyd, George Rayner, Jamie Gill, Lewis Owens, Alfie Leake, Jacob Bateman, Riley Sunderland, Frederick Butler.
Interchange: Henry Welsh, Joe Bullough, Isaac Oughton, Jacob Dibden.
18th Player: Lucas Child.
Tries: Rayner (48′), (69′)
Goals: Ackroyd (2/2).
