Warriors Wheelchair fight back to defeat Panthers
- Match Report as Wigan Warriors Wheelchair fight back to defeat Halifax Panthers to confirm a play-off spot.
- After trailing at the break, the Warriors fought back superbly to take the win.
- FT | Halifax Panthers 42-46 Wigan Warriors
Sunday afternoon saw Wigan Warriors Wheelchair complete their final regular Betfred Wheelchair Super League season tie against Halifax Panthers in a thrilling encounter.
The impact of playing two games in 24 hours was clearly evident in the first 20 minutes, with ‘Fax scoring four unanswered tries to open up a 20-0 lead. Two from Hawkins, plus one each for Kieron Johnson and Nathaniel Wright, doing the damage.
Starting on the bench, Dan Dutson came onto court for Toby Burton-Carter and made an immediate impression. After Phil Roberts had taken the ball to the line, he threw a cut out pass to Dutson who was able to score in the corner despite an over zealous attempted tackle on the line. Jack Heggie kept the score within reach with a successful kick.
Despite the small chink of light for the Warriors, it was quickly turned out when the Panthers registered three further tries. A brace from Nathan Holmes and a third from Hawkins, plus three successful conversions, extending their lead to 38-6 after half an hour played.
Showing signs of resilience, the Cherry & Whites were able to reduce the deficit before half time. Firstly, Adam Rigby put in a delicate little kick that was picked up by Heggie, before scorer turned provider and Heggie returned the favour to set up Rigby with a reversed pass close to the line. Having converted both tries, Heggie narrowed the gap and took the score to 38-18.
Just seconds into the second half, Heggie was over again, his combination with Rigby the catalyst once more. This was quickly followed by a try from Greenhalgh after some fast handling, and with Heggie missing the first, but converting the second, Wigan were now back to within 10 points.
Having linked up twice previously, the deadly duo were at it again with Rigby put under the sticks on two further occasions by Heggie. The second conversion being the one that put the Warriors in front for the first time in the game at 40-38.
Setting up a tense finale, the Home side regained the lead when Hawkins scored his fourth try having been on the end of a Wayne Boardman kick. A missed conversion left the game well within the balance.
Having lost Wooloff to injury in the first half, Greenhalgh had replaced him and was using all his experience to push his team forward. It was this tenacity that saw him score in the right corner and put his side back in front for only the second time in the game. With Heggie slotting over his 36th conversion out of 37 attempts this season, he sealed the 46-42 win for Wigan.
Confirming a play-off spot, the Warriors will face Leeds Rhinos in the semi-final with further details to be confirmed.
Halifax Panthers: Wayne Boardman, Rob Hawkins, Nathan Holmes, Kieron Johnson, Nathaniel Wright
Interchanges: Jack Stockton, Finley O’Neill
Tries: Hawkins (4), Johnson, Wright, Holmes (2)
Goals: Hawkins (3/5), Boardman (2/3)
Wigan Warriors: Jack Heggie, Adam Rigby, Phil Roberts, Matt Wooloff, Toby Burton-Carter
Interchanges: Chris Greenhalgh, Mel Griffiths, Daniel Dutson
Tries: Dutson, Heggie (2), Rigby (3), Greenhalgh (2)
Goals: Heggie (7/8)
