“Anybody know if Derek Beaumont was at the game tonight” – How social media reacted to Wigan’s comeback win against Leigh

In a mouth-watering Lancashire derby to start Super League with a bang, Wigan defied the odds coming back from 18-0 down to win 20-18 and break Leigh hearts.

Despite ending up on the losing side Leigh earnt rave reviews for their fast start and aggressive approach as they proved they aren’t here just to make up the numbers.

So good to have Rugby League back… massive respect to @Liamhood24 and the @LeighCenturions boys great dig and @Saints1890 looking quality as well last night! Great to see big @engywalmsley sneaking over #MeatPie

— Alex Simmons (@alexsimmonstv) March 27, 2021

👏🏻 Tremendous game and effort by @LeighCenturions . Wish you well for the season and fingers crossed @YorkKnightsRLFC join you in 2022 .

— The Original Yorkie (@YorkieOriginal) March 26, 2021

Leigh threw absolutely everything at Wigan in that opening half hour. Incredible aggression and intensity. Ran out of steam towards the end of the game. They’ll be proud of their performance but won’t get a better opportunity to beat Wigan.

— Ben Long (@LongyWTID) March 26, 2021

Liam Hood was showered in praise. The former Leeds man is now Leigh skipper and produced a superb captain’s performance.

Liam Hood has been absolutely outstanding so far. Scored the first, heavily assisted their third. Wigan are broken, crumbled, and already look a beaten side. #SLLeiWig

— Dan (@Dan_RL6) March 26, 2021

Best team lost liam hood was outstanding onwards upwards all the best against Warrington the whole squad ran there blood to water

— emma_tr4_rhinos🦏🇬🇧 (@emma_tr4_rhinos) March 26, 2021

Liam Hood wrecking Wigan down the middle and great support for that score –

— philkinsella (@philkinsella) March 26, 2021

Sadly, the dynamic hooker ended the game on the losing side as Wigan showed great determination to battle back having trailed at halftime. Adding to their gutsy comeback was the sad loss of new signing Jai Field to a hamstring injury.

😫A tough debut for Jai Field…

The star Wigan halfback is forced off on 19 minutes with a hamstring issue

— League Express (@leagueexpress) March 26, 2021

In an interesting twist the stand-off started on the wing in what many believed was a strange move with Jackson Hastings unavailable.

https://twitter.com/nathanielWood3/status/1375548898589167626

He’ll miss 6 weeks with a hamstring injury.

Speaking of injuries Greg Inglis was on Sky to talk about the game and also revealed how long he could be out for – it doesn’t sound good for Warrington fans.

Greg Inglis …..' Maybe round 3 or 4'…..blimey!

Belting signing 🤣🤣

— Truth Talking Maverick (@TruthTalkingMav) March 26, 2021

However, even more gutted than Warrington fans was Leigh owner Derek Beaumont. As his side lost their grip on the game many wondered if he’d disappeared.

Anybody know if Derek Beaumont was at the game tonight…don’t recall seeing him 😳

— Ian Collett 🍒⚪️🏉 (@PieEatinGooner) March 26, 2021

MISSING

Derek Beaumont

Last seen at half time of the Wigan v Leigh game. Possible sighting on the M62 at about 10:00pm… pic.twitter.com/Ltuo53o3yX

— Tim Fisher (@timfisher_1) March 26, 2021

Fear not, Beaumont took to twitter after the game to say just how proud he was of his side after a gutsy return to Super League.

Immensely proud of all our players and staff tonight @LeighCenturions gave an immense effort and fought gallantly till the end. Great effort lads.Congratulations to @WiganWarriorsRL looking forward to the return @lsvstadium on 17th of May hopefully with the return of some fans.

— Derek John Beaumont (@derek_beaumont) March 26, 2021