Leigh Leopards deserved their 1-0 golden point win over Wigan Warriors on the opening night of the Super League season. That’s the message from Wigan head coach Matt Peet after seeing his side fail to register a point on home soil against their local rivals.
Wigan went close to scoring at the Brick Community Stadium and even had an effort by Jai Field ruled out in the second half. Ultimately, though, they failed to break down what was a resolute, determined and staunch defensive line.
Leigh were made to weather one or two storms but the new look outfit stood firm and came up with the point they needed in sudden death, through the boot of half-back Gareth O’Brien, to win what was an enthralling yet extremely low scoring contest. It was a result few saw coming but Peet believes the visitors were good value for it and deserved the Battle of the Borough bragging rights.
“Amazing game,” Peet told Sky Sports after full-time. “I think all the credit goes to Leigh. I’m proud of my players and I couldn’t knock them really at half-time.
“There’s things we’ll fix up in terms of execution but the commitment and effort and desire of both sets of players was incredible in round one. Credit to Derek and Lammy and what they’ve built in the last few years, they deserved it tonight.
“I knew it would be intense. There’s things we’ll fix up but I just think the credit deserves to go to Leigh, their physicality, effort and togetherness for a relatively new team.”
Wigan Warriors will have the chance to bounce back when they travel to Hull FC next Friday night and they’ll be determined to take the opportunities needed at the MKM Stadium to get off the mark in the Super League table ahead of their trip to Las Vegas.
