Wakefield Trinity won their first competitive game of their new era against the York Knights in the 1895 Cup in a great game clouded by fan violence.
Wakefield made a rapid start, scoring three tries in the opening 12 minutes before taking a 24-0 lead into the half-time break, with Luke Gale, Jermaine McGillvary, Max Jowitt and Lachlan Walmsley all crossing the whitewash.
Further scores from Caleb Uele and Walmsley saw Trinity move 36-0 ahead early in the second half before York got themselves on the board through Will Jubb’s score.
The visitors had the final word on the contest however, with Walmsley wrapping up his hat-trick in the cup tie’s final play.
Despite the defeat, York still remain in the hunt for a Quarter-Final spot in the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup, having gathered two points and a healthy points difference of +72 from their two group stage matches.
But as the game finished, there was some violence among fans.
Footage shared online seemed to confirm it was an isolated incident and credit must go to the huge majority of Trinity fans who called out the lone supporter for his actions, with some claiming that he ‘didn’t represent the club’, and rightly so.
Wakefield Trinity owner addresses fan violence
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Anna Gowthorpe/Shutterstock 12798699du A general view of play in front of the old 1924 main stand due for demolition this year Wakefield Trinity Wildcats v Hull FC, Betfred Super League, Rugby League, Belle Vue, Wakefield, UK – 13 Feb 2022
Speaking to the club’s official website, Wakefield Trinity owner Matthew Ellis said on the incident: “We are aware of the incident that happened at the end of the game. We will be working closely with York Knights and LNER Community Stadium staff to investigate, identify and handle the situation.”
This is a disappointing to overshadow a great day for the club who were celebrating a record number of away fans heading over to a game.
The club are in a healthy place at the moment and it doesn’t deserve to have their first competitive game of this new era overshadowed by a disappointing minority letting both clubs down.
Hopefully, both clubs can get to the bottom of this and move forward into the 2024 season moving forward.
Wakefield will complete the 1895 Cup Group Stage against Newcastle Knights before starting the Championship season as they look set to win the league and push for a return for Super League.
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