Wakefield Trinity first game at redeveloped stadium abandoned due to floodlight failure

Super League Champions Wigan Warriors took on Championship favourites Wakefield Trinity tonight in a clash at Belle Vue.

It marked the final game of Trinity’s pre-season before they start their 1895 Cup campaign next weekend against York Knights, and as such new head coach Daryl Powell named a strong side for the game.

The game also served as Wakefield Trinity stalwart Matty Ashurst’s testimonial match with the former St Helens forward marking 15 years in the sport this season.

Trinity had sold out their newly-named Neil Fox Stand for the game and those fans in attendance got to witness nine new signings that had been named in the squad.

Those included wingers Lachlan Walmsley and Jermaine McGillvary with youngster Oli Pratt and former Wigan man Iain Thornley creating a new-look backline.

As for visitors Wigan Warriors they had named a 22-man squad featuring six new signings and seven teenagers as Matt Peet’s side entered the second game of pre-season.

Wakefield Trinity clash abandoned

After a closely contested opening to the game, Wigan took the lead after new signing Sam Walters moved the ball over the top to Jacob Douglas who touched down in the corner with former Wakefield man Ryan Hampshire converting to give the Champions the lead over the relegated club.

Wakefield though would get back into the game when Renouf Atoni powered over carrying defenders over the line.

Before the break, new signing from Huddersfield Giants Jermaine McGillvary bagged a brace of tries with two great finishes in the corner after some great play wide. Only one converted but Daryl Powell’s side led 16-6 at the break.

The second half started with an amazing chip over the top from Hampshire allowed Farrimond to score.

Wakefield extended their lead with a third try for McGillvary after good work from Max Jowitt. This made it 22-12.

This came just minutes before the game was abandoned due to the floodlights coming on and off. The first instance was in the first half but this issue repeated throughout halftime and in the second half.