Wigan Warriors marched to the top of the Super League table in emphatic fashion, as they beat Salford Red Devils 26-8 at the DW Stadium.
Tries from Liam Farrell, Abbas Miski, Jake Wardle, Jai Field and Toby King helped guide the Cherry and Whites to the top of the league, whilst also putting a dent in their opponents playoff hopes.
Highlights
Wigan miss chance to draw first blood
The Cherry and Whites were gifted a great chance to notch the first points if the evening. A penalty and a set restart gave them two sets within 10 meters of Salford’s line, but a pass from Harry Smith couldn’t find Abbas Miski and the chance went amiss.
Salford take the lead
A Bevan French tackle on Chris Atkin gifts the visitors the perfect chance to take the lead; and with no Marc Sneyd on the pitch, Ryan Brierley stepped up to put the first points on the board.
Warriors hit back quickly
A penalty on halfway gave Wigan the perfect chance to get into a scoring position, and they made this count through Liam Farrell. The second-rower broke through a slight gap in the Salford line, and he danced around two other defenders to dive over the line for the first try of the night.
Salford miss golden opportunity
A sloppy error costs the Red Devils a great chance to regain the lead. Danny Addy put in a great carry to take his side within a meter of the Warriors line, but there was nobody at dummy half for the visitors and Wigan jumped on the loose ball.
Brierley pulls his side level
Another penalty in front of the sticks gives Ryan Brierley a chance to pull his side level, and he duly slotted the kick.
Miski puts his name on the scoresheet
The Lebanese international has been in fine try scoring form this season, and he grabbed another one to give his side the lead again. A flowing move through the hands found the ball in the in-form wingers hands and he dived over in the corner for the Warriors second try of the night.
Wigan get their third
A fantastic set from the Warriors earns its reward as Jake Wardle crashed over following a bullet pass from Jai Field. Great offloading skills kept the play alive, and they eventually worked it down to the line for Wardle to grab a try on the last tackle.
Jai Field solo try
On the stroke of half-time, Jai Field pulls off a spectacular solo try. A hit and hope kick from Marc Sneyd falls into the hands of Field, and he ran down the pitch to score his sides forth try.
Crazy start to the second-half
The opening two minutes of the second half provided plenty of entertainment. A fantastic break from Chris Atkin got the Red Devils close to the Wigan line, and then a loose pass fell into Liam Marshall’s hands and he in turn ran 50 meters up the pitch and nearly escaped the chasing defenders.
Toby King strolls in for a fifth
With Salford down to 12 men, Wigan capitalised as Toby King crossed the whitewash. Field skipped around the defence, and linked up with partner in crime Bevan French, who threw a beautiful out the back offload to King and the centre walked in to score.
Ken Sio pulls one back for the Red Devils
A lovely flowing move from the visitors found the ball in Ken Sio’s hands, and the Samoan international crossed out wide; but it was too little too late for Salford at this point.
Talking points
Salford their own worst enemy
The Red Devils’ ill-discipline cost them in the first half. The Warriors were able to get valuable field position from these penalties and this ultimately earned them crucial points.
French and Field causing havoc again
The partners in crime Jai Field and Bevan French again combined beautifully to tear Salford apart. Both provided great passes at the line to notch an assist, and Field got in on the scoring action himself with a wonderful solo effort.
Wigan Warriors march to the summit
The Warriors win tonight, coupled with Catalans defeat at Craven Park, has sent Matty Peets side to the top of the Super League table, and they now sit in poll position to win the League Leaders Shield. Tonight’s win was their fifth win on the spin, and they now have plenty of momentum going into the playoffs.
Salford playoff hopes dented
In a similar vain, the result at Craven Park has had a massive effect on Salford’s fortunes too as they now find themselves outside of the top six, and two points behind the Robins. They now face a tough run in too, with games against Warrington Wolves, Hull KR and Catalans Dragons. It’s going to go down to the wire!
Player ratings
Wigan Warriors
Jai Field-9
Abbas Miski-7
Toby King-7
Jake Wardle-7
Liam Marshall-7
Bevan French-8
Harry Smith-7
Kaide Ellis-7
Brad O’Neill-7
Liam Byrne-9
Kai Pearce-Paul-7
Liam Farrell-7
Morgan Smithies-7
Interchanges
Sam Powell-6
Joe Shorrocks-6
Patrick Mago-7
Junior Nsemba-7
Salford Red Devils
Ryan Brierley-6
Ken Sio-6
Deon Cross-6
Tim Lafai-6
Joe Burgess-6
Brodie Croft-6
Marc Sneyd-6
Brad Singleton-6
Andy Ackers-6
Oliver Partington-6
Kallum Watkins-6
Sam Stone-6
Danny Addy-6
Interchanges
Jack Ormonroyd-6
King Vuniyayawa-5
Chris Atkin-6
Ben Hellewell-6
