Wigan Warriors completed an historic quadruple as they beat Hull KR 9-2 under the lights at Old Trafford. Matt Peet’s imperious side retained their Super League crown with tough, gritty and resolute performance with Bevan French’s brilliance ultimately being the difference.
The Robins huffed and puffed on their first ever appearance in the Grand Final, but they were no match for the side who were making their 13th outing at the showpiece event. Wigan managed the game, kept their heads and ground out the result on a history making evening in front of 68,173 strong crowd.
Matt Peet’s side have been relentless over the last few months and as confetti settles on a trophy laden season, it’s hard to say they haven’t been simply the best team the Super League has had to offer for some time.
Befitting of the occasion, the first 10 minutes of the contest were tight, nervy and intense as both Wigan and KR settled into the arm wrestle and battled for early dominance. It was probably fair to say the Robins probably got the better of the early exchanges and they thought they’d opened the scoring when Mikey Lewis touched down.
However, play was pulled back for Tyrone May knock on in the build-up. A let off for the Warriors, who took full advantage as French opened the scoring with a spectacular solo effort.
Selling a dummy to Lewis and skipping by Matt Parcell, French put his foot on the gas to burst through the line, round Niall Evalds and touch down in front of the Stretford End.
KR tried to respond and Lewis got over the line once more only to see Wigan defenders prevent him from being able to touch it down. Just before the break, though, Wigan extended their lead through a Harry Smith one-pointer.
Rovers kept going but they needed a late tackle from Luke Thompson on Elliot Minchella to get on the scoreboard, with Lewis securing the two points with the boot. However, Lewis gave away a penalty in Adam Keighran range with 20 minutes remaining to allow Wigan to restore their seven-point advantage.
KR deserved credit for the heart and desire they showed on the night, but taking Wigan close in a Grand Final will be no consolation for Willie Peters’ brave side. Having sampled Old Trafford, they’ll be desperate to go one better next year.
Wigan Warriors were simply too good, though, and that’s something that applies to the season as a whole, not just on the night against Hull KR.