Super League: Wakefield Trinity 14-6 Wigan Warriors
- Published
Betfred Super League |
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Wakefield (12) 14 |
Tries: Hampshire, Ashurst Goals: Lino 3 |
Wigan (0) 6 |
Try: Hanley Goal: Smith |
Wakefield responded to successive defeats by beating an inexperienced Wigan, although potentially at a cost as winger Tom Johnstone limped off.
Johnstone was withdrawn in the second half after ex-Wigan half-back Ryan Hampshire and Matty Ashurst had scored first-half tries for a 12-0 lead.
Umyla Hanley, son of Wigan great Ellery, scored to reduce the arrears but they fell short at the hooter.
The Warriors have now lost three in a row after seven straight wins to start.
Adrian Lam's side had injuries in Bevan French and Jai Field, suspensions to Zak Hardaker and Tony Clubb, plus international call-ups for Liam Farrell, John Bateman and Jackson Hastings - and that meant a youthful look to their 17.
Hanley, James McDonnell and Kai Pearce-Paul were all brought in, as was Brad O'Neill following his recall from Widnes, but what they brought in enthusiasm and doggedness was not enough to break down Trinity.
Wakefield were missing their own impressive performers in Joe Westerman, Kelepi Tanginoa and Reece Lyne but handled the reshuffle better.
Johnstone was effective until his departure, creating the scores for Hampshire and Ashurst with dissecting carries, while Lino pulled the strings without Jacob Miller available through injury.
They defended hard in long periods, and had enough at the other end to pick up a fourth win of the season.
Wakefield: Jowitt; Kershaw, Arundel, Senior, Johnstone; Hampshire, Lino; Battye, B. Walker, Arona, Pitts, Ashurst, Crowther
Interchanges: K. Wood, Y. Aydin, Fifita, Batchelor.
Wigan: Marshall; Bibby, Isa, McDonnell, Hanley; Leuluai, Smith; Bullock, Powell, Havard, Smithies, Pearce-Paul, Partington
Interchanges: Byrne, Clark, O'Neill, Shorrocks.
Referee: Tom Grant (RFL)