Wigan grab first win with late burst
George Carmont inspired the Warriors to the win
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Saturday, 28, Feb 2009 08:46
Wigan Warriors won their first game of the season with two tries in the last five minutes to secure a 24-18 win away at Harlequins.
Under-pressure Warriors coach Brian Noble looked to heading for another defeat, which could have potentially led to his sacking, as Quins led 18-14 thanks to tries from Chad Randall, Matt Gafa, Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook and Chris Melling.
But Amos Roberts intercepted a pass from Randall to score a try and level things up at 18-18. Shaun Ainscough then grabbed his second try of the game to secure Wigan a crucial win.
Harlequins started the game on the front-foot, but it was Wigan who scored the opening try as Ainscough got on the end of a pass from George Carmont to cross the try-line. Pat Richards added the extra two points to give his side a 6-0 lead.
Two quick tries put Harlequins in the lead as first Randall took advantage of a fumbled pass from Howell to score and then Gafa sprinted away to touch down on the right-wing. Danny Orr converted the first try as Quins took a 10-6 lead.
In a see-saw game Wigan then scored two tries in quick succession. First Carmont took full advantage of a spectacular pass from Ainscough to race clear and score the try. From the resulting kick-off, Wigan plundered their way through a static Quins defence and Phil Bailey crossed-over to give the Warriors a 14-10 lead.
A brilliant 40-20 kick from Randall gave Harlequins a good attacking position and they took full advantage as McCarthy-Scarsbrook scored. The points looked safe for Quins when Melling added another try.
But Wigan came storming back and scored the two late tries to secure a win which gives Noble some breathing space.
In the other game of the day, Castleford thumped Salford 52-16 with tries from Richard Owen (2) Michael Shenton, Craig Huby, Ryan Hudson, Joe Westerman, Kirk Netherton, Ryan McGoldrick and Dean Widders.