Warriors survive Rovers comeback
Pat Richards racked up 12 points
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Saturday, 26, Sep 2009 07:07
By Tom Powell.
Wigan Warriors survived a second half comeback from Hull KR to record a 30-16 win and book their place in the Super League play-off semi-finals.
Tries from George Carmont, Iaseta Paleaaesina and Pat Richards had given the visitors a commanding 18-0 lead at the break.
Three second half scores brought the home side to within two points before two Martin Gleeson tries sealed the win for the Warriors.
Wigan broke the deadlock in the 16th minute following a prolonged period of pressure. Sam Tomkins freed his arms and offloaded to Carmont who touched down in the corner.
Richards was off target with his conversion attempt but added two points six minutes later when he slotted a simple penalty.
Rovers were desperately struggling to get a foothold in the game. Michael Dobson’s scuffed penalty the closest they came to troubling the scoreboard.
Nine minutes before the break the Warriors put themselves in complete control. Iaseta Paleaaesina took a quick penalty and powered over from close range. Richards’ conversion made it 12-0.
With two minutes to go before half-time it was seemingly game over. Richards brushed off the challenge of Shaun Briscoe to score in the corner with the conversion stretching the lead to 18-0.
Hull KR were given some hope three minutes into the second half. A great break from Clint Newton allowed Kris Welham the opportunity to score in the corner. Dobson was just wide with his conversion attempt.
The lead was cut to eight points with 24 minutes to go. Quick hands from the Rovers’ back line resulted in Peter Fox squeezing in at the corner. Dobson added the extras.
Rovers were on a roll and Chaz I’Anson had the majority of the New Craven Park crowd jumping when the youngster touched down under pressure from two Warriors defenders on the hour. Dobson brought the scores to 18-16.
Gleeson immediately quietened the Rovers fans when he stretched to score and re-open Wigan’s eight point lead with the addition of Richards’ conversion.
The try took the wind out of Rovers’ sails and Gleeson crossed for his second try with two minutes to go and with it booked his sides place in the Super League play-off semi-finals.