Wigan Warriors produced a memorable derby performance to defeat the reigning Super League champions, St Helens, and not only secure a top two finish ahead of the Super League play-offs, but deny the Saints from winning the League Leaders’ Shield for at least a few more days.
Had St Helens triumphed here at the home of their biggest enemies from just eight miles down the road, they would have secured top spot and the League Leaders’ Shield. Wigan supporters would have been forced to watch the reigning champions celebrate another St Helens triumph in front of their own eyes and while it certainly wouldn’t have meant much heading into the play-offs, it would have left a bitter taste in the mouth without question.
How Matt Peet’s side avoided that particular fate here, though. This was one of their best performances of the year in attack and defence. Their first half was all about attacking prowess, with three stunning tries to lead 18-2 at half-time. But the second, dominated by St Helens in possession, saw the Warriors throw their bodies on the line time and time again. As a result, it means they are guaranteed to finish no lower than second, though one more point in the final two games will secure top spot for the Saints.
Wigan, watched on by their former captain Andy Farrell, were at their relentless best for large periods of an absorbing first half. Resolute in defence and clinical in attack when it mattered most, they led by 16 at half-time despite falling behind to an early penalty from the boot of Jonny Lomax.
From there though, the Warriors forged their way into a position of dominance over the champions. These derbies are so often decided by pivotal moments and when a penalty for a high tackle gave the hosts a prime opportunity to strike, they duly took advantage when Jai Field and Bevan French combined for the latter to cross for his 28th try of the Super League season.
Their second try was of supreme quality, as Brad O’Neill’s clever offload set Harry Smith away from deep. He, as so many Wigan players have this season, had Field in support. The Australian, arguably the Super League’s fastest player, inevitably crossed under the posts, affording Smith a simple conversion to make it 12-2.
As half-time approached though, St Helens responded. However, the visitors were unusually off their game in attack and after another penalty sprung Wigan downfield six minutes before the break, they struck another huge blow. This time, Liam Farrell evaded the grip of Agnatius Paasi to break and with Jack Welsby out of position, the forward gave Smith another simple conversion to make it 18-2. In games as seismic as these, 16-point leads can often be decisive, even at such an early stage in proceedings.
While St Helens responded with gusto after half-time and despite a remarkable amount of pressure on the Wigan line, they were unable to crack a resolute Warriors effort. Eventually, as the game entered the final quarter, they did so when Joey Lussick forced his way over from dummy-half but with Ben Davies missing the conversion, they still trailed by 12 with the minutes ticking away.
You felt that one more blow from Wigan would seal the outcome. It arrived with 10 minutes remaining when Cade Cust seized on an error from St Helens before freeing Liam Marshall down the wing. He was felled briefly by Ben Davies and the winger regained his feet and dived across the line. Despite a consolation try from Joe Batchelor, the Warriors sealed second spot and, for a few weeks at least, the local bragging rights.
Wigan Field; French, Pearce-Paul, Isa; Marshall; Cust, Smith; Singleton, O’Neill, Byrne, Farrell, Bateman, Smithies. Interchange Mago, Ellis, Cooper, Shorrocks. St Helens Welsby; Simm, Hurrell, Batchelor, Bennison; Davies, Lomax; Walmsley, Roby, Lees, Bell, Sironen, Knowles. Interchange Lussick, McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Paasi, Wingfield. Referee Ben Thaler.