Wigan back to winning ways

Eagle 17 - 22 Wigan

Wigan travelled to the short distance to Eagle rugby club knowing that a victory over the Warrington side would keep up the pressure at the top of the table.

Wigan started brightly and applied pressure to the Eagle defence and the game was only 3 minutes old when Eagle conceded a penalty. Wigan chose to kick for territory and an attacking lineout created a drive which drew in Eagle defenders. Sione Afu took advantage and broke free to score the opening try which was converted by Adam Dwyer.

Wigan continued to dominate territory and possession but were frustrated by the dogged Eagle defence. With 15 minutes gone the ball was fielded deep in his own territory by Tom Wilson, who set off on a Ben Flower esque break before setting Adam Dwyer free. The Wigan backline played the ball through hands before finding Adam Stansbie out on the wing who finished superbly in the corner when he looked certain to be tackled into touch.

Despite the evident domination from the away side, Wigan failed to capitalise and went into the break leading 0-12.

Eagle made a spirited return after the half and it was the Warrington side that scored first. Wigan conceding a penalty which was taken quickly before Eagle set up a drive that took the ball over the Wigan line for a converted try.

Wigan struck back immediately, a misfield in the Eagle 22 led to an attacking scrum for Wigan which was taken blind by Kilian Wallace who barged his way over to take the score to 7-17.

The game took a topsy-turvy turn with Eagle being the next on the score sheet. Adam Dwyer had the ball ripped from his grasp leaving the Wigan defence in tatters and letting Eagle score from 30 yards and under the sticks.

Having lost from a winning position a week ago there were some nerves in the Wigan ranks but they were settled somewhat when another attacking scrum resulted in Adam Stansbie’s second try of the game. Kilian Wallace broke from the back of the scrum before drawing the defender and some good hands saw Adam Stansbie with another quality finish right in the corner, despite the attentions of the opposition defence.

With the scoreline more than one score apart and the game heading into stoppage time, Eagle were awarded a penalty. Rather than attempt to score a try they opted to kick the goal which brought them within one score and secured a losing bonus point.

Wigan win 17-22 and secure 4 points plus an additional bonus point for scoring 4 tries, to go back to the top of ADM division one.