Match Report
Wigan Warriors were defeated 22-16 against Celtic Crusaders at the Brewery Field on Saturday night as the Crusaders recorded only their second win of the season and their first on home soil.
Tries either side of half time opened up a 16-6 Celtic advantage before touchdowns from Phelps and Roberts levelled it at 16 all before Peter Luptons second try of the game five minutes from the end sealed the win for the home side.
Celtic gave their all and deserved something from the game as Wigan battled in spells but never really showed the form they had shown in the last two weeks which had seen them beat Salford twice and move into the top 8.
Wigan Warriors were without Gareth Hock and Sam Tomkins who were away on International duty with England. George Carmont missed out with a shoulder injury while skipper Sean O’Loughlin was also sidelined with a knee injury which also forced him out of the England 19.
Shaun Ainscough was recalled on the left wing after missing the back to back home wins over Salford. Elsewhere, Phil Bailey returned, Joel Tomkins switched to loose forward with Hansen also starting. In the absence of O’Loughlin, Thomas Leuluai took over the Captain’s duties. On the bench for the first time in Super League was Mark Flanagan who has impressed in the Reserves.
The Warriors looked for an early breakthrough, Riddell finding room down the left through a gap, Tim Smith with a high lofted kick deep inside the Celtic half with just 5 minutes on the clock but the home defence held firm.
It was the home side that opened the scoring on 15 minutes, Lennon with the break, he had Withers and then Van Dijk in support and the scrum half crossed for the try. Lennon added the extras from underneath the posts, 6-0.
The cherry and whites hit back with a fortunate try on 21 minutes, Leuluai with a short kick which fell kindly for Harrison Hansen to touch down unopposed. Richards goal squared the game up at 6-6.
Wigan thought they had got their second try on 30 minutes, Leuluai and Phelps combining as they looked to send in Ainscough out wide but good cover defence from the home side put the winger in touch.
Celtic reacted and went straight down the other end for their second try of the night. Van Dijk with a cross field kick into acres of space, Peter Lupton picking up the loose ball to cross for the try. Lennon’s conversion made it 12-6 to the home side.
That remained the score until the half time interval.
Wigan almost capitalised in the opening couple of minutes after the break as Leuluai put a grubber kick in. Celtic allowed the ball to bounce thinking it had gone dead, Ainscough close to getting a touch before the danger was averted.
At the other end on 53 minutes, Celtic grabbed their third try, Mark Dalle Cort with the four points as the home side kept the ball alive. This time the extras were missed, 16-6 but Wigan with a task on their hands now.
The Warriors needed the next score and they got it, Cameron Phelps scoring from a quick pass from the scrum base out wide. Richards goal brought it back to 16-12.
The try brought the Warriors to life and on 68 minutes Wigan were in again. This time Roberts with the try after a clever dummy by Smith sent Gleeson into space and he found Roberts on his shoulder to level the game. Richards missed the goal, 16-16. All of a sudden it was game on.
But with just five minutes left a mistake by Paleaaesina as he lost the ball close to his own try line proved decisive. This allowed Celtic possession and it was Lupton who was able to elude the tackle of Gleeson to sneak in for the try, his second, on 75 minutes. Lennon’s goal made it 22-16.
There was no way back for Wigan and it was the home side that picked up the two Super League points.
Team News
Celtic Crusaders
Damien Quinn, Luke Dyer, Mark Lennon, Mark Dalle Cort, Anthony Blackwood, Darren Mapp, Jace Van Dijk, Ryan O'Hara, Lincoln Withers, Mark Bryant, Jordan James, Jason Chan, Chris Beasley
Subs: Peter Lupton, Neil Budworth, Adam Peek, David Tangata Toa
Wigan Warriors
Pat Richards, Amos Roberts, Martin Gleeson, Cameron Phelps, Shaun Ainscough, Tim Smith, Thomas Leuluai, Andy Coley, Mark Riddell, Paul Prescott, Phil Bailey, Harrison Hansen, Joel Tomkins
Subs: Iafeta Paleaaesina, Michael McIlorum, Stuart Fielden, Mark Flanagan.
Referee - Steve Ganson
Attendance - 5,253
