Super League is set to have its most fascinating conclusion in years after Warrington ended Wigan’s 17-game winning streak at home and defeated the reigning champions at the top of the table.
The Warriors knew a win here would not only cement their place at the top of the table but also extend their record for most consecutive home wins, but Sam Burgess’ Wolves proved that was far from the question with a performance that underscored how much the team has improved since he took over.
The result was a strong response to the disappointment of last month’s Challenge Cup final defeat to Wigan at Wembley Stadium. They scored six tries to Wigan’s one and the reigning champions are now fully in a three-way race for the top spot with Wyer and Hull KR, with all three teams level on points.
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They continue to struggle without key duo Jay Field and Bevan French – their win probability is well below 50 per cent without them – and with hooker Brad O’Neill sidelined with a serious knee injury, the team are certain to be without another key player for an extended period of time.
Wyer were superb from start to finish and 17-year-old Aaron Lindop took advantage of a Liam Byrne mistake with the first tackle of the game to put Wigan ahead by scoring. Liam Marshall touched down to put Wigan back within two goals, but that was their best play of the night.
By half-time Warrington were in complete control and further tries from Adam Holroyd and Matty Ashton made the score 18-4 at the break and Wolves maintained their dominance after the break when Lindop broke through in style to score a second goal.
A sensational break saw Ashton score his second, followed by a brilliant interception from Josh Thewlis and a try from Rodrick Tye saw Wigan drop from first to third in the table. Just two weeks ago many thought no one could catch the Warriors at the top of the table. Now we are facing a most unpredictable and unbelievable final.
