Wigan Warriors Academy opened the Academy League Top Four fixtures with an impressive home victory over Warrington Wolves at Robin Park Arena. The Warriors, who finished the regular season with an unbeaten record, won 30-14.
First Half Dominance
Wigan started strongly, with Evan Buckley's dummy and inside pass setting up Joe McGann to score in the sixth minute. Alfie Maden converted for a 6-0 lead.
Tom Farrimond extended the lead midway through the half, cutting through a gap in Warrington's defence after receiving a pass on the right edge. Maden added the conversion to make it 12-0.
Warrington mounted attacks through Isaac Haddrell and Tommy Rhodes, but both were held up over the line as Wigan's defence held firm.
The Warriors capitalised on a Warrington handling error five minutes before the break. Sam Dickenson's cut-out pass allowed Conner Oxbury to dive over in the corner, with Maden converting from the touchline for 18-2.
Warrington reduced the deficit to 18-2 at half time when Tommy Rhodes kicked a penalty goal. Brady Bottomley then raced clear on the left wing to score with Rhodes converting for 18-8.
Second Half and Sealing Victory
Shortly after the restart, Alfie Maden showed individual brilliance by dummy-half to score on the last tackle, then kicked the conversion to stretch Wigan's lead to 24-8 with 49 minutes played.
Warrington struck back with Oliver Bishop grounding the ball after a patient passing move to the right edge, with Rhodes converting for 24-14.
Wigan sealed the win in the final 10 minutes when Conner Oxbury scored his second try after collecting his delicate kick over the full-back. Maden made it five successful conversions from five attempts to make the score 30-14.
Yellow cards were shown to Evan Buckley and Tommy Rhodes following a coming together between the teams. Warrington added a final try in the closing stages when Jamie Coop grounded from close range with the additional two points kicked.
