Wigan Warriors today broke Leeds Rhinos hearts as they swept to a 26-6 victory against the reigning champions.
A powerful defensive display and some lucky breaks allowed the away team to go over 4 times, clinching a place in the Grand Final against bitter rivals St Helens.
Sinfield in the heart of the Leeds attack couldn’t create as Wigan closed down quickly and aggressively. Some opportunistic tries and flawless kicking from Pat Richards ensured a North-West derby was to take place at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Headingley-Carnegie was rocking to the tune of 13,000 fans as the Warriors and the Rhinos were just 80 minutes from the Grand Final.
Both teams started off brightly, with the Rhinos looking the most dangerous early on as some good Leeds kicking forced a mistake by Sam Tomkins close to his own try-line.
The first two penalties went Wigan’s way on 13 minutes after Danny Budearas gave away two quick fouls on Martin Gleeson. The second, gave Pat Jackson a chance to put one between the sticks from 31 meters, which he duly took. The Warriors now had the advantage at 2-0.
Leeds didn’t take long to strike back as Martin Gleeson was robbed in possession by Budearas. Skipper Kevin Sinfield picked up the ball and charged 30 meters to cross for the opening try of the game. Wigan will feel aggrieved at Buderas’ challenge on Gleeson as many would feel he was stripped of the ball illegally.
The game went on to become a scrappy affair, Leeds were pressing well while Wigan were looking to spring a counter-attack.
The Warriors were slowly making their way back into the game though as their industry in the central areas was beginning to pay dividends.
After mounting pressure, it took a bit of luck for Wigan to finally get their first try. Darrell Goulding went over for his 28th try of the campaign but only after an awkward flick wrong-footed Scott Donald. Goulding, who had been denied minutes earlier, was the 1st to pounce and squirmed over the line. Richards, as cool as ever, pushed Wigan ahead again 8-6 at half-time.
On the restart, Wigan were fasted out of the blocks. A high kick caught in the wind bamboozled Donald. Joel Tomkins pounced on the bounce and crossed unchallenged after a spot of ball juggling to gain control. Richards made no mistake from the kick, putting Wigan up to 14-8.
Leeds were now struggling to deal with Sam Tomkins who looked too quick and too agile for the Rhinos defence.
On the hour mark, the Warriors went over with a scruffy try from George Carmont. Leeds looked slack and switched off momentarily, in an instant, McIlurom was onto it and after dropping the ball, Carmont squeezed through the defence and touched down before Leeds knew what had happened them. Richards converted to make it 20-6, making Wigan the clear favourites against the reigning champions.
Leeds, showing why they’re reigning champions, started to turn the screw on Wigan who held out resolutely. A spate of last gasp challenges kept the Rhinos out, Leeds would not be deterred though and kept coming back again and again. Pat Richards in particular made a spectacular challenge on Danny Buderus just after the hour mark.
The rest of the game saw Wigan become ever more composed in their defending as Leeds efforts gradually began to fade away. The match was put to bed just before 80 minutes as Martin Gleeson crossed the line after some nice possession allowed Gleeson to run in from the wing. Richards would convert to finish the game 26-6.
As the referee blew up, Wigan players and fans celebrated as they reached their first Grand Final in 7 years. Leeds miss out on a 4th consecutive final. The key in this game was a determined defense and plenty of grit and steel going forward. The theatre of dreams awaits the Warriors, as well as the Saints.
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