After 9 months of drama, agony, injury and exertion, it all came down to 80 minutes in the heart of Salford. In my opinion, the two best sides in the Super League this year, certainly the two most attractive rugby sides to watch, Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves, met at Old Trafford last night to battle for the most prestigious prize in British Rugby League. With plenty of W's in the team names, we were always going to be in for an entertaining game, and my word they did not disappoint.
Warrington, after the heartbreak of the Grand Final defeat to Leeds Rhinos just 12 months earlier, were looking to secure their first title since 1955. Considering their recent revival, that they are yet to win the ultimate prize is somewhat surprising. Their star-studded line-up have once again proven themselves up to the test this season, and they would need to perform to their potential if they were to win on the biggest stage. The rather remarkable thing is that not a single Wolves player managed to make it into the Super League Dream Team this year. Lee Briers, Joel Monaghan and Stefan Ratchford have been particularly impressive, and going forward they would be the most potent threat to the Wigan line. In order to deal with Wigan attacks, Simon Grix and Micky Higham would have to be organised and strong to repel the Warriors. Today would also be a very special day for forward Adrian Morley. Starting on the bench, the 36-year-old would be playing his last game for Warrington, after agreeing a deal to take him to his hometown club, Salford Red Devils, next year, for what would possibly be his final season as a professional. After 6 years of excellent service, spanning over 100 games, few Warrington fans will forget him in a hurry.
Warrington's route to the Grand Final in the play-offs was hardly straightforward. They began with a home tie against defending champions Leeds Rhinos, the very side that knocked them out in last year's showpiece. Here, home advantage, and an extra year's experience paid dividends for the Wire, who ran out comfortable 40-20 winners. With Huddersfield being beaten in the other qualifying play-off, Warrington, having finished 2nd in the regular season, recieved the Club Call, meaning that they could select their semi-final opponents. With both Huddersfield and Leeds winning their preliminary semis, it meant that the Wire only had a choice between the league leaders and the reigning champions. Interestingly, despite having beaten Leeds just prior, they chose Huddersfield for their semi final. In a tense, edgy game, Warrington took their chances when required to ensure that it was they that reached their second consecutive Super League Grand Final, winning by 30-22.
Wigan, in contrast, were not looking to rectify any mistakes from the campaign. Rather their only aim was to complete the double, and join an elite group of clubs to have achieved that feat, the last of which was St Helens in 2006. Having claimed the Challenge Cup in August, after a superb shut-out victory over Hull FC at Wembley, they wanted to add the Super League to that success. Going forward, players like Josh Charnley, Sam Tomkins and Sean O'Loughlin have all had exceptional seasons, the latter being shortlisted for the Man of Steel award, and all would be expected to contribute massively to any success. Defensively, Liam Farrell and Darrell Goulding would need to be at their best to keep out a free-scoring Warrington attack. Just like the Wire, this was a special occasion for a couple of the Warriors' players. Sam Tomkins, the Wigan full-back, has been in the headlines in recent weeks, after his decision to leave Britain for the NRL side New Zealand Warriors at the end of the season. At a reported fee of £700,000, the full back has become the most expensive player in Rugby League history. This incredible when you compare it to the £85 Million that Real Madrid have forked out for the services of Gareth Bale. It would also be a momentous day for long-serving winger Pat Richards. After a Wigan career spanning 7 years and over 150 appearances, the 31 year old will also be returning to the NRL, choosing to join up with old club Wests Tigers. A true Warriors club legend, his legacy at the club is assured, having masterminded Wigan's last Super League success in 2010.
The Warriors' journey to Old Trafford was no less complicated than that of their opponents. In fact, it was almost identical. Having played a spirited Huddersfield side in their qualification play-off, the Warriors managed to overcome their Yorkshire opponents, winning by 22-8. After Warrington's Club Choice, and Leeds's narrow win over St Helens in their preliminary semi, it meant that Wigan had the reigning champions to play in their semi-final. In another tight and nervy affair, Wigan held their nerve in the big game, dealing Leeds their first semi-final defeat in three years. A 22-12 victory ensured that Wigan would return Old Trafford for the first time in 3 years, since the scene of their last famous victory in 2010.
However, statistics between the two sides did not favour the side from Greater Manchester. Warrington finished the league season above Wigan by some 6 points, and were unbeaten against the Warriors in the league, winning at the Halliwell Jones after drawing at the DW at the start of the season. Whilst some claim that statistics count for nothing in sport, I often disagree. It tends to indicate how teams perform in pressure matches, and will inevitably play on the minds of both sets of players involved, with one feeling invincible, and the other feeling pressurised to break the bad spell of results. Starting the game, Wigan will have known that Warrington have historically performed better against them, and as a result, started brightly. Whilst the opening 10 minutes passed without points, it did not go without incident. In only the fourth minute, Blake Green was left bloodied and battered by what appeared to be a robust challenge. Having consulted the video, it was revealed that Ben Westwood punched the Wigan man, leaving him prostrate on the floor, requiring oxygen to continue. After a few minutes, Green, sporting a black eye, re-entered the fray, and the officials placed Westwood on report. Having seen the incident a few times, I think that the Warrington defender was fortunate not to be sin-binned at least, which would have left his side vulnerable.
After the game had settled, Wigan opened the scoring with a Pat Richards penalty. In the early stages, the Greater Manchester side were in the ascendency, and looked like extended their flimsy 2 point advantage. However, a mid-period Warrington revival turned the game on its head. Three tries in 5 minutes left the Wire 16-2 up as half time approached. First, Joel Monaghan produced a fantastic catch from a Lee Briers crossfield kick to touch down in the corner to hand Warrington the lead. This score came completely against the run of play, and started an incredible period of dominance for the Wolves. Just three minutes later, Simon Grix capitalised on an uncharacteristic error from the usually dependable Pat Richards, before powering over. Stefan Ratchford then converted the try to further extend the advantage. Only another 2 minutes had passed when Ben Westwood, who was fortunate to be on the pitch, smashed through the Wigan defence from close range. Another Ratchford conversion left the score at 16-2, and left the Wigan fans and players stunned. They desperately needed to regroup, and they needed a leader to take the game by the scruff of its neck.
The moments leading up to half time were disastrous for the Wolves however. Joel Monaghan, who had been one of the most influential players for Warrington in the first half, had to be removed from the field on a stretcher, after a nasty looking injury. This was compounded by arguably the most important moment of the match, which occurred just 2 minutes before the break. A moment that saw the momentum swing once again, as a sweeping Wigan move saw Darrell Goulding cross in the corner. Though Richards missed the conversion attempt, Wigan will have gone into half time much happier at 16-6 than the 16-2 that it was just seconds earlier. This momentum shift was even more evident after the break, when a quite incredible turn of events saw the game turn 180 degrees. Less than 10 minutes after the restart, Wigan had closed the gap even further. Sloppy Warrington defending allowed dummy half Michael McIlorum to squirm through to reduce the deficit to a single score. With the Wire now well and truly on the ropes, Wigan pressed forwards to try an regain the lead. Just four minutes later, they had it. A little grubber kick from Darrell Goulding was seized upon by Josh Charnley, and the predatory finisher had little trouble finding his way to the try line. After a brief discussion with the video ref, the try was awarded, and the conversion handed Wigan a remarkable 18-16 lead.
As the game ticked into its final quarter, Warrington looked every inch a beaten side. Stefan Ratchford was also forced from the field with an injury, depriving the Wolves of yet another important creative player. Wigan landed the killer punch with just 15 minutes to go, as Blake Green caught Adrian Morley out with a dummy, taking advantage to go over under the posts. The conversion meant that the game was now 2 scores away from Warrington, and effectively out of their hands. Warrington looked shell-shocked, and were hit with a final sucker punch just 5 minutes from time. The fairytale ending for Pat Richards, the Wigan veteran touching down in the corner before converting to rubber stamp Wigan's double winning season. The perfect way to go out, and few would deny the winger the success that his performances have more than merited. However, the Harry Sunderland Man of the Match Trophy belonged to Blake Green. Having started the game flat on his back, having been walloped by Westwood, the Wigan half-back played himself into the game, before touching down the crucial try. An excellent performance, and well deserved accolade. With that came the last action, meaning that the scoring finished at 30-16.
Few that had seen the scoreline at half time would have believed that this outcome was possible. An incredible 28 unanswered points from Wigan, including a complete shut-out in the second half, meant that the Warriors deservedly regained the Super League trophy. Wigan's trophy cabinet at the DW Stadium will be rather full at the minute, as the Warriors have done the Challenge Cup and Super League double, and the football side currently hold the FA Cup. For Warrington, their 58 year wait for the Super League continues, but if it is any consolation, the Wire are getting closer, and have every chance of claiming the ultimate prize next year. This game was a pulsating and enthralling advert for the Super League, and a microcosm of the season as a whole: exciting, unpredictable, full-blooded, passionate and pure entertainment.
Analysis of sporting events, talking points and controversies.
Showing posts with label Warriors. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Warriors. Show all posts
Sunday, 6 October 2013
Wednesday, 2 October 2013
Man of Steel 2013: Brough Takes Giant Step To Crown
At a prestigious award ceremony last night, Huddersfield's Danny Brough became the 32nd player to get his hands on British rugby league's biggest prize for individual skill: The Man of Steel. Equivalent to football's PFA Player of the Year Award, it has historically been won by players who have given exceptional performances on a consistent basis. All of the greats of the game have won it, with the Huddersfield man joining the likes of Martin Offiah, Andy Farrell, Paul Sculthorpe and rugby league's most expensive player Sam Tomkins on the honour role. In a three-man shortlist with Wigan's Sean O'Loughlin and Leeds's retiring Jamie Peacock, Brough was amongst good company. In this post, I will be looking at the key moments of Brough's season, and explain why he may have been considered the pick of the three.
Brough began the season in fantastic form, pushing the Giants on a phenomenal run of form. The opening game of the season illustrated the Giants' title ambitions, and even expectations, with a resounding 4-40 victory at Langtree Park. Although St Helens may have declined slightly from their glory days of the 2000's, they are by no means a weak team. Brough and his colleagues made them appear quite ordinary. And the form continued, with another impressive win against a fellow title contender, seeing Wigan Warriors off 22-10. Brough was once again the picture of consistency, converting all three tries, and adding two additional penalties, vital points to carry his side to victory. To begin the season with four straight Super League wins would have been more than the Huddersfield fans would have expected, but the scrum-half's performances helped the Giants to an early lead.
After a thumping defeat at home to Bradford in the following game, Huddersfield needed to regroup. I have always believed that one indicator of a truly great player is the way they bounce back after a poor performance. Everyone has off days, it is how you react to them that matters most. And how Brough bounced back! A try and four conversions helped his side cruise past fellow title rivals Leeds at Headingley. Arguably one of the wins of the season for the Giants, and one that had come after bitter disappointment, illustrating the squad's strength. This is a pattern that we have seen from the Giants all season, coming back stronger after every defeat, and it was that that kept them in the title shake-up from the very start of the season.
I think most key to Brough's season has been his influence in the big games. That is not to say that he is simply a big game player-in every match you can see elements of his brilliance. However, Huddersfield have performed exceptionally well in big games this season (with the exception of a double defeat by Warrington), and this I think is in no small part down to their exceptional scrum half. His skill and creativity is second to none, and he has proven that he has matured and can perform well under the biggest pressure. Doing the double over Leeds, St Helens and Wigan have helped the Giants to their first league leaders' shield, the first time in 81 years.
If that is the description of Brough's season, what is it that has put him above and beyond his fellow professionals? I think there are a few reasons. Firstly, I think the fact that he has taken a side unfamiliar to sustained success, and turned it into a side fighting for the title, is a key reason. Huddersfield, prior to his arrival in 2010, were a mid-table side, regularly involved in the playoffs, but never in any real danger of winning them. Since that point, we have seen a rather steep incline in the club's performances year-on-year. Last season, Huddersfield had their first real push to win the league leaders' shield, but a lack of form towards the back end of the season scuppered their chances. They have clearly learnt from that experience to pull of the historic feat, and much of that credit must go to their influential scrum half. In comparison, whilst Sean O'Loughlin and Jamie Peacock have both had fantastic seasons, they have not quite had the same transformative impact on their respective clubs. Wigan, highly rated and expected to be in the Grand Final come September, and Leeds, the reigning champions, are not surprisingly in the shake-up. They also have other key players that contribute massively to their success. For Wigan, Josh Charnley, Pat Richards and Sam Tomkins are all integral to the side, and Leeds would severely miss Kevin Sinfield and Lee Burrows. Huddersfield, on the other hand, whilst players like Eorl Crabtree are club legends, they are largely reliant on Brough for performances.
Whilst Brough has been exceptional in the big games, he, unlike the others on that list, has never gone missing this season in the small games either. Whilst his compatriots have performed well, there have certainly been games where they have been less effective. In O'Loughlin's case, his season has been blighted by injury, meaning that he was unable to retain the exceptional form we saw glimpses of during this campaign. However, Brough has fortunately been relatively injury free, and his consistency has clearly had an impact on the rest of the squad, as they have each upped their game massively this campaign. His performance in the big games (Leeds, St Helens, Wigan) have been consistently excellent, but as have his games against the likes of Castleford, London and Widnes. It is for this reason that I believe he deserved his award.
There is one final, smaller, reason why Brough may well have been favoured to O'Loughlin and Peacock. Being Huddersfield's goal-kicker, the scrum half has to deal with tremendous additional pressure, something that neither of his compatriots have ever or will ever experience. Often, Brough's goal kicking can be the difference between the Giants winning or losing rugby matches, from either penalties, conversions, or even the occasional drop goal. Much more rests on the shoulders of the diminutive Scot as the game ticks towards its conclusion than either of his fellow nominees. And time and time again he has come up trumps for his side, deciding matches and earning vital points for his team. Whilst my point above contributes the majority of the case for Brough's victory, this will be just another little point that saw his hands move closer and closer to the award.
Based on these arguments, I believe that the right call has been made for this year's Man of Steel Award. Whilst it would have been nice to see Peacock go to his retirement on top, it would have been similar to giving Ryan Giggs the Sports Personality of the Year Award, presuming he would retire soon after... It is also a shame that Sam Tomkins was not included in the list, as I believe his performances would have been enough to challenge Brough again this year. However, this does nothing to detract from a fabulous season and a deserving award-winner. Danny Brough may have to enjoy it though, as only 3 players have ever gone on to claim the trophy again. Though the scrum half will give it his all to become the fourth, I am certain he will enjoy this success massively.
Most consistent of 3-big and small games
Goal kicker-additional pressure
Brough began the season in fantastic form, pushing the Giants on a phenomenal run of form. The opening game of the season illustrated the Giants' title ambitions, and even expectations, with a resounding 4-40 victory at Langtree Park. Although St Helens may have declined slightly from their glory days of the 2000's, they are by no means a weak team. Brough and his colleagues made them appear quite ordinary. And the form continued, with another impressive win against a fellow title contender, seeing Wigan Warriors off 22-10. Brough was once again the picture of consistency, converting all three tries, and adding two additional penalties, vital points to carry his side to victory. To begin the season with four straight Super League wins would have been more than the Huddersfield fans would have expected, but the scrum-half's performances helped the Giants to an early lead.
After a thumping defeat at home to Bradford in the following game, Huddersfield needed to regroup. I have always believed that one indicator of a truly great player is the way they bounce back after a poor performance. Everyone has off days, it is how you react to them that matters most. And how Brough bounced back! A try and four conversions helped his side cruise past fellow title rivals Leeds at Headingley. Arguably one of the wins of the season for the Giants, and one that had come after bitter disappointment, illustrating the squad's strength. This is a pattern that we have seen from the Giants all season, coming back stronger after every defeat, and it was that that kept them in the title shake-up from the very start of the season.
I think most key to Brough's season has been his influence in the big games. That is not to say that he is simply a big game player-in every match you can see elements of his brilliance. However, Huddersfield have performed exceptionally well in big games this season (with the exception of a double defeat by Warrington), and this I think is in no small part down to their exceptional scrum half. His skill and creativity is second to none, and he has proven that he has matured and can perform well under the biggest pressure. Doing the double over Leeds, St Helens and Wigan have helped the Giants to their first league leaders' shield, the first time in 81 years.
If that is the description of Brough's season, what is it that has put him above and beyond his fellow professionals? I think there are a few reasons. Firstly, I think the fact that he has taken a side unfamiliar to sustained success, and turned it into a side fighting for the title, is a key reason. Huddersfield, prior to his arrival in 2010, were a mid-table side, regularly involved in the playoffs, but never in any real danger of winning them. Since that point, we have seen a rather steep incline in the club's performances year-on-year. Last season, Huddersfield had their first real push to win the league leaders' shield, but a lack of form towards the back end of the season scuppered their chances. They have clearly learnt from that experience to pull of the historic feat, and much of that credit must go to their influential scrum half. In comparison, whilst Sean O'Loughlin and Jamie Peacock have both had fantastic seasons, they have not quite had the same transformative impact on their respective clubs. Wigan, highly rated and expected to be in the Grand Final come September, and Leeds, the reigning champions, are not surprisingly in the shake-up. They also have other key players that contribute massively to their success. For Wigan, Josh Charnley, Pat Richards and Sam Tomkins are all integral to the side, and Leeds would severely miss Kevin Sinfield and Lee Burrows. Huddersfield, on the other hand, whilst players like Eorl Crabtree are club legends, they are largely reliant on Brough for performances.
Whilst Brough has been exceptional in the big games, he, unlike the others on that list, has never gone missing this season in the small games either. Whilst his compatriots have performed well, there have certainly been games where they have been less effective. In O'Loughlin's case, his season has been blighted by injury, meaning that he was unable to retain the exceptional form we saw glimpses of during this campaign. However, Brough has fortunately been relatively injury free, and his consistency has clearly had an impact on the rest of the squad, as they have each upped their game massively this campaign. His performance in the big games (Leeds, St Helens, Wigan) have been consistently excellent, but as have his games against the likes of Castleford, London and Widnes. It is for this reason that I believe he deserved his award.
There is one final, smaller, reason why Brough may well have been favoured to O'Loughlin and Peacock. Being Huddersfield's goal-kicker, the scrum half has to deal with tremendous additional pressure, something that neither of his compatriots have ever or will ever experience. Often, Brough's goal kicking can be the difference between the Giants winning or losing rugby matches, from either penalties, conversions, or even the occasional drop goal. Much more rests on the shoulders of the diminutive Scot as the game ticks towards its conclusion than either of his fellow nominees. And time and time again he has come up trumps for his side, deciding matches and earning vital points for his team. Whilst my point above contributes the majority of the case for Brough's victory, this will be just another little point that saw his hands move closer and closer to the award.
Based on these arguments, I believe that the right call has been made for this year's Man of Steel Award. Whilst it would have been nice to see Peacock go to his retirement on top, it would have been similar to giving Ryan Giggs the Sports Personality of the Year Award, presuming he would retire soon after... It is also a shame that Sam Tomkins was not included in the list, as I believe his performances would have been enough to challenge Brough again this year. However, this does nothing to detract from a fabulous season and a deserving award-winner. Danny Brough may have to enjoy it though, as only 3 players have ever gone on to claim the trophy again. Though the scrum half will give it his all to become the fourth, I am certain he will enjoy this success massively.
Most consistent of 3-big and small games
Goal kicker-additional pressure
Sunday, 25 August 2013
The 2013 Challenge Cup Final: Living Up To The Hype
With this year's Challenge Cup Final taking place in the shadow of the upcoming Rugby League World Cup, players from both Wigan and Hull would both have been looking to illustrate to selectors exactly why they deserve a place in the squad for this autumn. However, the hype around this particular match goes far deeper than just the prospect of improving an individual's chances. All of the headlines in the days leading up to the British rugby league showpiece have been harking back to the classic 1985 final between the two teams. On that day, in a topsy-turvey contest, it was the Warriors that came out victorious. The game had it all, with drama, wonderful tries and a sting in the tail. With Wigan 28-12 ahead with just 16 minutes left, they looked to be cruising, especially after a scintillating try from Brett Kenny, who went the length of the Wembley pitch before touching down. However, Hull were not dead yet, fighting back to make it a 1 score game, with tries from Leuluai and another stunner from Divorty, along with penalties from Crooks. This took the score to 28-24, with the most unlikely of comebacks on the cards. But time ran out on the Black and Whites, leaving them to rue the 5 missed conversion attempts that they had throughout the match. And today, Wigan and Hull resumed that rivalry, with the expectation heavily on the match to live up to the standard of 28 years ago.
In setting up the repeat of that historic contest, both sides have had to come through arduous examinations of their credentials. As Super League sides are given byes through to the fourth round, there is an obvious advantage of being in the top tier of British rugby league. For Wigan, a home tie against Championship side Leigh kicked off their Challenge Cup campaign. An emphatic win for the Super League team, with tries from Charnley (3), Richards (3), Tomkins (4) and Williams ensuring a 60-10 win. In the fifth round they travelled to Hull to face fellow Super League side Hull KR. In a much tighter affair than the previous round, the prolific Tomkins scored another 4 tries to ensure that the Warriors progressed. Other scores from Richards, Charnley, Thornley and Farrell gave the scoreline a more emphatic feel, with a 46-14 final result. Wigan managed to avoid the other top sides in the competition in the quarter finals, facing a visit from Widnes Vikings. Once again, another routine victory for the home side, with tries from Charnley (3), Tomkins, Smith, Farrell, Hampshire and Green sending the Warriors into the final 48-4. Another favourable draw saw Wigan face another of Super League's struggling sides: London Broncos. In a complete demolition job of the side from the capital at Leigh Sports Village, Wigan equalled the record margin of victory in a semi final, winning 70-0. Tries from Goulding, Mossop, Tomkins, Green, Richards (2), Charnley (2), Taylor, Smith, Farrell and Thornley allowed Wigan to cruise to Wembley, humiliating the Broncos in the process.
Hull's progress, on the other hand, had been far from simple. Though their campaign began with a comfortable victory over Crusaders in the fourth round, where tries from Horne (2), Westerman, Crooks, Yeaman (3), Lineham, Cunningham and Shaul (3) gave Hull a 62-6 victory, that ease would not last long. Their fifth round tie was a nip-and-tuck affair against Wakefield Trinity Wildcats. In a scrappy game, a few moments of brilliance ensured that it would be the Hull side that progressed. Tries from Horne, Ellis, Yeaman and Pitts (2) gave Hull a hard-fought 24-6 win, and set them up for a quarter final trip to the South of France. A difficult tie against Catalan Dragons was the reward for that win, and that match would prove to be every bit as difficult. In a rollercoaster game, in which both sides held the lead, and thought they had the momentum, with the half-time score 7-8. This time, it was the English side that progressed to the semi-final, with the promise of Wembley now just one game away. Tries from McDonnell (2), Lineham and Briscoe gave the Yorkshire side the narrowest of 13-24 wins. They saved the tightest game for last however. At Huddersfield's John Smith's Stadium, Hull were the underdogs for their clash with Challenge Cup holders Warrington Wolves. In order to win that game, they required a scrappy and tense affair. Fortunately, the Black and Whites got it, defending fantastically well against an out-of-sorts Warrington, and hitting them with 3 great tries. Lineham, Whiting and Heremaia gave them a lead to protect, and once they had held off a late Warrington charge, they claimed a fantastic 16-12 victory to take them to rugby league's showpiece.
In order for this game to be considered in the same breath as its 1985 predecessor, it had to start quickly. Unfortunately, the nerves, and the dismal weather obviously got to the players, as the opening 20 went by without incident. It seemed to be a case of not wanting to take too many risks, as the game became a scrappy affair, but it maintained the intensity that one would expect from a cup final. After the initial sparring between the two teams, it was Wigan who struck the first blow. After some quick hands, Warriors wing Ian Thornley went over in the corner. With Pat Richards adding the two points, the Warriors took a 6-0 lead. Immediately after the try, Hull struggled to cope with a rampant Wigan side, with McIlorum breaking the line and only last ditch defending preventing a second. After riding the initial shock, Hull began to work themselves back into the game. However, the niggly errors continued from both sides, meaning that the fluidity of the game was regularly interrupted. This was particularly evident in the statistics for Hull at half time. In terms of set completion, Hull managed only 50% to Wigan's 82%. The final real chance of the first half fell to the Black and Whites, with a Wigan knock-on handing Hull a good field position. After further possession, the underdogs were handed a penalty. However, instead of the common sense option to kick the points and go in just four points down, Hull chose to tap and go. Almost immediately, the ball was lost forwards and the chance was gone. The question was raised about how valuable those points may be come the end of the game as the hooter went.
In complete contrast to the rather lacklustre start to the match, the second half started at a much higher pace, with Wigan forward Taylor coming within inches of a try. Having been given an advantage, the centre was dropped short of the line. If Hull thought that that would be the end of the danger, they were mistaken, as the referee pulled the game back for the penalty. Richards stepped up and put the two points over, making it a 2 score game. After this, the game once again returned to the scrappy and error-strewn affair that it was before the break, meaning that chances were few and far-between. When one did arrive, it was Hull that profited. After another period of Wigan pressure, Jamie Shaw intercepted a ball and broke the Wigan line. His path to the try line looked straight-forward, putting the game back in the balance. However, the Hull man did not reckon on the pace of Josh Charnley. The Wigan winger, who is arguably the fastest player on the field, chased Shaw down and managed to tackle him, thus saving his side 6 points. However, with the Hull crowd lifted, would that break lead to a comeback? Unfortunately for Hull, the momentum that threatened to shift was checked almost immediately by the seemingly serious injury to the Wigan forward Goulding. In a tough tackle with a Hull player, Goulding failed to put his head in the right place, knocking him unconscious and leaving him prone on the Wembley turf. After a good few minutes of treatment, he left the field on a stretcher. The latest reports suggest that he will make a full recovery, which is very good news.
Once the game restarted, any momentum Hull may have gained had well and truly gone. Every time they progressed into the Wigan final third, the Hull players dropped the ball. Wigan also began to get into that pattern, with the second half slowed to a crawl, punctuated by the mistakes and errors. Eventually, one of those errors lead to a kickable opportunity for Wigan's Richards. The kicker remained composed, taking the score to 10-0. As the final 10 minutes moved into focus, Hull were in desperate need for a try, and they began to put pressure on the Wigan defence. It was met by excellent defence, at times last-ditch, with only one clear cut chance to show for it. Yeaman charged down a Wigan clearance, knocking it forwards for Briscoe to chase. Had the winger dived onto the ball, the arrears may have been reduced. As it was, a last ditch tackle ensured that Wigan's scorecard remained unblemished. After all that pressure, it was Wigan that finished the scoring, with the excellent Sam Tomkins going over to cap a magnificent performance. The full back has had a fantastic campaign once again, and if this is to be his Wigan swansong, with rumours that he is on the move to the NRL, he has acquitted himself admirably during his time at the DW Stadium.
After the Tomkins try, there was barely time for Richards to add the 2 points before the final hooter sounded, ensuring that the score finished 16-0, handing Wigan another trophy. They will be hoping for the more elusive one in a couple of months, where they will have to wrestle their way past sides like Warrington, Huddersfield and Leeds to win the Super League title. Hull will be disappointed, but they have shown enough to suggest that this won't be the last time we see them at Wembley. The showcase was a touch more one-sided and error-strewn than we are used to seeing, but it still proved an entertaining game, needing that final Tomkins try to put it to bed.
In setting up the repeat of that historic contest, both sides have had to come through arduous examinations of their credentials. As Super League sides are given byes through to the fourth round, there is an obvious advantage of being in the top tier of British rugby league. For Wigan, a home tie against Championship side Leigh kicked off their Challenge Cup campaign. An emphatic win for the Super League team, with tries from Charnley (3), Richards (3), Tomkins (4) and Williams ensuring a 60-10 win. In the fifth round they travelled to Hull to face fellow Super League side Hull KR. In a much tighter affair than the previous round, the prolific Tomkins scored another 4 tries to ensure that the Warriors progressed. Other scores from Richards, Charnley, Thornley and Farrell gave the scoreline a more emphatic feel, with a 46-14 final result. Wigan managed to avoid the other top sides in the competition in the quarter finals, facing a visit from Widnes Vikings. Once again, another routine victory for the home side, with tries from Charnley (3), Tomkins, Smith, Farrell, Hampshire and Green sending the Warriors into the final 48-4. Another favourable draw saw Wigan face another of Super League's struggling sides: London Broncos. In a complete demolition job of the side from the capital at Leigh Sports Village, Wigan equalled the record margin of victory in a semi final, winning 70-0. Tries from Goulding, Mossop, Tomkins, Green, Richards (2), Charnley (2), Taylor, Smith, Farrell and Thornley allowed Wigan to cruise to Wembley, humiliating the Broncos in the process.
Hull's progress, on the other hand, had been far from simple. Though their campaign began with a comfortable victory over Crusaders in the fourth round, where tries from Horne (2), Westerman, Crooks, Yeaman (3), Lineham, Cunningham and Shaul (3) gave Hull a 62-6 victory, that ease would not last long. Their fifth round tie was a nip-and-tuck affair against Wakefield Trinity Wildcats. In a scrappy game, a few moments of brilliance ensured that it would be the Hull side that progressed. Tries from Horne, Ellis, Yeaman and Pitts (2) gave Hull a hard-fought 24-6 win, and set them up for a quarter final trip to the South of France. A difficult tie against Catalan Dragons was the reward for that win, and that match would prove to be every bit as difficult. In a rollercoaster game, in which both sides held the lead, and thought they had the momentum, with the half-time score 7-8. This time, it was the English side that progressed to the semi-final, with the promise of Wembley now just one game away. Tries from McDonnell (2), Lineham and Briscoe gave the Yorkshire side the narrowest of 13-24 wins. They saved the tightest game for last however. At Huddersfield's John Smith's Stadium, Hull were the underdogs for their clash with Challenge Cup holders Warrington Wolves. In order to win that game, they required a scrappy and tense affair. Fortunately, the Black and Whites got it, defending fantastically well against an out-of-sorts Warrington, and hitting them with 3 great tries. Lineham, Whiting and Heremaia gave them a lead to protect, and once they had held off a late Warrington charge, they claimed a fantastic 16-12 victory to take them to rugby league's showpiece.
In order for this game to be considered in the same breath as its 1985 predecessor, it had to start quickly. Unfortunately, the nerves, and the dismal weather obviously got to the players, as the opening 20 went by without incident. It seemed to be a case of not wanting to take too many risks, as the game became a scrappy affair, but it maintained the intensity that one would expect from a cup final. After the initial sparring between the two teams, it was Wigan who struck the first blow. After some quick hands, Warriors wing Ian Thornley went over in the corner. With Pat Richards adding the two points, the Warriors took a 6-0 lead. Immediately after the try, Hull struggled to cope with a rampant Wigan side, with McIlorum breaking the line and only last ditch defending preventing a second. After riding the initial shock, Hull began to work themselves back into the game. However, the niggly errors continued from both sides, meaning that the fluidity of the game was regularly interrupted. This was particularly evident in the statistics for Hull at half time. In terms of set completion, Hull managed only 50% to Wigan's 82%. The final real chance of the first half fell to the Black and Whites, with a Wigan knock-on handing Hull a good field position. After further possession, the underdogs were handed a penalty. However, instead of the common sense option to kick the points and go in just four points down, Hull chose to tap and go. Almost immediately, the ball was lost forwards and the chance was gone. The question was raised about how valuable those points may be come the end of the game as the hooter went.
In complete contrast to the rather lacklustre start to the match, the second half started at a much higher pace, with Wigan forward Taylor coming within inches of a try. Having been given an advantage, the centre was dropped short of the line. If Hull thought that that would be the end of the danger, they were mistaken, as the referee pulled the game back for the penalty. Richards stepped up and put the two points over, making it a 2 score game. After this, the game once again returned to the scrappy and error-strewn affair that it was before the break, meaning that chances were few and far-between. When one did arrive, it was Hull that profited. After another period of Wigan pressure, Jamie Shaw intercepted a ball and broke the Wigan line. His path to the try line looked straight-forward, putting the game back in the balance. However, the Hull man did not reckon on the pace of Josh Charnley. The Wigan winger, who is arguably the fastest player on the field, chased Shaw down and managed to tackle him, thus saving his side 6 points. However, with the Hull crowd lifted, would that break lead to a comeback? Unfortunately for Hull, the momentum that threatened to shift was checked almost immediately by the seemingly serious injury to the Wigan forward Goulding. In a tough tackle with a Hull player, Goulding failed to put his head in the right place, knocking him unconscious and leaving him prone on the Wembley turf. After a good few minutes of treatment, he left the field on a stretcher. The latest reports suggest that he will make a full recovery, which is very good news.
Once the game restarted, any momentum Hull may have gained had well and truly gone. Every time they progressed into the Wigan final third, the Hull players dropped the ball. Wigan also began to get into that pattern, with the second half slowed to a crawl, punctuated by the mistakes and errors. Eventually, one of those errors lead to a kickable opportunity for Wigan's Richards. The kicker remained composed, taking the score to 10-0. As the final 10 minutes moved into focus, Hull were in desperate need for a try, and they began to put pressure on the Wigan defence. It was met by excellent defence, at times last-ditch, with only one clear cut chance to show for it. Yeaman charged down a Wigan clearance, knocking it forwards for Briscoe to chase. Had the winger dived onto the ball, the arrears may have been reduced. As it was, a last ditch tackle ensured that Wigan's scorecard remained unblemished. After all that pressure, it was Wigan that finished the scoring, with the excellent Sam Tomkins going over to cap a magnificent performance. The full back has had a fantastic campaign once again, and if this is to be his Wigan swansong, with rumours that he is on the move to the NRL, he has acquitted himself admirably during his time at the DW Stadium.
After the Tomkins try, there was barely time for Richards to add the 2 points before the final hooter sounded, ensuring that the score finished 16-0, handing Wigan another trophy. They will be hoping for the more elusive one in a couple of months, where they will have to wrestle their way past sides like Warrington, Huddersfield and Leeds to win the Super League title. Hull will be disappointed, but they have shown enough to suggest that this won't be the last time we see them at Wembley. The showcase was a touch more one-sided and error-strewn than we are used to seeing, but it still proved an entertaining game, needing that final Tomkins try to put it to bed.
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