Round 5
Wigan Warriors 16 d. Harlequins 12

2007 engage English Super League Index [Table] [Draw] [Player Stats] [Club Headlines]

Location: United Kingdom > National > First Grade Competition: engage English Super League

Wigan edge out Harlequins in arm wrestle
Sat March 10, 2007
Wigan's season is back on track thanks to a second half try from David Vaealiki as the Warriors edged out the gallant Harlequins side 16-12 in front of just under 15,000 at JJB Stadium.

Pat Richards landed a 6th minute penalty goal to put Wigan ahead 2-0 and that was short lived as Daniel Heckenberg crashed over from close range to put the Harlequins in the lead on 15 minutes. Paul Sykes added the extras with the Quins up 6-2.

Michael Withers responded for Wigan in the 21st minute when Mark McLinden caught an excellent bomb from Trent Barrett only to have the ball stolen from Withers in a one-on-one contest to score. Richards converted the try and added a penalty goal in the 32nd minute for Wigan to lead 10-6.

The all Aussie try-scoring affair continued with Scott Hill leveling up the scores in the 37th minute using some excellent footwork to score. Harlequins withstood the pressure at the other end in defence and worked their way in position for Hill to weave his magic. Henry Paul took over the goal kicking duties and edged Harlequins in front, which remained that way until half-time.

Wigan had to fight desperately in the second half and they did with Barrett coming within a whisker of scoring in the 60th minute and only a desperate tackle from Chris Melling prevented the try. The Warriors weren't to be denied with Vaealiki crossing over in the 65th minute following a great pass from Thomas Leuluai for Wigan to regain the lead. Richards landed a great conversion as the Warriors pushed out to a 16-12 lead.

Harlequins threw everything at Wigan in the final stages with the Warriors defence holding firm to the delight of the 14,871 people in attendance at JJB Stadium.

It's been a shaky start to the season for Wigan with only a close victory against wooden spoon favourites Catalans to show for anything. Last week they were down 26-0 against Hull KR in front of their home crowd. The victory will bring great relief to coach Brian Noble but the big name signings they've made in the last 12 months are not yet delivering on a consistent basis.

Harelquins now have five points after five rounds and could have easily had 10 points. They led Warrington 12-0 early on last week and 12-8 at half-time only to go down 19-12 and in Round 2 they conceded a last minute try as Salford City snatched a draw against them.

After the match, Wigan coach Brian Noble said, "I thought it was a tough game of Rugby League.

"Sometimes, you've got to tough one out to get some confidence into your team and they certainly did that.

"I came down from the stand with two minutes to go - and I wouldn't want the timekeeper to boil me an egg!

"Where did all that extra time come from? Where did four minutes come from?

"I can only remember one stoppage of about 15 seconds when Mark McLinden got hurt.

"But it gave us a chance to test our line and our desire and we came through it."

Harlequins coach Brian McDermott said, "At Knowsley Road, it was a different kind of game, it had a different structure.

"But, in terms of the performance, that was the best we have played. I'm that proud and I'm so sorry for the players.

"They are dejected and I don't think we need to improve much - we just maybe needed the bounce of the ball or the rub of the green.

"It was an outstanding game of rugby league. And I wouldn't have been embarrassed to win that.

"But Wigan played very well, and their defence was excellent at the end."

Scoring Order:

6 Wigan Goal by Pat Richards

15 Harlequins RL Try by Daniel Heckenberg
16 Harlequins RL Goal by Paul Sykes

21 Wigan Try by Michael Withers
22 Wigan Goal by Pat Richards

32 Wigan Goal by Pat Richards

37 Harlequins RL Try by Scott Hill
38 Harlequins RL Goal by Henry Paul

Half Time: Harlequins 12-10

65 Wigan Try by David Vaealiki
67 Wigan Goal by Pat Richards

Full Time: Wigan 16-12

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