Round 9
Leeds Rhinos 18 l. Wigan Warriors 20

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

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

Wigan Snatch Last Gasp Win At Leeds
Wed April 11, 2007
Source: www.wiganwarriors.com

Wigan snatched a last gasp win against the Leeds Rhinos at Headingley-Carnegie with a try in the final minute from Phil Bailey to seal a two point win and take the Warriors into their highest league position for over two years.

A real see saw battle looked to be heading towards a home win before the Warriors dramatic late try. Wigan spread the ball wide and from a Sean O'Loughlin pass centre Phil Bailey was able to squeeze in for a try in the corner.

It mattered not at all that the conversion was missed, Wigan had come up with a famous win. Brian Noble's side never gave up and it was that determination which saw the cherry and whites gain the two Super League points.

Wigan led 4-16 at one stage before a Rhinos fight back and at 18-16 with a minute left it looked as if Tony Smith's men would win and go back to the top of the table. That was not to be.

Both sides were guilty of handling errors in the early exchanges.

Wigan took the lead on 8 minutes from a Pat Richards penalty but it was the Rhinos with the first try of the evening, Rob Burrow and Brent Webb combined to send in Keith Senior out wide. The conversion was missed by Sinfield, 4-2.

On 22 minutes Ryan Bailey was put on report for a challenge on Fielden and from the penalty Wigan were able to score their first try of the evening. A clever Leuluai grubber kick was dived upon by Bryan Fletcher, his second of the season. Richards struck the extras to make it 4-8.

On 32 minutes a vital Richards hand stopped Gareth Ellis from scoring a try, the Rhinos second row forward held over the line on his back.

The Warriors wasted a chance for a second try just before the interval. A Barrett kick bounced awkwardly and Mark Calderwood was able to gather the ball ahead of Donald. Unfortunately for Wigan his pass was wayward. The visitors were reduced to 12 men soon after, Fielden shown the yellow card after both sides had been warned for holding down in the tackle. It stayed 4-8 to Brian Noble's men at half time.

Five minutes into the second half and a Barrett kick to the corner saw former Leeds player Mark Calderwood the quickest to react to touchdown for the Warriors second try out wide. Richard's goal made it 4-14.

Leeds were penalised and Richards took advantage with a kick from 35 metres out, 4-16.

The Rhinos responded on the hour mark, a typical Rob Burrow try, a dummy and through a gap, Sinfield hit the extras 10-16. With the wind in their sails all of a sudden Leeds crashed over again, two tries in two minutes, the second from Gareth Ellis from close range. Sinfield's goal made it all square at 16 a piece.

Hock was then sin binned and from the penalty Sinfield's goal gave Leeds a narrow lead with 12 minutes left.

Wigan almost gifted Toopi a try, Prescott lost the ball in his own 20 and the Rhinos were quick to pick up possession. The Kiwi knocked on with the line beckoning.

A Barrett 40/20 sent the Warriors back up the other end, unfortunately Wigan were unable to take advantage.

Then came the late late show and the Phil Bailey try in the corner to send the travelling Wigan fans into raptures. A great night and a great way to bounce back after Good Friday.

Leeds Rhinos 18 (4)
Webb, Donald, Toopi, Senior, Gibson, McGuire, Burrow, Peacock, Diskin, Bailey, Jones-Buchanan, Ellis, Sinfield.
Subs: Lauititi, Thackray, Leuluai, Kirke.

T - Senior, Burrow, Ellis
G - Sinfield 3

Wigan Warriors 20 (8)
Withers, Calderwood, Bailey, Vaealiki, Richards, Barrett, Leuluai, Fielden, Millard, Prescott, Hock, Fletcher, O'Loughlin.
Subs: Ashton, Higham, O'Carroll, Paleaaesina

T - Fletcher, Calderwood, Bailey
G - Richards 4

Referee - Richard Silverwood
Attendance - 16,465

Report source: www.wiganwarriors.com

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