Round 16
Wigan Warriors 4 l. Huddersfield Giants 34

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

Huddersfield demolish 12-man Wigan
Sun July 27, 2008
Source: www.superleague.co.uk

Gareth Hock was sent off as Wigan Warriors crashed 34-4 at home to struggling Huddersfield Giants, inspired by half-a-dozen ex-Warriors in their ranks including two-try David Hodgson.

Touchdown's from Hodgson, Paul Whatuira and Darrell Griffin gave the Giants a shock, but deserved, 18-0 half-time lead which they extended through Jamhal Lolesi and Ryan Hudson to lead 30-0 approaching the final quarter.

Pat Richards pulled one back for Wigan before Hock saw red for appearing to manhandle the official after having a try disallowed, with Hodgson's late score rubbing salt in the wounds of his former employers.

The Warriors handed a debut to new signing Tim Smith, but he had to watch the beginnings of a sensational opening 40 minutes from the bench as Huddersfield ran riot, and he was unable to stamp his authority on proceedings by the interval.

The visitors started well and took advantage of increasingly desperate play from the Warriors.

Wigan were the first to threaten, but could not take advantage of a 40-20 from Trent Barrett, and the Giants opened the scoring through the boot of Chris Thorman, after the Warriors were caught offside in front of their own posts.

The Yorkshiremen extended their lead soon after when, after Danny Kirmond had been held up over the line, Luke Robinson kicked through for Hodgson to win the race for the ball.

Thorman booted over an excellent conversion, and the home side were trailing 8-0 and looking bereft of ideas and confidence.

Wigan were not helping themselves by coughing up possession at regular intervals and handed the visitors their second try on the half-hour mark.

Hock's ambitious offload found only the grateful arms of Giant centre Whaturia, who showed great speed to extend the lead to 12-0.

Thorman narrowly missed a goal but the disbelief among the home faithful turned to boos five minutes before the break when Huddersfield crossed for their third try.

Martin Aspinwall was allowed to pick up a loose ball and charge 60 yards up the field before he was halted by Richards, but Robinson made the most of field position by setting up Griffin for a walk-in try. Thorman's third goal made it 18-0 at the interval.

Wigan needed a big start to the second half only for Barrett to spill the ball from the kick-off, and the Giants crossed for their fourth try through Lolesi within a minute.

It went from bad to worse five minutes later when hooker Hudson touched down by the side of the posts, and Thorman lined up his fifth successful kick at goal.

It had the desired effect as Richards crossed for Wigan on the hour mark, although the Australian missed a relatively easy conversion.

The Warriors night was summed up in the closing stages when Hock was held up over the line, making matters worse by offering dissent before appearing to manhandle referee Ian Smith, which resulted in a red card.

Hodgson then ran over his second try in the closing seconds but, by that stage, the result had already been sealed.

Report Source: www.superleague.co.uk

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