Round 24
Les Catalans Dragons 16 drew Wigan Warriors 16

2008 engage English Super League Index [Table] [Draw] [Player Stats] [Club Headlines]

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

Wigan snatch dramatic draw against Catalans
Mon August 11, 2008
Source: www.superleague.co.uk

Harrison Hansen touched down in the final minute as Wigan Warriors battled back from 16-4 down to snatch a dramatic 16-16 draw against Catalans Dragons tonight.

The Warriors had trailed for most of the game at the Stade Gilbert Brutus in Perpignan but produced a spirited second-half display to maintain their engage Super League play-off bid.

Pat Richards, who scored 12 points for his side, set up a tense finish with a try 18 minutes from time - and it was he who converted to level the scores after Hansen's last-gasp effort.

Wigan could also consider themselves unlucky after the video referee ruled out a Liam Colbon try shortly before Hansen scored, but Catalans will also rue a missed penalty by Thomas Bosc.

Bosc did convert two of his side's three tries - which came from Aaron Gorrell, Clint Greenshields and John Wilson.

The first half was a tense affair. But Catalans managed to grind out a 10-4 advantage as the Warriors, without stand-in captain Trent Barrett, clearly missed their playmaker.

Tim Smith looked to create an early opportunity for the visitors but the former Parramatta half-back's kick was too strong for the onrushing Richards.

Wigan had a let-off when the video referee ruled out a Younes Khattabi try following a collision between Sebastien Raguin and Richard Mathers as both jumped for a Bosc bomb.

There was little to separate the sides in a tight opening quarter but the Dragons broke through after 17 minutes when Gorrell powered over from dummy half.

Bosc, who had put the Dragons in dangerous territory with a deep penalty after a high tackle, added the extras.

A second try followed 10 minutes later, after Joel Tomkins knocked on attempting an interception.

Gorrell tested the Warriors line and then put Greenshields through a gap to score.

Wigan found the going tough but at least managed to pull a try back before half-time when Richards brilliantly took Thomas Leuluai's long pass low down to go over.

The Dragons extended their advantage early in the second half from another dangerous Bosc kick, Wilson this time racing past two Wigan players to catch and dive over.

Bosc made it 16-4, and the scrum-half thought he had added a try moments later - but Wigan were relieved when the video referee ruled otherwise for interference.

Richards sparked the Warriors comeback when he raced through to touch down, after Leuluai broke the Dragons line and then converted from in front of the posts.

Bosc had an opportunity to take the sting out of Wigan's attack but surprisingly missed a penalty from 20 metres - and the Warriors made him pay.

Colbon first claimed a try from a Leuluai kick, but again the video referee was unhappy.

Yet Wigan were not to be denied, and Leuluai was again the architect - setting up Hansen - and Richards secured the Warriors' point.

Report Source: www.superleague.co.uk

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