3 Sep 2023

Wigan Warriors Reserves 44 Leeds Rhinos Reserves 24

By Guy Harvey

With the season coming to a close Leeds had only two rearranged fixtures from earlier in the season left to contest with and first it meant a return to Wigan after the original fixture was abandoned after an injury for Toby Warren. With the home side looking to secure a home spot for the reserves grand final the Rhinos were certainly looking to spoil the day for their old foes Wigan.

However the home side were out of traps quickly and after Ryan Hampshire kicked a 40/20 on the Warriors first set they were in a dangerous position straight away and took full advantage shortly after as Finley Beardsworth crashed over for the opening try of the game. Wigan then went back to back scoring on the next set after gaining a set restart close to the Leeds line gave Wigan extra opportunity allowing Hampshire to send a ball out wide to the right to winger Reagan Sumner who was able to ease over in the corner for the try, Hampshire missing the touchline conversion making the score 10-0.

The Rhinos hit back however minutes later when half back Alfie Edgell found space in the defensive line to break from half way and with only the full back to beat found Bailey Aldridge on the inside to score under the post allowing an easy conversion for Jack Smith making it 10-6. But as the Rhinos began to get a foot hold on the game Wigan crossed for another try midway through the half when Logan Astley slipped through a tackle and come back inside finding Cade Cust to crash through beside the post, Hampshire adding the extras making it 16-6.

Wigan now being the dominant side scored next when half back Jack Farrimond created space for himself to break through the Rhinos defence and race almost fifty metres to score the four pointer. But Leeds were still resilient and having their moments in the game and after a high tackle gave them good field position Joe Gibbons would take the opportunity and muscle his way over from close range with Smith converting again making the score 22-12. However Wigan would respond almost immediately when they broke from deep in their half before moving it wide to Hampshire to race away and score down the right flank which he also converted to make the score 28-12 and soon after half time.

From the restart Wigan would score soon after in the shape of Nathan Lowe crossing in the corner which was again converted by Hampshire. Rhinos would respond moments later after a great individual effort from Riley Lumb allowing him to evade being tackled with great footwork scoring just beside the posts again which Smith again converted seeing the score move to 34-18. Wigan again responded immediately, which became the story of the day through Jacob Douglas breaking down the left flank and despite Mackenzie Turner clipping his heels Douglas was able to roll over for the try.

Minutes later Wigan we’re on the scoreboard again this time through Tom Ratchford finding space down the middle allowing him to score beside the post and Hampshire converting making the score 44-18 heading in to the last quarter of the game. Leeds would finish the game the stronger side however but could only score one more try after Bailey Aldridge attempted a grubber kick which deflected kindly for him to regather the ball and score the try with ease and Smith converting the effort to make the final score 44-24.

The reserves have their final game of the season away to Hull KR on Saturday 16^th September, with a 1pm kick off and the game being played at Sewell Group Craven Park.

Wigan Warriors Reserves