Round 17
Wigan Warriors 24 d. Les Catalans Dragons 18

2006 English Super League Index [Table] [Draw] [Player Stats] [Club Headlines]

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

Warriors record vital win
Mon June 19, 2006
Source: www.wiganwarriors.com

Wigan Warriors recorded their third win of the season with a 24-18 success against the Catalans Dragons at the JJB on Sunday night.

The game never really flowed with a string of penalties and a whole host of lost possession as both sides looked a little nervous. All that mattered was the two vital Super League points for Brian Nobles men. Maybe the victory can instill the confidence to progress on from here with a host of home games to come over the next few weeks.

Kris Radlinski started in the centres, the popular number one received a great reception from the fans following his return from retirement.

It was the worst possible start though as it took the Catalans Dragons less than a minute to score the opening points, Bryan Fletcher knocked on and lost possession in the first set of six. Prop Chris Beattie driving over for the try, Stacey Jones struck the conversion to make it 0-6.

Wigan got back into it on 14 minutes attacking down the left hand side, a quick dummy and Mickey Higham was away into a gap to score the Warriors first try out wide. Michael Dobson struck a superb left footed conversion to square the game at 6-all.

Catalan should have gone in for their second try on 17 minutes a kick through and a combination of Verges and Wilson knocked the ball forward with a try begging.

On 23 minutes a clever Dobson grubber kick to the corner was taken well low by Nathan McAvoy who was able to gather the ball and ground the ball for Wigan's second try. Dobson made it two from two with a well struck conversion to make it 12-6.

A mistake by Richards with the ball bouncing allowed Bruno Verges to score the Catalans second try with ten minutes of the first half remaining. Jones hit the conversion to make it 12-12.

Wigan gained two further penalties which Dobson converted to make it 16-12 at half time.

The Warriors extended their advantage again through the boot of Michael Dobson on 50 minutes as the Dragons were penalised for offside.

On 60 minutes, Wigan pressure told as the home side crossed for their third try, Higham with a short pass to the supporting Bryan Fletcher, Dobson added a simple goal to make it 24-12.

Both sides continued to make mistakes but the Catalans never really looked like hauling themselves back into it. A late John Wilson try and Laurent Frayssinous goal made the game close late on but Wigan ran out worthy winners.

Report source: www.wiganwarriors.com

Article: Noble upbeat after win

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