Round 23
Wigan Warriors 66 d. Hull FC 6

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

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

Wigan crush Hull FC
Sat August 2, 2008
Source: www.superleague.co.uk

Brian Noble got the response he had demanded from his under-fire players as Wigan Warriors got back to winning ways to end a run of three consecutive defeats with their biggest win of the season, 66-6 against Hull FC.

Stung by criticism of their below-par performance in defeat to Huddersfield Giants last week, the Warriors had the game in the bag by half-time as they consolidated fifth spot in the engage Super League table by running in a dozen tries.

Challenge Cup finalists Hull were torn apart as Wigan ran in five in the first half with three coming inside the opening quarter.

Jeered off last week, the Warriors were given a standing ovation by the fans as they made their entrance on to the JJB pitch, and it proved to be just what the doctor ordered.as young loose forward Joel Tomkins went on to claim a hat-trick and Aussie star Pat Richards rattled up another 26 points from nine goals and two tries.

Homeward-bound Australian star Trent Barrett set the mood by creating the first try with a delicate chip to the line. The bounce deceived everyone but winger Richards was first to react and get the touchdown.

Great Britain prop Stuart Fielden paved the way for number two when he was hauled down just short after powering his way to the line. But the damage was done and hooker Micky Higham burrowed his way in from dummy half.

More punishment followed for Hull when a Barrett kick was spilled on their own line, and centre Cameron Phelps cashed in with the third try.

Richards landed two conversions and Wigan led 16-0.

Hull , who looked to have Wembley on their minds, suffered again when they coughed up possession close to their own line, and front-rower Iafeta Paleaaesina had the strength to crash over for Wigan's fourth try..

It was becoming embarrassing for the visitors as the Warriors struck again with Tomkins roaring through yet another gap to get his first of the night, Richards, who rattled the woodwork with a penalty, hit the target with both conversion attempts to make it 28-0 at the break.

It took Wigan only two minutes to add to their lead after the re-start with ex Parramatta star Tim Smith firing out a long pass which was taken brilliantly by Barrett and his offload sent in Thomas Leuluai with Richards again adding the extras.

Hull finally got on the scoresheet when Jamie Thackray took the Wigan defence by surprise and crossed under the sticks from close range after a quick tap penalty to give Danny Tickle a simple shot at goal.

Normal service was resumed when Tomkins raced in for Wigan's seventh after taking full advantage of some poor defence.

Then, from a scrum 10 metres out, Wigan were in again as Richards scored his second in the corner to make it 42-6.

Tomkins completed his hat-trick, centre George Carmont grabbed a brace and Paleaaesina got his second of the game to take Wigan's try total to 12.

Report Source: www.superleague.co.uk


Airlie News: Hull FC v Wigan
Fri August 1, 2008
Source: www.hullfc.com

After some disappointing results recently does Hull FC coach Richard Agar expect his side to face a backlash against Wigan Warriors at the JJB Stadium tomorrow night?

Agar said: "I would think so. They have had a shot fired across their bow by the chairman this week and they are also going into this game on the back of a couple of disappointing defeats.

"I would anticipate that they would want to come out with all guns blazing and prove a few people wrong.

"That makes it a test for us on the black of a short turn around and the win in the semi final?

"It is a short turn around for us on the back of a couple of high intensity and emotional games but at the same time we have a spring in our step and it is vital we go out and play our game."

With players coming back is competition intensifying?

"It goes without saying that with players coming back we have more people available for consideration.

"Obviously with Wembley coming up it is a big incentive for everyone to performance and hopefully get in the final 17."

The key for Wigan is forward control. Do you agree?

"Yes. We have to aim up in the forwards because that is where they will base their game.

"People like Stu Fielden and Paleaaesina are big players for Wigan in this department and we need to get stuck into them.

"The loss of Gareth Hock will be a blow to Wigan because he carries the ball very direct and aggressively and he is a playing when Wigan have been going through a sticky patch he has turned things around."

Former Wigan star Danny Tickle still enjoys playing against his old club and he's looking forward to another tussle with the Warriors.

You have played against Wigan a few times now does it still have the same thrill?

"Yes, I think playing against Wigan will always have that extra special thrill about it. I had a great time at the club and still have many friends in the town.

"I doubt whether I'll every get fed up of playing against them, especially at the JJB.

"I'll enjoy tomorrow's game, especially if I get the winning try - that would be perfect. But I'll enjoy it if we win and we're coming to win even though we're in the Challenge Cup final.

"Just because we have made it to Wembley doesn't mean we're going to take our foot off the gas. Far from it, especially as we're now getting a few players back from injury which means competition for places is more intense and nobody wants to miss out on a trip Wembley."

How tough is Friday's game?

"Playing at JJB in front of the Wigan fans is always difficult for away teams but I would suspect it would be even tougher tomorrow.

"That defeat against Huddersfield, the manner of it, will have really hurt and I am sure Brian Noble will have the side fired up and looking for a paid back.

"Because of that Huddersfield humiliation I suspect this match to be exceptionally tough because they have a point o prove and not just to them but the fans.

"I noticed the fans were streaming out the ground well before the end of the game and they were giving the side a bit of stick.

"After losing to arch rivals Saints the fans will want to see a much-improved performance and I have no doubts that will up their intensity.

"They also need the points to strength their top six drive because they'll want to finish as high as possible and get a home game.

"Even though they have a few players out and will miss Gareth Hock they have a lot of talent still in their side and we know we'll have to play very well to give ourselves a chance."

Hull's Super League record against Wigan Warriors

Home: played 13, won 4, drawn 1, lost 8, for 277, against 309
Away: played 13, won 2, drawn 1, lost 10, for 159, against 441
Total: played 25, won 5, drawn 2, lost 18, for 412, against 728

SCORERS:
Super League:

Tries
13 - Craig Hall
12 - Kirk Yeaman
6 - Shaun Berrigan
5 - Gareth Raynor, Danny Washbrook, Tom Briscoe, Danny Tickle

Goals:
72 - Danny Tickle

Points
144 - Danny Tickle

League and Cup games:

Tries:
15 - Craig Hall
13 - Kirk Yeaman
7 - Gareth Raynor, Danny Tickle, Danny Washbrook
6 - Todd Byrne

Goals:
88 - Danny Tickle

Points:
204 Danny Tickle

Milestones:
Motu Tony - 98 appearances
Richard Horne - 98 tries
Willie Manu - 48 games (40 starts +8 subs)
Tommy Lee - 49 games (35 starts +14 subs)

News Source: www.hullfc.com

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