John Cartwright's honest assessment of Hull FC defeat at Wigan Warriors - 'They taught us a lesson'
Hull FC coach John Cartwright admitted his side were second best from the outset as they were on the end of a heavy 34-6 defeat against Wigan Warriors.
Speaking after Saturday’s loss at the Brick Community Stadium, Cartwright was honest in his assessment, conceding his team had been physically overpowered through the middle of the field.
“We were up against it from the word go," Cartwright said. “They were very good, and we weren't so good.
“Games of rugby league are won through the middle of the field, by gaining ascendancy through the middle of the field – sometimes it's a stalemate, and sometimes a side just gets on top.
“They bashed us up. We were on the back foot for the whole time. We couldn't get out of our own end. Their line speed was enormous, and their contact was enormous. They just beat us in all of those areas.
“They got the ascendancy, and if we could have just held them out, it may have turned the game for us, but we gave up a couple of early tries, and they built momentum. They never went away. They were methodical for the whole 80 minutes.
“In the second half, all we could do was try to win that and build some momentum. But even though the second half was a lot closer, we were still just hanging on. They were brutal in everything they did, and they taught us a lesson.”
The Warriors scored first half tries through Sam Walters, Zach Eckersley, Sam Eseh and Jai Field to take a 24-0 lead into the break. Bevan French and Field posted further efforts in the second half, while FC scored a late consolation through Harvie Hill.
"They play through the middle of the field, and it started there,” Cartwright added. “I'm not just blaming the middle of the field, but that's the heartbeat of your team, and players play off the back of it.
“Our young wingers also learnt a lesson tonight. We were just given no space. Their line speed just destroyed us. All I can say is 1-0 to Wigan, but we won't be bashed up the field like that again.”