Wigan Warriors go level with Super League leaders Leeds Rhinos after convincing win at Bradford Bulls

Wigan Warriors moved level on points with Super League leaders Leeds Rhinos after cruising to a 34-6 victory over Bradford Bulls at Bartercard Odsal on Saturday evening.

The Warriors produced another professional performance to claim their 15th win from their last 16 matches in all competitions, with the result moving them four points clear of third-placed Warrington Wolves and fourth-placed Wakefield Trinity.

Leeds had slipped to a defeat against Leigh Leopards on Thursday, meaning Wigan knew victory in Bradford would take them level with the league leaders.

Matt Peet’s side remain second on points difference, with the two sides set to meet at AMT Headingley Rugby Stadium in the penultimate round of the regular Super League season on September 5.

Wigan had to wait until the 13th minute to open the scoring, but it was worth the wait. A wayward pass fell to Jake Wardle, who picked up the loose ball and beat two defenders before racing over the line. Harry Smith converted to make it 6-0.

The returning Adam Keighran then joined his centre partner on the scoresheet five minutes later, wrestling his way over from close range. Smith was unable to add the extras, leaving Wigan with a 10-0 lead.

The Warriors were forced into a temporary change in the 32nd minute when Patrick Mago left the field for a head injury assessment following a tackle on Waqa Blake. Sam Eseh replaced him, but Mago passed his HIA and returned for the second half.

Wigan extended their advantage just before the interval when Bevan French marked his 150th appearance for the club in style. Smith’s perfectly weighted chip found French, who rose high to collect the ball and score. Smith converted to make it 16-0.

Bradford thought they had finally responded moments later when Ryan Sutton crossed the line against his former club, but the try was ruled out by the video referee.

Smith then attempted a drop goal on the stroke of half-time, but his effort went wide.

The Warriors had been almost faultless with the ball during the opening 40 minutes, completing virtually every set as they took a commanding 16-0 lead into the interval.

Bradford came close to conceding again early in the second half when Mago crossed the line, only for the effort to be ruled out for a knock-on.

But Wigan did not have to wait long for their fourth try. Wardle produced another strong finish in the 47th minute, taking on the Bradford defence after a slick passing move before crossing for his second of the night. Smith converted to make it 22-0.

The Warriors continued to pull away and Kian McDermott was next on the scoresheet, running a strong line onto a well-timed pass from Smith. The scrum-half added another conversion to make it 28-0.

Bradford finally got on the scoreboard in the 62nd minute when Andy Ackers broke through the Wigan defence to score. Luke Hooley converted, but there was no sign of a comeback.

Wigan youngster Taylor Kerr then capped an impressive display at hooker by going straight from dummy half to barge over from close range. Smith converted again to complete the scoring at 34-6.

The result sees Wigan return to within touching distance of top spot, with their meeting against Leeds at Headingley now looming large in the race for the League Leaders’ Shield.

Bradford: Caleb Aekins; Jayden Okunbor, Dan Russell, Waqa Blake, Ethan Ryan; Joe Keyes, Chris Atkin; Ryan Sutton, Andy Ackers, Loghan Lewis, Zac Fulton, Phoenix Steinwede, Joe Mellor. Subs: Elliot Peposhi, Will Gardiner, Luke Hooley, Jamie Gill. 18th man: Riley Dean.

Tries: Ackers | Goals: Hooley 1/1

Wigan: Jai Field; Zach Eckersley, Adam Keighran, Jake Wardle, Liam Marshall; Bevan French, Harry Smith; Ethan Havard, Taylor Kerr, Luke Thompson, Kian McDermott, Ollie Partington, Kaide Ellis. Subs: Patrick Mago, Sam Eseh, Josh Cartwright, Shea O’Connor. 18th man: George O’Loughlin.

Tries: Wardle (2), Keighran, French, McDermott, Kerr | Goals: Smith 5/6

Referee: Marcus Griffiths | Attendance: 7,561