Wigan Warriors continue Reserves League charge with dominant Wakefield Trinity win

Wigan Warriors maintained their perfect start to the Reserves League season with a commanding 48-4 victory over Wakefield Trinity, extending their winning run to 11 matches.

The Warriors arrived in West Yorkshire sitting top of the table after winning all 10 of their previous league fixtures and, despite a competitive first half, eventually pulled clear with six unanswered tries after the break.

Wigan made the brighter start and opened the scoring after seven minutes. Evan Buckley burst through the Wakefield defensive line before finding the supporting Josh Cartwright, who raced away to score beneath the posts. George Marsden added the simple conversion for a 6-0 lead.

The visitors enjoyed plenty of possession during the opening quarter but were unable to add to their advantage, and Wakefield hit back midway through the half. Corey Abraham crossed for Trinity’s only try of the evening on 23 minutes, although Kian McGann was unable to convert, leaving Wigan narrowly ahead at 6-4.

Wigan’s youngsters responded well and restored some breathing space five minutes later. Lukas Mason produced a powerful carry from 10 metres out to crash over for Wigan’s second try of the evening. Marsden converted to make it 12-4, a lead the Warriors carried into the break.

The second half belonged entirely to Wigan. Just four minutes after the restart, Nathan Lowe finished well in the corner to extend the lead. Marsden was successful from the touchline as Wigan moved 18-4 ahead.

The Warriors then scored three tries in the space of 16 minutes to put the contest beyond doubt. Mason grabbed his second try of the game on 48 minutes, once again proving difficult to stop close to the line, before Kian McDermott powered over from short range six minutes later. Marsden maintained his perfect record with the boot as Wigan stretched their advantage to 30-4.

Lowe then crossed for his second try of the night on the hour mark, finishing in the corner as the Warriors continued to dominate both territory and possession. Marsden’s conversion made it 36-4.

With Wakefield struggling to contain Wigan’s attack, Cartwright claimed his second try of the game 12 minutes from time. The fullback had opened the scoring and rounded off another impressive display by crossing again, with Marsden adding another goal.

The final say went to Kalum Rathbone, who touched down under the posts in the closing minute to cap an excellent team performance. Marsden converted for the eighth time on the night to complete a personal haul of 16 points and seal a comprehensive 48-4 victory.

The result keeps Wigan firmly at the top of the Reserves League table and extends their unbeaten start to the campaign to 11 matches, with the Warriors continuing to set the pace in the competition.

Wakefield: Kian McGann; Harry Knight, Dom Sinfield, Harry Ratcliffe, Elijah Hylton; Jackson Cummins, Charlie Abraham; Ellis Lingard, Harvey Smith, Jordan Williams, Ewan Molyneux, Corey Abraham, Alfie Briggs. Subs: Ashton Winks, Will Rolls, Mason Bowes, Coby Davies. 18th man: Charlie Tinker.

Tries: Co Abraham | Goals: McGann 0/1

Wigan: Josh Cartwright; Nathan Lowe, George O’Loughlin, Finlay Yeomans, Austin Daniel; George Marsden, Evan Buckley; Kian McDermott, Kalum Rathbone, Finn McMillan, Jonny Vaughan, Lukas Mason, Shea O’Connor. Subs: Charlie Yeomans, Riley Dervan, Lucas Fetherston, Leo Wadsworth. 18th man: Lewis Daniels.

Tries: Cartwright (2), Mason (2), Lowe (2), McDermott, Rathbone | Marsden 8/8