Leeds Rhinos U-16's - 28
Tries: Ward (2), Hudson, Minchella, Allen,
Goals: Robson (3) Hattle
Wigan Warriors RL U-16's - 36
Tries: Thompson (3), Gildart (2), Fell,
Goals: Shorrocks (3), Gregson (3)
The Warriors got off to a slow start with Leeds notching the first points of the game after just a few minutes. Robbie Ward scoring under the sticks for the home side with Ash Robson adding the extras.
Oliver Gildart soon hit back with a well worked try for the Warriors, but Leeds soon extended their lead after a rare lapse in the Wigan defence. 2 quick fire tries from Joe Hudson and another from Robbie Ward. Extras again added again by Ash Robson.
There were a number of close exchanges before some creative play from the visitors exposed some gaps in the Leeds defensive line. David Thompson running in a brace of tries for the Warriors with Jake Shorrocks (2) and Nick Gregson adding to the 100% extras in the first half. HT 18 - 18.
At the restart, both sides were fighting to gain the upper hand on each other, not helped by the fact they were both down to 12 men after a minor altercation just seconds before the end of the first half, saw a player from each side sent to the sin bin.
A stern half time talk galvanised the visitors and this appeared to have given them the edge they were in need of. Having pounded the home side's defensive line, it was clear to see that something was going to give. Gabriel Fell crossed after backing up a break from Jake Shorrocks, but this was soon countered by Shaun Allen from Leeds. Oliver Gildart then added another for Wigan to leave Leeds with a 14 pt. deficit.
With just a few minutes left on the clock, Leeds found good field position rewarded by a try from Elliot Minchella, only after the referee had hit Wigan with a number of back to back penalties.
Wigan then presented Leeds with another try scoring opportunity when they were caught off side from the restart, but the final whistle came just a minute later and a much welcome relief for the Warriors.
A much deserved win for the visitors purely for having shown true grit and determination against very tough opposition. FT 28 - 36
Leeds Rhinos U-16's Line-up:
Ash Robson, Ashley Handley, Tobias Richardson, Aron Manger, Shaun Allen, Elliot Minchella, Robbie Ward, George Milton, Lewis Lord, Joe Hudson, Jordan Whippey, Ben Passmore, Matty Stableford.
Subs: Ben Falkland, Tom Gurden, Connor Ballinger, Josh, Hattle
Wigan Warriors RL U-16's Line-up:
Gabriel Fell, Sam Baggaley, Oliver Gildart, David Thompson, Lee Cruickshank, Jake Shorrocks, Joe Prior, Joe Bretherton, Daniel Dakin, Nathan Sharratt, Keiron Murphy, Brad Lawrence, Nick Gregson,
Subs: Luke Waterworth, Oliver Murray, Jordan Curtis, Dale Rothwell, Connor Fairhurst.
Referee: I. Scott
H/T Score: 18 - 18