Wigan Warriors were defeated 10-16 against the Warrington Wolves in a dramatic game at the JJB stadium in front of a record home opening crowd of over 21,000. Both sides gave everything but it was Warrington who gained the spoils in this local derby.

On a freezing cold night with the snow falling in the first forty minutes it was hardly a warm welcome to the new season as Wigan Warriors opened their 2007 engage Super League campaign agains tPaul Cullens men.

Both sides made early errors with numerous knock ons, hardly surprising in the conditions.

It took just two minutes for the deadlock to be broken through a Lee Briers penalty, 2-0 to the Wolves.

Wigan pressed a great 40-20 from Trent Barrett put the Warriors in a great position on 9 minutes, unfortunately the home side were unable to take advantage. Wigan forced a couple of goal line drops out and won a penalty under the sticks which Pat Richards struck to level the score at 2-2. Lee Briers missed a simple penalty shortly after.

It took 28 minutes before the first try and it came from the visitors. Jon Clarke with a break down the middle, the Wolves spread it left and Paul Johnson found Richie Barnett on his outside to cross for the touchdown. Briers added a superb conversion from out wide to make it 2-8.

On the stroke of half time, Warrington were in again. Briers with a pass to new boy Vinnie Anderson and he was able to dive over for the try, the conversion was missed, 2-12 at the interval.

Warrington were denied a try in the opening minutes of the second half by the video referee. A Briers kick, Anderson diving over, a knock on as the ball bounced awkwardly.

Wigan responded with their first try of the season on 48 minutes. A high cross field punt from Skipper Sean O’Loughlin was met by Mark Calderwood.The winger rising above Barnett for the score. Pat Richards missed the extras from out wide.
With David Vaealiki penalised for holding in the tackle, Briers added a penalty to open up an eight point advantage.

Another penalty goal by Briers made it 6-16.

Wigan gave themselves a lifeline with a David Vaealiki try, Higham with the long pass out wide to the centre on 75 minutes, the goal attempt was missed 10-16.

Brian Noble's men battled to try and snatch another try and maybe a draw but the Wolves held on for two points.

Wigan Warriors: Chris Ashton, Mark Calderwood, Phil Bailey, Michael Withers, Pat Richards, Trent Barrett, Thomas Leuluai, Iafeta Paleaaesina, Shane Millard, Stuart Fielden, Gareth Hock, Bryan Fletcher, Sean O'Loughlin
Subs: David Vaealiki, Mick Higham, Eamon O'Carroll, Harrison Hansen

Tries: Mark Calderwood, David Vaealiki
Goals: Pat Richards

Warrington Wolves: Stuart Reardon, Henry Fa'afili, Martin Gleeson, Paul Johnson, Richie Barnett, Chris Bridge, Lee Briers, Chris Leikvoll, Jon Clarke, Paul Rauhihi, Adrian Morley, Ben Westwood, Vinnie Anderson
Subs: Mike Wainwright, Paul Wood, Rob Parker, Michael Sullivan

Tries: Barnett, Anderson
Goals: Briers (4)