This was unbelievable. In a simply sensational game at the Grattan Stadium Wigan Warriors produced a magnificent final 30 minutes to claw back and win this engage Super League Elimination Play-Off match against all the odds 31-30 against the Bradford Bulls. Richards with a late drop goal to snatch the win.

This was the comeback of all come backs. The Warriors were 22-6 down at the interval thanks largely to a first half hat-trick from David Solomona and with a 30-6 advantage early in the second, it was fair to say it looked game over. Just as it looked as if the home side had booked their place in the next stage all of a sudden, Wigan came to life and scored a hat-trick themselves in a ten minute spell.

There was then a sense of belief, desire and when the Warriors levelled at 30 all it was down to Pat Richards to slot home the winning point from 20 metres out with just a few minutes left. The Warriors had the momentum and the Bulls were simply stunned.

The Bulls took the lead with just four minutes on the clock. Newton with a long pass and McKenna had David Solomona in support. He was able to cut inside the Warriors defence for the first try, Iestyn Harris added the extras, 6-0.

Wigan looked to respond and earned a goal line drop out on 14 minutes after a Leuluai kick was cleared by Platt. A cross field kick by Barrett was taken by Tupou as the Warriors looked to turn up the heat.

On 19 minutes, Barrett sent Richards away down the left. His kick on was well defended by the full back Platt.

Bradford were in for their second try on 23 minutes, a mistake by Mark Calderwood from a Harris kick allowed the Bulls six more tackles and from another kick to the corner Tame Tupou was able to dive on a loose ball to extend the home sides lead. Harris added a superb conversion to give Bradford a 12-0 advantage.

On 27 minutes, Wigan were right back in it. Barrett sent out a long pass which split the Bulls defence and David Vaealiki was able to gather and draw the full back to send in Thomas Leuluai for the try. Richards goal made it 12-6.

The Bulls restored their 12 point advantage as half time approached. David Solomona diving over from acting half back. The video referee awarding the try, benefit of the doubt as he just managed to ground despite the close attention of both Higham and Richards.18-6 to the Bulls.

Wigan gave away a penalty for holding down in the tackle and Bradford took advantage. Harris with a pass to Solomona who stretched out for his hat-trick with just two minutes of the first half left. This time the conversion was missed, 22-6.

Wigan needed the first try of the second half to try and claw their way back into it but it wasn’t to be. Within two minutes of the restart Morrison combined with Ben Harris and then Iestyn Harris for the try which he himself converted, 28-6 and a huge task now facing Brian Noble’s men.

A high tackle by Skipper Sean O’Loughlin was put on report and from the penalty Harris added another two points, 30-6 with 49 minutes on the clock.

The deficit was reduced as Mark Calderwood crossed for Wigan’s second try following a pass by Phil Bailey. Richards goal made it 30-12 on 57 minutes.

Credit to the Warriors despite the score they did continue to battle to try and find a way back forcing two goal line drop outs in quick succession. The Warriors scored again through Calderwood out wide as Barrett sent out a great pass. The extras were added 30-18 with 16 minutes left.

Within two minutes Wigan had made it three tries in 9 minutes as Barrett sent in Harrison Hansen for the points. Richards slotted over the goal 30-24, game well and truly on.

Unbelievably the Bulls lost possession in their own half and Mark Calderwood raced away to the huge delight of the travelling fans for another Wigan try, his third of the evening. Richard’s conversion made it all square 30-30.

Richards added a sensational drop goal with four minutes left and although Bradford did get up the other end they couldn’t get on the scoreboard.

The players and fans couldn’t believe what they had witnessed. This was awesome and Wigan spectators stood to a man to cheer their heroes off. They will now travel to Hull or Huddersfield next Saturday night.

Wigan Warriors: Pat Richards, Mark Calderwood, Phil Bailey, David Vaealiki, Liam Colbon, Trent Barrett, Thomas Leuluai, Iafeta Paleaaesina, Shane Millard, Stuart Fielden, Harrison Hansen, Bryan Fletcher, Sean O'Loughlin
Subs: Darrell Goulding, Paul Prescott, Mick Higham, Gareth Hock

Tries: Mark Calderwood(3), Thomas Leuluai, Harrison Hansen
Goals: Pat Richards(5)
Drop Goals: Pat Richards

Bradford Bulls: Platt, St. Hilaire, Harris, Happe, Tupou, Morrison, Harris, Vagana, Newton, Lynch, McKenna, Solomona, Burgess.
Subs: Cook, McAvoy, Feather, Henderson.

Tries: Solomona (3), Tupou, I. Harris.
Goals: I. Harris (5/6)