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Wigan Warriors recorded their second Super League win within five days following up the win at Hull KR as they defeated Harlequins 40-12 at the JJB Stadium on Friday night.
The two points ensured a League double over the men from the capital this season after a win at the Twickenham Stoop back in March.
Wigan raced into a 14-0 lead in as many minutes with three tries and when Quins centre David Howell was shown a red card for a reckless challenge on Sam Tomkins with just half an hour on the clock, the result was always set to head in one direction.
Wigan were again without Martin Gleeson and with Tim Smith also sidelined Karl Pryce started in the centres and Sam Tomkins who earlier in the week had signed an extended deal partnered Leuluai in the half backs.
A great start for the Warriors with a try on their very first attack. Bailey, O’Loughlin and then Carmont with a great flick inside pass to Pat Richards to send the winger over in the opening 60 seconds. Richards missed the extras, 4-0.
On seven minutes, Wigan were in again, a Sam Tomkins short kick was seized upon by Mark Riddell who dived over as Quins were opened up once more. This time Richards struck the extras and Wigan led 10-0.
The Warriors were on a roll and on 13 minutes it was try number three, Leuluai with a towering kick, Roberts stole the ball off Will Sharp in a one to one in the air and Karl Pryce was on hand for the pass to score in the right hand corner. The goal was missed, 14-0.
Quins finally got some points on the board on 26 minutes. A Danny Orr high kick was taken by Gafa in the air to dive over. Orr struck the conversion to make it 14-6.
The visitors were reduced to 12 men on 28 minutes as David Howell looked to strike out with the arm on Sam Tomkins. The Touch Judge spoke to Steve Ganson and the Harlequins centre was shown a red card. Within seconds with the defence stretched George Carmont from an O’Loughlin pass was in for Wigan’s fourth try. Richards missed the conversion but Wigan were leading 18-6 with a man to the advantage.
As the half drew to a close Wigan extended their lead, a clever kick and gather by Leuluai split the 12 men. Bailey and McIlorum were involved in the move as Roberts crossed for the fifth try of the half. Richards this time added the goal 24-6 at the interval.
Wigan lost the services of Skipper Sean O’Loughlin in the opening minute as he pulled up whilst running. The Warriors took the precaution and Hansen was immediately brought on.
Within five minutes the cherry and whites had extended their lead again, Joel Tomkins doing well tight space to power over following a Bailey pass. Richards missed from out wide but this was one way traffic, 28-6.
Quins were denied a try by the video referee on 54 minutes, Sharp with his foot in touch before he grounded the ball.
Almost immediately at the other end, a mistake from Melling allowed Wigan possession and it was Thomas Leuluai who became Wigan’s seventh different try scorer of the night. Richards this time added the goal, 34-6.
Within two minutes, Leuluai was in for his second, this time he twisted and turned away from the visitors defence on the hour mark. Richards fourth goal made it 40-6.
The Quins grabbed a late consolation try through Luke Gale which Orr converted, 40-12.
Wigan ended the game with 12 men as Sam Tomkins was shown a yellow card late on for dissent
So a comprehensive win for Brian Noble’s men which consolidates Wigan in the top 8 and a play-off spot. Wigan will be looking to capitalise again at home next Friday when Catalans Dragons provide the opposition.
Wigan Warriors: Cameron Phelps,
Amos Roberts,
Karl Pryce,
George Carmont,
Pat Richards,
Sam Tomkins,
Thomas Leuluai,
Paul Prescott,
Mark Riddell,
Andy Coley,
Harrison Hansen,
Phil Bailey,
Sean O'Loughlin
Subs: Iafeta Paleaaesina,
Michael McIlorum,
Stuart Fielden,
Joel Tomkins
Tries: Amos Roberts,
Karl Pryce,
George Carmont,
Pat Richards,
Thomas Leuluai(2),
Mark Riddell,
Joel Tomkins
Goals: Pat Richards(4)
Harlequins RL: Chris Melling, Jon Wells, Tony Clubb, David Howell, Will Sharp, Luke Gale, Danny Orr, Danny Ward, Chad Randall, Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Luke Williamson, Karl Temata, Matt Gafa
Subs: Daniel Heckinberg, Chad Robinson, Gareth Haggerty, Matt Gardner
Tries: Gafa, Gale
Goals: Orr 2
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