DAZZLING DIXON ADDS TO WIGAN WOE

Champs humbled by promoted Broncos

KIERAN DIXON helped sink champions Wigan as Super League new boys London Broncos produced the shock of the season so far.

The Hemel-raised winger scorched away for a long-range try early in the second half to open up a 16-10 lead (below).

And he later added a penalty to create an eight-point gap, ensuring Tony Clubb’s 58thminute converted try was not enough to get the wounded Warriors out of jail.

This was Wigan’s fourth defeat in five matches and coach Adrian Lam – given the reins until Shaun Edwards takes over next year – was fuming.

“I’m really disappointed,” he aid. “Our halves, full-back and backs let us down. Another disappointing part was a few of our senior players not owning the game when they needed to step up.

“We’re not winning and so there’s a fair bit of pressure coming down.”

Wigan made a strong start, with forwards

Liam Paisley and Willie

Isa muscling over for tries in the opening 20 minutes. With Zak Hardaker adding a conversion, they led 10-0 and looked to be cruising to a second win of the year.

But the Broncos turned the game on its head, Eddie Battye and Matty Gee typifying their spirited effort with quickfire tries before half-time.

Dixon converted both to give them a 12-10 lead at the break.

And minutes after the restart, the winger scooped up a loose ball and turned on the afterburners to go the length of the pitch and score.

While Lam braced himself for a backlash from Wigan fans, Broncos coach Danny Ward was trying to keep a lid on celebrations after a “special” victory. Ward said: “I don’t want to get too carried away. We’ve had some big wins in the last 12 months and hopefully the boys can get some confidence from this. But beating the champions at home is special.

“I hope people talk about the team spirit we have here. We know we have to be on every week – every player has to be nine out of 10 at this level.”

Of Dixon’s try, he added: “There were a lot of key moments, but when Kieran got a bit of space in front of him he’s unstoppable.”

Defeat leaves Wigan on zero points although their appeal against a two-point deduction for breaking the salary cap – will be heard tomorrow.