Warriors win the Battle of Borough

WIGAN ran out 22-14 victors in the ‘Battle of the Borough’ pre-season fixture against Leigh Centurions.

Sam Tomkins started the match at full-back and demonstrated his superb dancing feet when he crossed for his side’s first try – but that came after Pat Vaivai had bulldozed his way through the visitors’ defence to score for Leigh.

George Williams’ customary grubber kick to the left corner was pounced on by Oliver Gildart to give Wigan the lead 10 minutes before the break, but there was still time for Leigh to level the scores through Peter Mata’utia on the stroke of half-time.

By the time his grubber kick was pounced on by impressive debutant Gabe Hamlin to extend Wigan’s lead, Tomkins had switched into the halves – allowing Morgan Escare to make his long-awaited return from injury at fullback.

Quick hands at the line from Leigh brought the next score for ex-St Helens utility back Jack Owens, before Wigan sealed victory with a try from young halfback Jake Shorrocks.

Tries from Matt Sarsfield, Andy Bracek and Rhodri Lloyd helped SWINTON to an 18-12 win at Whitehaven, while OLDHAM slipped to a 16-6 defeat at Barrow.

On Saturday, SALFORD were beaten 18-6 by Warrington, but Red Devils boss Ian Watson was pleased with his side’s performance.

“I thought it was exactly what we needed at this time, going up against an international pack, to kind of test us as to where we are physically,” he said.