Wigan join Hull on top after spoiling the Dragons’ anniversary celebrations

Wigan Warriors spoiled the Catalans Dragons’ party as they ran out 26-6 winners in Perpignan.

The French outfit were celebrating their 10th anniversary and looking to mark the occasion in style by bringing back a host of former players and coaches to help commemorate the milestone.

Their first Super League game ended in a 38-30 victory over the same opponents a decade ago, but they underwhelmed yesterday in front of a bumper crowd of 11,856 supporters as the Warriors underlined their Grand Final credentials.

Former Wigan favourite, Pat Richards, moved back to his favoured wing position for the home side, while Benjamin Garcia started following his recent arrival from Australian side Penrith Panthers.

A Richards penalty gave the Catalans an early two-point advantage before Wigan took control of the first half, despite being down to 12 men.

Lee Mossop was sent to the sin-bin for tripping in the tackle, but, despite their numerical advantage, the hosts could not prevent Dan Sarginson scoring the first try of the game, touching down after good work from Dom Manfredi.

Four minutes later, Wigan were in again as a Tony Gigot error allowed Wigan the field position to attack.

Sarginson turned provider as his offload allowed Matty Smith to send in Ryan Sutton to the right of the posts. Smith added his second conversion to give Wigan a 10-point advantage.

With their full complement of players restored, Oliver Gildart further extended the Wigan lead on the half-hour mark with a solo effort, side-stepping and outpacing the Catalans defenders to score close to the posts.

Smith added the conversion and a penalty three minutes before the interval to give the visitors a 20-2 interval lead. Justin Horo scored a solo effort for the hosts in the left corner four minutes after the break to give the Dragons hope of a comeback.

But, just short of the hour, Sarginson’s neat kick sent Manfredi over in front of a huge travelling contingent of Wigan fans and Smith’s touchline conversion completed the scoring.

The win left Wigan level on points with Super League leaders Hull, with only points difference keeping them off top spot.