NIL POINT!
Sorry Warriors shut out on Euro stage
28 0 Steven Brady
WIGAN WARRIORS have learned some hard French lessons after being put to the sword by Catalans, according to coach Matt Peet.
Wigan slipped and slided in wet conditions at Stade Gilbert Brutus but Peet admitted: “It was bad for both sides and we need to be much better than that.
“We came to France to beat Toulouse and Catalans, and we need to learn some lessons from this. We will find out where we are as a group in how we react.”
Catalans were too big and strong with the return of prop Gil Dudson and hooker Michael Mcilorum from suspension – and not even having captain Thomas Leuluai and centre Jake Bibby back could rescue the points for Wigan.
But it was the return of Sam Tomkins (below) that had the biggest influence on this game, his brilliant display with ball and boot tormenting his former club.
Catalans dominated the early stages, camped in
Wigan’s half as the
Warriors struggled to retain control of the ball.
And when John Bateman lost possession 10 metres from his own line, Mitchell Pearce weaved through a sleeping Wigan defence to pounce beside the posts for the first try of the game. Tomkins made it 6-0 with the conversion after 18 minutes.
Wigan were penalised for a high shot on Ben Garcia and Tomkins extended the lead with a shot at goal, then struck a second after the Warriors were punished for tackling without the
ball.
Grubbed
And when Mcilorum put a grubber kick to the Wigan line, Mickael Goudemand was first to mop up and plant the ball over the line, Tomkins’ conversion making it 16-0 at half-time.
Three penalties in a row got Wigan moving forward early in the second half but again possession let them down. Catalans extended their lead to 22-0 when Pearce pounced for his second as Wigan fumbled once more in their in-goal area, Tomkins adding his fifth conversion.
Samisoni Langi needed video evidence to prove he’d slid over the line in the 62nd minute to make it 28-0 with Tomkins’ conversion.
Wigan rallied in the final quarter but couldn’t find the finishing touch, their handling once again fragile.
There was nothing fragile about an all-in scrap instigated by Bateman and Jordan Dezaria in the final minutes, referee Robert Hicks issuing red cards to Dezaria and Wigan’s Kaide Ellis. CATALANS: Tries: Pearce 2, Goudemand, Langi; Cons: Tomkins 4; Pens: Tomkins 2