Smith still left frustrated

Warriors boss Wane claims his team simply weren't smart enough

Last updated: 23rd March 2012   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Smith still left frustrated

Tony Smith: admitted the game could have gone either way

Sometimes it goes your way and sometimes it doesn't. There is not much between the top teams.

Tony Smith
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Warrington coach Tony Smith admitted his side were "doing it the hard way" after going top of the table with a 22-20 victory at Wigan.

Brett Hodgson's fifth goal of the night with eight minutes to go settled a see-saw contest in favour of the Wolves, who have now triumphed on their last three visits to the DW Stadium.

They had twice trailed by six points to the Warriors but impressively fought back, their tries coming from Ryan Atkins, Joel Monaghan and Lee Briers.

However they did not make life easy for themselves and Smith admitted the final outcome could have gone either way.

"We're doing it the hard way," he said. "It was fantastic to watch I'm sure but it's frustrating for players and coaches.

"There was a bit of anxiety among the players. They are trying hard and they were gutsy and determined.

"Sometimes it goes your way and sometimes it doesn't. There is not much between the top teams. It's fine-line stuff, it could easily have gone Wigan's way tonight."

Devastated

Opposite number Shaun Wane said Wigan forward Epalahame Lauaki was "devastated" after conceding two late penalties that enabled Hodgson the chance to kick Warrington to victory.

The former Hull prop was twice placed on report by referee Richard Silverwood for foul play in the final 15 minutes.

"He's absolutely devastated," Wane said. "He thinks he's lost us the game. "I rate him and he's been great for me this year. He was great again tonight but he needs to be smarter. He let himself down by not concentrating on his tackle technique."

Wigan's Pat Richards scored a try and kicked two goals to go past 2,000 points for the club but injury hampered him after he collided with team-mate Sam Tomkins in the first half.

Gareth Hock and Michael McIlorum also touched down in a losing cause for the hosts while Josh Charnley knocked over two goals, although the stand-in kicker did fail with two other attempts.

For Wane it was a tough loss to take, particularly after they had already surrendered a 12-6 advantage in the closing minutes of the first half.

"It was probably good to watch but it was disappointing from my point of view," the Warriors boss added. "If we had been smart and showed some composure in the last 20 minutes we would have won that game.

"We need to be better. I've said that a few times this year. We've a lot to work on."

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