Super League: Wigan spoil Dragons' party
Last Updated: 02/07/16 8:30pm
Catalans' 10-year Super League anniversary celebrations were spoiled by a 26-6 win by the Warriors at Stade Gilbert Brutus on Saturday.
Pat Richards put the home side 2-0 ahead after 10 minutes, but tries from Dan Sarginson, Ryan Sutton and Oliver Gildart pulled things back for Wigan. Matty Smith converted all three tries and added a penalty to hand his side a 20-2 lead at the break.
The Dragons were first on the board in the second half through a Justin Horo try, but Dom Manfredi then crossed to end the fightback from the home side as Wigan ran out comfortable winners.
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 were unable to replicate that form in front of 11,856 supporters as the Warriors underlined their Grand Final credentials.
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 sin-binned for tripping in the tackle, but, despite their numerical advantage, the hosts could not prevent Sarginson scoring the first try of the game, touching down after good work from Manfredi.
Four minutes later Wigan were in again as a Tony Gigot error allowed the Warriors the field position to attack. Sarginson turned provider as his offload allowed Smith to send in 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.
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.
