Josh Charnley scores hat-trick as Wigan beat Hull Kingston Rovers
By Rory O'Callaghan
Last Updated: 28/03/16 10:53pm
A hat-trick from Josh Charnley helped Wigan come from behind to defeat Hull Kingston Rovers 30-16 at the DW Stadium on Monday night.
Rovers, fresh off a disappointing derby defeat to Hull FC on Good Friday, almost caused a major upset and led 10-4 heading into the half-time break.
However, a spirited second half fight-back from Wigan ensured that they move level on points with Super League leaders Warrington.
Shaun Wane's side dominated the opening stages at the DW, which was hosting football and rugby on the same day for the first time in its history, and deservedly took the lead through Lewis Tierney.
But two tries in as many minutes from Graeme Horne and former Wigan centre Iain Thornley handed the visitors a six-point advantage heading into the interval.
Wigan levelled the scores five minutes after the break when Josh Charnley capitalised on a loose ball to run the length of the pitch and touch down.
The 24 year-old winger then grabbed his second - finishing well in the corner after a superb offload from Oliver Gildart.
Kingston Rovers retook the lead shortly before the hour mark through a second Thornley try, which Kieran Dixon successfully converted.
Wigan were in serious danger of losing to the league's second bottom side but two quick-fire tries from Dominic Manfredi and Gildart gave the hosts some breathing space heading into the final ten minutes.
Charnley then capped off a perfect evening as he raced 80 metres to complete his hat-trick.
Wigan next play Warrington in a top of the table clash at the DW Stadium on Friday, while Hull KR travel to Headingley to face Leeds Rhinos.
