Wigan enjoy last Crusaders

Wigan bounced back from their double disappointment over Easter with a comprehensive 44-10 win over Celtic Crusaders.

The hosts ran in nine tries at the JJB Stadium against Super League's bottom club who are still yet to register a point in the top flight.

Luke Dyer did give the Welsh club a very early lead but that proved to be a rare highlight on another difficult afternoon.

Sean O'Loughlin, Pat Richards and Sam Tomkins all crossed for two tries apiece as the Warriors tore the visitors apart.

Much-needed boost

Having lost to St Helens and Catalans Dragons in quick succession, Wigan were in desperate need of a morale-boosting result in front of their own fans.

They couldn't have asked for better opposition to get their campaign back on track, even if they did give the Crusaders an early present.

Michael Phelps allowed a harmless kick to run into the in-goal area for Dyer to touch down in the corner, breaking the deadlock after just two minutes.

However the lead proved to be brief - Richards levelling matters when he did well to finish in the right corner, despite the attentions of Jace Van Dijk.

Skipper O'Loughlin pushed the home team into the lead with a superb solo score, the loose forward getting through the first line of defence with a neat grubber that he also managed to scoop up before diving over the line.

Mark Riddell timed his angled run to perfection to score a third Wigan try and Amos Roberts finished off a simple move five minutes before the break.

Misery

The misery continued for the Crusaders soon into the second half, prop Iafeta Paleaaesina's marauding run leading to Tomkins crossing.

George Carmont and O'Loughlin added further scores before the away side's afternoon got even worse when Damien Quinn, who became the first player to make 100 competitive appearances for the Crusaders, was sent to the sin bin.

Within a matter of seconds Richards had claimed his second try, the Ireland international also landing two goals to finish with a personal haul of 12 points.

Even when Mark Dalle Cort scored a late consolation, which skipper Van Dijk converted, Wigan simply moved through the gears to get over again.

The impressive Tomkins, who had started the match on the bench, cantered in under the posts for a second time, Roberts adding the extras for a second time to seal a superb result for the Cherry and Whites.