A late Harry Smith drop goal was enough for Wigan to seal the two points after an entertaining clash at the DW Stadium which could have swung either way.
Both sides lead throughout the contest, which saw Hull score through Adam Swift, Danny Houghton and Chris Satae, but those scores weren’t to be enough as the Warriors claimed victory.
Team News
Brett Hodgson made three changes to his match day squad from last weekend’s comprehensive Betfred Challenge Cup victory over Sheffield Eagles, and was boosted by the returns of captain Luke Gale and Darnell McIntosh, as well as Brad Fash who took his place on the bench after being rested for the Cup clash.
Carlos Tuimavave dropped out of the side with a calf injury, whilst Ben McNamara and Josh Bowden were the other players to miss out.
Matt Peet’s side welcomed Bevan French back for his first appearance of the season from the interchange bench, with John Bateman starting the game at right centre in place of the injured Kai Pearce Paul.
The Match
Wigan had the better of the opening exchanges, and scored the first try of the game through Jai Field. The Warriors moved the ball from left to right and Cade Cust found the in form full back to get on the outside of Josh Griffin and had the strength to score.
Hardaker failed with his conversion attempt, but was on target moments later with a penalty goal as Wigan continued their dominance of the opening exchanges, and in truth Brett Hodgson would have been please to only be trailing by six points after twenty minutes.
From there, Hull grew into the game as the introduction of Brad Fash, Jordan Johnstone and Jack Brown from the interchange bench allowed Hull to move around the Wigan defence.
The Black & Whites first chance came as Darnell McIntosh broke down the wing and kicked inside for Luke Gale, but the captain was halted just shy of the line on his return from suspension.
Hull’s breakthrough was to follow shortly later, as Adam Swift crossed in the corner. The impressive Johnstone won a six again, and Hull took full advantage.
In good field position Hull created an overlap on the left and Josh Griffin had the composure to find Swift with quick hands for the winger to score for the second week running. Gale converted to level the score.
That wasn’t to be that for Hull before half-time though, as they score moments before the hooter.
Mitieli Vulikijapani made a break from the half way line and had the composure to find fellow Fijian Joe Lovodua. The halfback threw a long pass over his shoulder to Danny Houghton who stumbled over the line to score, with Gale tagging on the extras.
Half-Time: Wigan Warriors 6 – 12 Hull FC
The Warriors struck first in the second half, Ethan Havard showing nice footwork at the Hull line after back to back penalties conceded by the Black & Whites. The prop twice stepped off his right foot to wrongfoot Hull defenders and had the height to score next to the posts, with Hardaker levelling proceedings with the conversion.
Hull regained their lead through Chris Satae as Lovodua again turned provider. The Fijian dummied to kick on the last tackle but instead ran and offloaded inside to Chris Satae and there was no stopping the rampaging prop from close range. Gale converted for the third time of the evening.
Out of nothing, the Warriors levelled the match through Jai Field. The former St George man sidestepped the Hull defence on half way and from there there was no stopping the flier. Hardaker’s goal tied things up.
A tense final fifteen minutes unfolded that was to end in heartbreak for Hull as Harry Smith kicked a long range drop goal to seal the two points for the Warriors with two minutes left on the clock.
Full-Time: Wigan Warriors 19 – 18 Hull FC
The Line Ups
Wigan Warriors: Jai Field, Zak Hardaker, John Bateman, Jake Bibby, Liam Marshall, Cade Cust, Harry Smith, Brad Singleton, Sam Powell, Liam Byrne, Willie Isa, Morgan Smithies; Bevan French, Ethan Havard, Oliver Partington, Patrick Mago
Hull FC: Jake Connor, Darnell McIntosh, Mitieli Vulikijapani, Josh Griffin, Adam Swift, Joe Lovodua, Luke Gale, Ligi Sao, Danny Houghton Chris Satae, Andre Savelio, Manu Ma’u, Jordan Lane; Brad Fash, Connor Wynne, Jack Brown, Jordan Johnstone
Scorers
Wigan Warriors: Tries: Jai Field (2), Ethan Havard
Wigan Warriors Goals: Zak Hardaker 3/4, Smith DG
Hull FC: Tries: Adam Swift, Danny Houghton, Chris Satae
Hull FC Goals: Luke Gale 3/3
Attendance: 9581
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