Hull FC Wheelchair succumbed to a heavy 20-68 defeat against Wigan Warriors despite a commanding second-half performance.
The Wigan side, which featured three international players, proved too much for the home side to handle as they used their pace to come away with the two points.
Team News
The Black & Whites welcomed back Nathan Sherwood into the side as they looked to maintain their winning run after a convincing defeat of Warrington Wolves.
The Match
Hull FC begin the match well with Tristan Norfolk having the opening chance, but he was denied by a last-ditch tackle just before the line.
Despite a strong showing in the opening five minutes, Hull conceded the first try as a wide gap on the wing gave Wigan’s Nathan Roberts space to touch down.
Hull’s Nathan Sherwood denied England-international Declan Roberts a sure try after he made a break through the middle of the field but it wasn’t long before Martin Lane crossed for Wigan’s second.
Wigan carried the momentum going into the second quarter as both Lane and Declan Roberts crossed over for two more tries before Nathan Roberts scored his second of the match.
Despite some desperate defence from Hull and a very close chance for Billy Swainger after a period of possession, Wigan ended the first-half on a high as Adam Rigby, Lenny Izzard and Lane all cross over in the final stages.
Half-Time: Hull FC Wheelchair 0 – 48 Wigan Warriors Wheelchair
An error filled start to the second-half saw both Mike Midgley and Martin Norris unable to convert numerous early chances as the hosts found some much needed momentum.
Hull scored the first try of the second half with 10 minutes gone as Mike Swainger scored under the posts after a healthy period of possession however Wigan’s Chris Greenhalgh crossed over the line on the next play as the hosts were unable to deal with the restart.
Josh Edwards crossed over in the corner thanks to a tidy offload from Nathan Sherwood but the hosts were unable to deal with the restart again as Lane touched down under the posts for his fourth try of the match.
Edwards crossed over again as the black and whites capitalised on a Wigan knock-on to build some momentum near Wigan’s try line.
Martin Norris scored again just minutes later as the black-and-whites looked to have found their grove going into the final quarter of the game.
Wigan rounded off the scoring in what was a more contested second half as Lane and Roberts scored their third and fifth tries respectfully.
Full-Time: Hull FC Wheelchair 20 – 68 Wigan Warriors Wheelchair
Squads:
Hull FC Wheelchair: Mike Swainger, Martin Norris, Dave Gill, Mike Midgley, Steve Sampher, Tristan Norfolk, Nathan Sherwood, Billy Swainger, Josh Edwards
Wigan Warriors Wheelchair: Nathan Roberts, Chris Greenhalgh, Phil Roberts, Declan Roberts, Wez Tomlinson, Adam Rigby, Martin Lane, Lenny Izzard
Scorers:
Hull FC Wheelchair: Mike Swainger (52), Josh Edwards (58, 64), Martin Norris (67)
Goals: Mike Swainger (1/1) Tristan Norfolk (1/3)
Wigan Warriors Wheelchair: Nathan Roberts (6, 22, 77), Martin Lane (14, 16, 38, 59, 72), Declan Roberts (19), Adam Rigby (26), Lenny Izzard (32), Chris Greenhalgh (54)
Goals: Declan Roberts (8/8), Phil Roberts (1/3), Adam Rigby (1/1)
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