Wigan Finish Season In Style

Correspondent

Questions may now be asked of Hull’s Super League title credentials, although it would be foolish to think that this was Hull at their best.

This, however, was Wigan at their best; and had this imperious form been evident from the start of the season then the Warriors would also be getting ready to challenge for honours.

Iafeta Paleassina opened the scoring for the home side, stretching out from a tackle to score, with man-of-the match Michael Dobson and Chris Ashton (2) giving Wigan a commanding half-time lead.

Matt Dale touched down for Hull to give them a glimmer of hope at the interval; but this was short-lived as Harrison Hansen and Nathan McAvoy both scored to put the result beyond doubt.

Tries from Motu Tony and Shaun Briscoe added respectability for the visitors but Gareth Hock ensured that the final say went to the Warriors.

Brian Noble concluded an “interesting season” for Wigan by paying tribute to the way his side had finished the season, having occupied bottom spot at the half-way point.

"It's certainly been an interesting season” said Noble. “We were the team that was bottom at the halfway point in the season – and we didn't finish bottom.

"The way we finished is testament to how much hard work we've done and I can't thank the players enough."

Hull boss Peter Sharp admitted his disappointment, but was adamant that his side will bounce back against Saints in a fortnight’s time. 

"It was disappointing," admitted Sharp. "We made errors in defence that we haven’t made all year. I thought we got out-muscled to tell you the truth, manhandled. We were outplayed by a better side."

"We need to pick ourselves up, dust ourselves down and get on with it – because we’re still in the race. It’s a semi-final, for a place in the Grand Final. We’ll be there, don’t you worry. Tell St Helens we’ll be there."