Wigan pull off impressive comeback against Catalans
Wigan scored 28 unanswered points in 25 second half minutes to pull off a remarkable comeback against Catalans in the South of France.
Steve McNamara made just one change to his Catalans side that defeated Huddersfield Giants on Easter Monday. Benjamin Garcia replaced Louis Anderson.
Wigan coach Shaun Wane made three changes to his side that beat Hull Kingston Rovers last time out. Joe Burgess, Sam Powell, Sean O’Loughlin and Tony Clubb came in for Tom Davies, Josh Woods, Joel Tomkins and Josh Ganson.
Burgess thought he had scored for Wigan in the opening stages, but it was ruled out by the video referee due to John Bateman obstructing Benjamin Jullien earlier in the move.
It was Catalans who posted the first points though. Tony Gigot slipped Jullien through a gap and the France star stepped Sam Tomkins to score. Gigot converted to put his side 6-0 up after 13 minutes.
Wigan forward Liam Marshall was caught stealing the ball in a two-man tackle midway through the first half. As a result, Catalans opted to take the two and Gigot added the penalty goal, Catalans 8-0 Wigan.
Papua New Guinea star David Mead extended Catalans’ lead late on in the first half. He collected a grubber kick near his own line to run the length of the field and touch down. Gigot added the extras and the Dragons were 14-0 ahead.
Gigot added a drop-goal with just seconds of the first half to spare to put the Dragons 15-0 to the good at the interval.
The French side came out firing as they scored another just three minutes after the restart. Garcia burst through a gap to score and Gigot converted to put the hosts 21-0 up.
Wigan quickly hit back with a try of their own. The ball went through quick hands to Dan Sarginson who dived over out wide. Sam Tomkins failed to convert, Wigan were 21-4 behind.
Ryan Sutton gave a penalty away after putting a late shot on Gigot. Catalans opted to take a shot at goal and Gigot added the penalty goal to put his side 23-4 in front.
In the 54th minute, Oliver Gildart scored for Wigan after making a fine break down the left channel. Sam Tomkins added the conversion and Wigan only trailed 23-10.
The Warriors hit red hot form on the hour mark. They scored a third as the ball went along the line to Burgess who went over, Catalans 23-14 Wigan.
Sean O’Loughlin was brilliant all game. He fed Liam Farrell a short ball who scored. Sam Tomkins was successful with the boot and Wigan were only three points behind.
Wigan took the lead for the first time in the 65th minute. Sam Tomkins sold a fantastic dummy to touch down from close range. He converted his own try and Wigan led 26-23.
The Dragons were dealt a further blow to their nightmare second half when Mika Simon was sin-binned for tipping in the tackle.
The Warriors took advantage of having the extra man and opened up Catalans’ defence. Clubb stormed onto a pass from captain O’Loughlin to dive over. Sam Tomkins’ conversion sealed a brilliant comeback as they ran-out 32-23 winners in Perpignan.
Catalans: Mead; Broughton, Thornley, Wiliame, Yaha; Gigot, Langi; Simon, McIlorum, Moa, Jullien, Garcia, Bird. Subs: Casty, Aiton, Bousquet, Baitieri.
Wigan: S Tomkins; Marshall, Sarginson, Gildart, Burgess; Williams, Powell; O’Loughlin, Leuluai, Flower, Isa, Farrell, Bateman. Subs: Clubb, Sutton, Navarrete, Hamlin.
Starman: Sean O’Loughlin was sensational for Wigan and that’s not an exaggeration. He led the team very well and it is hard to think Wigan would have turned it around if it wasn’t for him.
Attendance: 8,387