Wigan Warriors Capitalise on Opposing Player’s Boasts, Secure Victory over Leigh Leopards
In a gripping Super League encounter, the Wigan Warriors emerged victorious over their local rivals, the Leigh Leopards, by a scoreline of 24-6 at the Brick Community Stadium on Friday night. Wigan’s coach, Matt Peet, suggested that the reigning champions were given added motivation following comments made by former Wigan player, Umyla Hanley, who now plies his trade for the Leopards.
Hanley, speaking to the Mirror in the build-up to the match, had boldly claimed that the Leopards believed they were the more capable side of the two.
“We know Wigan are a really successful team. They always have been. But it’s just 13 v 13. And everyone in our team believes, in our hearts, that we’re better than they are. It comes down to doing it on the night,” he had said.
However, the Warriors proved to be the stronger team on the night, with Bevan French scoring two tries and Liam Marshall producing a brilliant solo effort to seal the victory for the reigning champions. Peet, addressing the media post-match, suggested that Hanley’s comments had effectively done the Wigan team’s pre-match preparations for them.
“I guess it’s inexperience isn’t it,” said Peet. “I’m guessing his coach and team-mates might have had a word with him because it’s doing my job for me really. Umyla will learn, he’s a good player and a good person. I’d imagine if had his time again he wouldn’t say that.”
The win moved Wigan four points clear at the top of the Super League table, with a game in hand, while Leigh’s hopes of a top-six finish now appear to be drifting, as they could find themselves nine points adrift of the play-offs if results go a certain way this weekend.
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