Zach Eckersley’s 68th-minute try proved to be the pivotal moment as Wigan Warriors secured a thrilling 16-12 victory over rivals St Helens at The Brick Community Stadium.
It was a ferocious contest, as the derby always proves to be, with the forwards powering each side. Saints’ Jack Welsby was the first to score, combining with debutant Harry Robertson. However, Jake Wardle hit back for Wigan, bringing the match to a 6-6 tie at halftime.
The tense atmosphere continued into the second half, with St Helens regaining the lead through a converted Waqa Blake effort. But Wigan responded quickly. Adam Keighran went over in the corner, and Harry Smith added the extras, bringing the scores level. Young Eckersley then made his mark with a crucial try, sealing the 16-12 victory for the hosts.
The match was intense from the start. Matty Lees of St Helens was shown a yellow card for a dangerous tackle in the first minute, forcing the visitors to muscle up defensively. They managed to hold Wigan out despite the pressure, with debutant Robertson holding Jake Wardle up over the line.
The breakthrough for Saints came against the run of play when Curtis Sironen sent Robertson running free, who then sent Jack Welsby in for a 6-0 lead. However, Wigan responded within four minutes, with young fullback Eckersley breaking through and sending Wardle over to level the match at 6-6.
The intensity remained high throughout the first 40 minutes, with Harry Smith attempting but failing a drop goal in the final moments of the half. The rivals went into the break locked at a level score. The second half was equally rough and tumble, with both sides wrestling for momentum.
Saints were the first to cross the whitewash in the second half, with a nice run by Sironen ending with Blake scoring in the corner. Mark Percival added the extras, putting St Helens in front at 12-6. However, Wigan once again hit back quickly, with Keighran going over to level the scores before Eckersley made himself the man of the moment, securing the win with a decisive try.
St Helens chanced their arm in the final moments but couldn’t find the breakthrough. Both sets of fans were loud at the final whistle, cheering on their teams after a hard-fought battle. The victory marked a significant moment for Wigan Warriors and showcased the potential of their young talents.
Saints head coach Paul Wellens made a big call ahead of the match by dropping Lewis Dodd and putting Harry Robertson in on debut at fullback. Jack Welsby moved into the halves alongside skipper Jonny Lomax. Wigan, without star man Bevan French due to a hamstring injury, relied on youngsters like Zach Eckersley to step up, and they did so brilliantly.
The atmosphere was electric with 20,000 fans making it a contest to remember. Despite the tough start for St Helens, the visitors managed to keep Wigan out initially. However, the breakthrough eventually came, setting the stage for a dramatic and memorable derby clash.
The victory marked a significant moment for Wigan Warriors and showcased the potential of their young talents. Both sets of fans were loud at the final whistle, cheering on their teams after a hard-fought battle. The intensity and passion of the derby were on full display, making it a match to remember.
Credit: Sky Sports
