In a gripping and rain-soaked Super League semi-final, Wigan Warriors overcame local rivals Leigh Leopards to clinch their spot in the Grand Final. Building on a defensive masterclass and capitalising on crucial Leigh errors, Wigan managed to pull ahead in a match filled with dramatic moments and tenacious play from both sides.
Key Takeaways
- Wigan Warriors defeated Leigh Leopards 14-6 to secure a Grand Final place.
- The contest was dominated by handling errors and determined defensive efforts due to slippery conditions.
- Bevan French was instrumental for Wigan, scoring two vital tries including a last-gasp effort before half-time.
- Leigh showed promise and physicality but couldn’t recover from key mistakes.
An Intense Lancashire Derby
The DW Stadium was alive with anticipation as these two Greater Manchester clubs clashed, reviving the passionate rivalry seen in recent years. Wigan entered the match as slight favourites, but Leigh came in confident after winning their eliminator the previous week.
Right from kick-off, both teams exchanged heavy tackles and tested the opposition’s discipline. Early in the first half, a period of sustained pressure from Leigh resulted in Robbie Mulhern crashing over for a converted try, cancelling out Wigan’s opener. The match was finely poised at 6-6 as the half progressed, with neither side able to dominate in testing conditions.
French’s Flair Splits the Difference
Key moments often decide high-stakes matches—and Bevan French delivered them for Wigan. With the first half drawing to a close, Wigan earned a penalty which Adam Keighran calmly converted. But the pivotal play came just before the break: a slick move saw Jai Field break through Leigh’s defence and offload to French, who raced in to score his second try of the night, providing Wigan a vital 14-6 lead at half-time.
Battle of Wills in the Second Half
Leigh, desperate to turn the tide, showed immense courage after the interval. Their forwards led by Edwin Ipape carried hard and stayed menacing, but handling errors proved costly. Wigan’s defence, marshalled by Liam Farrell and Ethan Havard, stood firm whenever Leigh mounted sustained pressure.
Despite a series of close calls and strong surges deep into Wigan territory, Leigh couldn’t find a way through. The Warriors’ tactical discipline, well-timed kicks, and error-free set completions saw out the contest, frustrating Leigh’s late efforts to close the gap.
A Grand Final Awaits
For Wigan Warriors, the dream of Super League glory lives on. Fans can now look forward to Old Trafford, where they will fight for the championship trophy. Leigh, meanwhile, exit with pride after a comeback season that saw them push top opposition to the limit.
Both teams’ line-ups featured a balance of youth and experience, and the quality on display highlighted why this region remains a rugby league heartland. Next up, Wigan will turn their focus to the Grand Final, where they seek to write another chapter in their storied history.
