A comprehensive second half performance from Wigan disposed of an injury ravaged Leeds Rhino's side at the DW stadium.The first half produced just the one try coming via centre George Carmont, a move that swooped from right to left allowing the number four to cross the line unopposed.
The Warriors did well to repel a spirited Leeds side in the first 40 minutes that probed on many occasions inside the oppositions twenty.
At the interval the Cherry Whites led 6-0, Pat Richards converting the only try. During the break much was made of the fact that Wigan had already made 7 of their 12 interchanges, scrum half Mark Riddell limping off the pitch on two separate occasions.
In the second stanza the Rhino's continued to battle admirably. Good fortune for the Yorkshire outfit allowed Ryan Hall to touch down in the corner following an over-ran pass by the dummy runner.
It is fair to say that this was undoubtedly a much deserved try considering their fruitless efforts during the first half.
Any hopes of the young and depleted Rhino's outfit coming away with anything were dashed in an 11 minute period that brought 16 points for the Warriors. Darrell Goulding finishing well in the corner on two occasions with a Joel Tomkins touchdown sandwiched in-between.
Goulding's first try came after a lackadaisical kick chase allowed Amos Roberts to return the ball over the half way line. A quick play of the ball followed and a huge Pat Richards dummy allowed him to break the defensive line before being dragged down. Two play of the balls later and Goulding was in the corner, eventual man of the match Thomas Leuluai directing traffic at the decisive ruck.
Following this Cherry & White purple patch the game was well and truely beyond that of the Leeds side as tiredness and fatigue evidently began to set in. A 71 minute penalty goal from Pat Richards took his personally tally for the night to eight points and put the game to bed for the Wigan.
This was a truely clinical performance from Wigan which sees them maintain their two point lead at the top of Super League, Warrington Wolves also winning 32-16 against visitors Wakefield.
The Warriors did not come out of this game totally unscathed however, both Sam Tomkins and Mark Riddell leaving the field injured.
With all this said however, the tide in Super League seems to be turning away from the predictable domination of Leeds & St. Helens to this revitalised and newly led Wigan team and the forever under achieving Warrington Wolves. Is a new dawn on the horizon for Super League XV?
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