From the kick-off Wigan forwards dominated the first encounters which resulted in Phillip Carter going over for his first try of the new season. For the next 15 minutes the Wigan front row, consisting of Hampson, Smith and Blan, overcame any resistance from the Hoppers scrum and gave the back line plenty of quick ball. This resulted in which Phillip Carter getting over the line for his second try of the game making the score 10 – nil.
The second quarter started the same as the first with the Wigan forwards far superior in the scrums and at the breakdowns with the Lloyd brothers leading the way. Then Preston seem to get their act together and surprised Wigan with 2 scores in quick succession both being converted taking the score to 10 – 12.
Just before half time the new slim looking Tom (Hampo) Hampson went over for a try with a powerful run from short range and was quickly followed by a superb try from centre William Boardman to conclude the first half making the score 20 – 12.
From the start of the second half a revitalised Preston side hit back with a well worked converted try making the score 20 – 19.
Immediately from the restart Wigan pounced with a Phillip Carter first ever hat trick of tries which quietened the Preston side. Wigan then scored 4 consecutive tries by newcomer Evaldas Merciulonis, William Boardman and Paddy Murphy (x2) making the scoreline 53 – 19. Preston never gave up which resulted in a consolation try, but Wigan finished the day off with an Andy McLeod try to complete the scoring at 60 – 26. The game was played in excellent spirit despite the score on a superb playing surface and in front of an appreciative crowd on a dry and sunny day.
Report by Martin Rigby
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