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Rugby League

Wigan comeback stuns Bulls

22/09/2007

Wigan came back from a 24-point deficit in the second half to beat Bradford with a drop goal in the closing minutes of their playoff eliminator, taking the match 31-30.

Mark Calderwood was the hero, scoring a second-half hat-trick, while Pat Richards' accurate boot clinched the drop goal which won the game.

Bradford dominated proceedings in the opening period. David Solomona touched down for the first of his three tries after four minutes to get the Bulls off to a good start.

Tame Tupou then doubled their advantage after pouncing on a fumble by Calderwood. Iestyn Harris added the extras to put the Bulls 12-0 ahead.

Wigan responded with a try from Thomas Leuluai, however, Solomona and the Bulls were not finished. The New Zealander scored two more tries in the closing five minutes of the half to put the Bulls 22-6 ahead at the break.

The Warriors were desperate to get the first score of the second half but Calderwood was denied close to the try line. The Bulls then drove the length of the field which culminated in a try for Harris.

The Welshman added a penalty to make the score 30-6 with 32 minutes remaining but it was from there that Wigan mounted their spectacular comeback.

Calderwood grabbed his first try after 56 minutes, with Richards adding the extras. The Bulls were then forced to take Solomona, Terry Newton and Chris Feather off because of injuries which gave the Warriors added belief.

Calderwood added another try after latching on to Trent Barrett's long pass before Harrison Hansen collected Marcus St Hilaire's high ball to touch down.

With Richards converting those chances the deficit was cut to six points but Calderwood levelled the scores with ten minutes remaining after he sprinted the length of the field to complete his hat-trick.

Richards then sealed the dramatic comeback with three minutes left on the clock, calmly slotting through the winning drop goal to put Wigan into the playoff semi-finals.