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Rugby League

Wigan overcome Hull in Super League play-off

29/09/2007

Wigan Warriors came through a bruising encounter against Hull this evening to record a 21-18 victory and set up a clash against Leeds Rhinos next Friday to determine who faces St Helens in the Super League Grand Final.

Hull led 14-10 at half-time as they were roared on by a partisan crown at the KC Stadium. But Wigan fought back in the second half and tries from Gareth Hock and Liam Colbon and a late drop goal from Pat Richards gave them the win.

The home side, who were looking to make it consecutive Grand Final appearances after last season's final loss against St Helens, got off to a slow start as Richard Whiting fumbled a high ball to allow Wigan's Pat Richards to score the first try.

But the try seem to rejuvenate Hull and they came close to scoring on two occasions. It was Kirk Yeaman who broke through the Warriors defence both times, but first Matt Singh and then Thomas Lee were held up on the Wigan try-line.

Richards converted a penalty to give Wigan a 8-0 lead. But then Hull came storming back to score two quick tries.

Hull's Matthew Head put a clever ball behind the Wigan try-line and as Thomas Leuluai hesitated in clearing the ball, Gareth Raynor snuck in to touch the ball down and score another.

Yet another defensive mistake from Wigan gave Hull their second try. Richard Horne seemed to be held up on the try-line by three Wigan players, but somehow he managed to wrestle the ball down to grab a try.

Danny Tickle converted both tries and scored a penalty to give Hull a well-deserved 14-10 half-time lead.

Wigan, however, came out like a rocket in the second half and scored two tries. Forward Hock found himself on the left wing and had an easy job to cross-over from a Leulaui pass. Wigan playmaker Trent Barrett then split the Hull defence with a great pass to allow Colbon to score.

And although Raynor scored a last try to bring Hull within three points of Wigan, Tickle failed with his conversion attempt and Wigan held on for victory.