Wigan Warriors Academy dominated Bradford Bulls Academy in a decisive victory
Wigan Warriors Academy dominated Bradford Bulls Academy in a decisive victory, scoring seven tries to win 36-12 at Robin Park Arena on Saturday afternoon. The Warriors surged ahead early, scoring three tries within 19 minutes to establish a commanding 16-0 lead by halftime.
Despite Bradford managing two tries in the second half, Wigan maintained control, adding four more tries to secure a comfortable win on their home turf.
Detailed Match Report:
The Warriors made a strong start, opening the scoring after five minutes when Finlay Yeomans capitalized on a handling error by Bradford to score near the posts. Noah Hodkinson successfully converted, giving Wigan a 6-0 lead.
Solid defense from the Warriors denied Bradford any immediate response, and Wigan extended their lead to 10-0 in the 12th minute with Finlay Yeomans breaking through the defense on the right edge for his second try.
Wigan continued to dominate, with Thomas Bridge scoring their third try in the corner after quick passing created an opening. Hodkinson’s successful conversion extended Wigan’s lead to 16-0 by the 17th minute.
Despite several opportunities in Bradford’s half, Wigan couldn’t add to their lead before halftime, maintaining a 16-0 advantage.
Wigan began the second half strongly, scoring their fourth try through Jack Purtill in the right corner in the 43rd minute, though the conversion attempt was unsuccessful, leaving the score at 20-0.
Bradford narrowed the gap with George Rayner grounding a kick through for a try in the 48th minute, and Samuel Ackroyd added the extra points, making it 20-6.
Wigan responded swiftly with two tries in three minutes, first through Lukas Mason who scored after receiving a pass from Purtill, followed by Mike Porter breaking through the defense to score. Finlay Yeomans added the conversions, pushing Wigan’s lead to 32-6 by the hour mark.
Bradford managed another try in the 69th minute through Rayner, but Wigan had the final say with Harlen Smith scoring in the corner after quick passing from Austin Daniel and Finlay Yeomans. The match ended with Wigan securing a comprehensive victory, maintaining their top position in the league standings with four rounds remaining.
Wigan Warriors Lineup:
Noah Hodkinson, Harlen Smith, Finlay Yeomans, Austin Daniel, Thomas Bridge, Charlie Yeomans, Jack Purtill, Trent Kelly-Duffy, Reece Rowcroft, Dylan Kelly-Duffy, George O’Loughlin, Lukas Mason, Kalum Rathbone.
Interchange: Hamza Butt, Taylor Kerr, Koen Perry, Michael Porter.
18th Player: Leo Wadsworth.
Tries: F. Yeomans (5′, 12′), Bridge (17′), Purtill (43′), Mason (57′), Porter (60′), Smith (77′).
Goals: Hodkinson (2/4), F. Yeomans (2/3).
Bradford Bulls Lineup:
Connor Sayner, George McKinley, Samuel Spencer, Harvey Duckworth, Demir Acarer, Samuel Ackroyd, George Rayner, Jamie Gill, Lewis Owens, Alfie Leake, Jacob Bateman, Riley Sunderland, Frederick Butler.
Interchange: Henry Welsh, Joe Bullough, Isaac Oughton, Jacob Dibden.
18th Player: Lucas Child.
Tries: Rayner (48′), (69′)
Goals: Ackroyd (2/2).
