A week that began with unexpected controversy and the threat of the game not taking place ended with a familiar outcome as Wigan Warriors booked their place in the Super League Grand Final with a hard-fought victory over Leigh Leopards.
The reigning champions stunned the rugby league world on Wednesday by alleging Leigh owner Derek Beaumont wanted to withdraw from the playoff semi-final due to a row over ticket allocations. Despite the acrimony, the Leopards produced a spirited performance in appalling weather conditions, but Wigan's class shone through in the crucial moments.
Bevan French was the difference, scoring two tries and setting up another. The first came when an error from Leigh allowed Adam Keighran to collect a loose ball and feed French, who slid over unopposed. Leigh levelled through Robbie Mulhern, but the game turned in the two minutes before half-time. Edwin Ipape took out French off the ball, handing Keighran a simple penalty to make it 8-6, before Wigan broke from deep and French raced over to make it 14-6.
Leigh coach Adrian Lam admitted: “The key moment in the game is the Ipape penalty and that set after. Those two minutes broke my heart.” The visitors needed to score first after the break but were denied by a world-class tackle from Jai Field on Owen Trout with 15 minutes left.
Wigan held on and sealed the win after the hooter when French provided a stunning pass for Sam Walters to stroll over. The Warriors now await the winners of Saturday’s second semi-final between Hull KR and St Helens as they aim for a third straight title.
