Wigan put down a marker for the Super 8s tonight in Hull, as they cruised to an easy 12-48 victory against Hull FC, who now have a mountain to climb if they are to finish in the top four with a chance of reaching Old Trafford.
Hull took to the field without their injured captain Gareth Ellis and the experienced Leon Pryce, and they appeared to miss the leadership of both players as Wigan took an early lead with tries from Joe Burgess and John Bateman, both converted by Matty Smith.
Hull gave their supporters some hope when Richard Whiting touched down after 20 minutes, with Marc Sneyd adding the goal.
But when Sam Powell touched down a kick from Matty Bowen, which Anthony Gelling had nudged on to put Powell onside, and George Williams scored Wigan’s fourth first-half try, all goaled by Smith, the writing was on the wall at 6-24 at half-time.
Wigan extended that lead to 6-36 after the break with tries from Matty Bowen and Sean O’Loughlin, while Hull stemmed the tide when Joe Westerman got over the line, with Sneyd’s goal making it 12-36.
But Wigan weren’t finished, and in the final ten minutes Bowen, showing great footwork, scored his second of the night, and Dom Crosby rounded off the tryscoring for Wigan to draw level with Leeds at the head of the Super League table.
A full report, photos and analysis of this game will feature in Monday’s edition of League Express.