Wigan awarded two controversial tries in Salford win
Last Updated: 20/06/15 10:32am
Wigan scored a pair of controversial tries as they turned over a 12-0 deficit to walk away 19-12 victors over Salford.
Liam Farrell and Dan Sarginson were the two recipients of tries under scrutiny from the referee as Salford fought hard but fruitlessly to push back against a Warriors comeback.
It was a slow first half, with Corey Paterson opening the scoring with a try in the 10th minute, and Josh Griffin’s conversion providing the final score of the first half.
Griffin scored and converted the first try of the second half before Joe Burgess scored his 13th try of the season in the 49th minute, prompting a fightback from the home side, who had gone into the break surrounded by jeering from their fans.
Farrell and Sarginson then added their efforts which gave the Warriors a vital win in their bid to claim top spot from current leaders Saints.
Farrell’s came from an unlikely kick from Burgess, who was able to get his boot to it as he was being bundled into touch. Farrell managed to squeeze the ball down incredibly close to the dead-ball line but the try was awarded.
The Sarginson try was decidedly more controversial. Matty Bowen took the ball up close to the line and Michael McIlorum prodded a kick in goal. There was a mess of bodies as Salford scrambled to deal with the kick and they felt confident they had, but Sarginson claimed the touch.
The referee consulted his officials and ultimately agreed, giving Wigan the lead right at the death.
Matty Smith contributed seven points with his boot as defence and poor execution riddled a hard-fought match, and he was the one to have the final say of the game as his drop goal gave the home team a 19-12 win.
