Wigan hit back for thrilling win over youthful Wolves

Betfred Super League

Warrington (18) 18

Tries: Lindop, Drinkwater, Ratchford Goals: Ratchford 3

Wigan (19) 19

Tries: Nsemba, Marshall, Leeming Goals: Keighran 3 Drop: Smith

Wigan Warriors fought back from 12-0 down and survived a late rally with 12 men to edge out a youthful Warrington Wolves and go second in the Super League on points difference.

The reigning champions seemed stunned as a Wolves side featuring four debutants and 11 changes, played with freedom and took control of a pulsating rehearsal of next week's Challenge Cup final with tries by Arron Lindop and Josh Drinkwater.

But 19 unanswered Wigan points in 17 minutes, including a stunning score in the corner by Super League's top try scorer Liam Marshall, turned the game around by the break.

Warrington refused to be cowed and stayed in an increasingly nervy game to set up a grandstand finish when Wigan's Adam Keighran was sent off for a dreadful shoulder charge into Lindop with just over 10 minutes remaining.

Stefan Ratchford crossed for a converted try late on but Wigan held out for a precious win which puts them second on points difference, but with a game in hand on leaders St Helens.

Keighran’s ill-disciplined moment did not cost his side as Warriors secured a 10th win in 12 league games, but means his participation in the Wembley showpiece on 8 June is in serious doubt.

More to follow.

Warrington: Taylor-Wray, Lindop, Wrench, Tai, Thewlis, Ratchford, Drinkwater,

Bullock, Powell, Wood, Holroyd, Tupaea, Whitehead.

Interchanges: Musgrove, Green, Nicholson, Hartill.

Wigan: Hampshire, Douglas, Keighran, Eckersley, Marshall, French, Smith, Havard, O'Neill, Byrn, Nsemba, Walters, Ellis.

Interchanges: Mago, Leeming, Dupree, Hill

Referee: Jack Smith.