Wigan Warriors' Under-19s aim to end an era with Grand Final win

[josie andrews]

Wigan’s Under-19s are gunning to end an era in style with Grand Final glory tonight.

The table-toppers host St Helens in the academy title-decider at the DW Stadium (5.30pm), in a curtain-raiser to the Warriors’ play-offs match with Salford.

This will be the last match at U19s before the academy switches to U18s next year and a competitive reserves league returns.

And coach Shane Eccles said: “This is a bit different with it being the last game of Under-19s, some of the lads will play for the 18s next year and some for the reserves.

“It feels a bit like an end of an era and hopefully we can get the result we want.”

Eccles will be able to call on Harry Smith, Ethan Havard, Joe Shorrocks and Amir Bourouh, who have all made their Wigan debuts this year.

“It’s brilliant that we get to play at the DW - for many of our lads, they’d have dreamed of this growing up,” said Eccles.

“And to play before the first-team game makes it a bit more special. Hopefully there’s a big crowd on and we’re lucky we have players who have already played Super League, and it’ll be good to have their experience.

“Both our games against St Helens have been tight affairs, they’ve got some strike players in their side.”

https://www.wigantoday.net/sport/wigan- ... 1-10005032

[Mickw]

Good game well done to the lads,referee absolutely garbage.

[josie andrews]

U19s win Grand Final

Match Report as Wigan Warriors U19s lift the Academy Super League trophy after beating St Helens U19s 22-10 at the DW Stadium.

Shane Eccles’ side came from behind at half time to claim victory in the Grand Final.

Full Time: Wigan Warriors U19s 22-10 St Helens U19s.

Wigan Warriors U19s were crowned Super League Academy winners after a 22-10 Grand Final victory against St Helens at the DW Stadium.

After going into half time trailing, Shane Eccles’ side came out the blocks fighting as they turned things around in the second 40 minutes.

The opening quarter of the game proved nervy for the Warriors, as the visitors looked in control.

Brad Holroyd had Saints first big chance but was forced out of play by strong Wigan defensive challenge.

The opener for the visitors quickly followed, as Josh Simm made a great mazing run through the defence to dive over and open the scoring.

Lewis Dodd was on hand to add the extras from the conversion and make it 6-0 after 15 minutes.

As the half went on, Shane Eccles’ side started to grow into the game, as they looked to fight back.

Max Roberts came close to pulling one back but was stopped by Jack Welsby, after making a great run.

Eventually, Wigan got their try, as Amir Bourouh showed great strength to force his way over the line in the 33rd minute.

Harry Smith was able to level things, as he successfully added the extra two points.

With three minutes remaining of the half, the visitors edged their way back in front, as Nico Rizzelli stretched out to ground the ball after cutting back inside.

With Dodd unable to convert his second of the afternoon, Wigan trailed 10-6 at half time.

After the break, the Warriors came out the blocks fast, as within two minutes of the restart they had their second try of the evening.

Umyla Hanley played the ball into the hands of Sam Halsall, who shrugged off the Saints challenge to go over.

Smith successfully added the extras, to put Eccles’ side ahead for the first time in the game.

The visitors came close to retaking the lead, but the ball was just tipped out of the reach of Jumah Sambou down the left wing.

With 11 minutes of time remaining, Wigan extended their lead, as Max Roberts went through the gap in the Saints defence to dive over.

Smith once again converted the kick, as the Warriors extended their lead to 18-10.

In the final seconds of the game, Ben Holcroft put the icing on the cake as he forced his way over in the corner.

After a season where they had won so many games with ease, Wigan showed they could also fight for results when it matters, as they completed a 22-10 victory, to lift the trophy.

Wigan Warriors U19s: Umyla Hanley, Cian Tyrer, Sam Halsall, Max Roberts, Ben Holcroft, Adam Holt, Harry Smith, Nathan Wilde, Aiden Roden, Ethan Havard, James McDonnell, Harry Rushton, Joe Shorrocks.

Interchanges: Jack Bibby, Amir Bourouh, Ben O’Keefe, Oscar Stone.

Tries: Bourouh (33’), Halsall (42’), Roberts (69’), Holcroft (79’)

Conversions: Smith (3/4)

St Helens U19s: Jack Welsby, Jumah Sambou, Nico Rizzelli, Josh Simm, Brad Holroyd, Owain Abel, Lewis Dodd, Kye Siyani, Paul Nash, Harry Brooks, Matthew Foster, Lewis Baxter, Sam Royle.

Interchanges: Keenan McDaid, Zack Lee, Harvey McDaid, John Hutchins.

Tries: Simm (15’), Rizzelli (37’)

Conversions: Dodd (1/2)

Referee: Neil Horton Touch Judges: Caitlin Beevers, Matt Charnock


https://www.wiganwarriors.com/news/2019 ... p3riOUH.99

[shaunedwardsfanclub]

I thought we were below par today but like all good sides we got the job done. Well played.

[moto748]

Just watched it. I thought we were pretty impressive, didn't panic when Saints led, and provided a bit of polish in the second half too. Shorrocks, Hanley and Smith look good players.