Mark Murphy of John Fisher/St Pats also played for Widnes. Playing into the wind proved to be much better than playing with it. Both teams failed to use the wind kicking wise with no attempts to kick early and gain 40-20s. Early mistakes, a dropped ball and penalties led to Widnes taking an early lead. Widnes had some small but fleet footed and evasicve backs with their half backs (particularly 6) and No 4 centre making regular inropads into the Wigan defence. Points were swapped with Wigan gradually wearing Widnes down.
Highlight of the match for me was a tackle by Hatton on the Widnes winger who had broke down the wing, outstripped Bradley an looked odds on to run 60+ yards until Hatton stretched and strained and tracked him down with a very suprising burst of pace.
The second half was more one sided as Wigan made huge yards on every set as Widnes visibly tired. A strong harassment of the Widnes kicker led to several turnovers and gradually but surely Wigan took control and ran out seemingly convincing winners. The movement of Bradley to centre was an excellent tactical move and snuffed out the threat of the Widnes 4. Equally Wigan look better when they have 3 playmakers on the field. Best Wigan players for me were Hatton, the Wigan fullback and the Wigan forward (14)