Academy defeat St Helens

[josie andrews]

* Wigan Warriors Academy recorded a 12-10 Derby day victory over St Helens in the Academy League.

* Two converted tries from Jack Farrimond sealed a hard-fought win at Ruskin Drive.

* FT | St Helens Academy 10-12 Wigan Warriors Academy.

WIGAN WARRIORS ACADEMY RECORDED A HARD-FOUGHT 12-10 DERBY DAY VICTORY OVER ST HELENS AT RUSKIN DRIVE.

Despite falling behind to St Helens after 15 minutes, Jack Farrimond scored two converted tries to give the Warriors a 12-4 lead at the break.

St Helens reduced the points difference at the start of the second half, however, the Warriors defended firmly to claim the two points.

Report

An even battle unfolded in the early stages at Ruskin Drive as both sides went close to breaking the deadlock, however, the defences stood firm to keep the score level.

The hosts took the lead after 15 minutes when play was switched from left to right which allowed Harry Robertson to send Oliver Garmston through to score. The kick from George Whitby was unsuccessful.

The Warriors responded instantly after neat footwork from Farrimond saw the half break the line to score on the right before he converted the kick to put the Wigan 6-4 ahead mid-way through the half.

Wigan continued to threaten the Saints try line and despite the hosts’ best efforts to keep the Warriors out, Farrimond took advantage of a gap in the line to score between the sticks. Farrimond added the extras before the hooter to give the Warriors a 12-4 lead at the break.

St Helens forced an error from the restart, before a quick move out the scrum resulted in playing being shifted to the right to Owen Dagnall who went over on the right. Whitby was accurate with the conversion to reduce the score to 12-10.

The hosts threatened the Warriors defensive line on multiple occasions in an attempt to regain the lead, however, under the watch of Matt Peet, Wigan stood firm to keep Harry Robertson and William Keeley out.

Despite late pressure from the hosts, Wigan remained strong in defence to claim the two points and a first win of the Academy season.

St Helens: Louie Roberts, Owen Dagnall, Deacon Swarbrick, Matthew Penketh, Ellis Anderson, Harry Robertson, George Whitby, Daniel Frost, Cole Marsh, Morgan Barraclough-Watson, Oliver Garmston, William Keeley, Jake Davies.

Interchanges: Kian McGann, Matthew Evans, Alfie Tate, Thomas Humphreys.

18th Player: Reece Robinson.

Tries: Garmston (15′), Dagnall (42′).

Goals: Whitby (1/2).

Wigan Warriors: Austin Daniel, Thomas Bridge, Harlen Smith, Josh Cartwright, Jaiden Drachenberg, Charlie Yeomans, Jack Farrimond, Trent Kelly-Duffy, Jack Purtill, Kian McDermott, George O’Loughlin, Lukas Mason, Taylor Kerr.

Interchanges: Finlay Yeomans, Kalum Rathbone, Leo Wadsworth, Dylan Kelly-Duffy.

18th Player: Reece Rowcroft.

Tries: Farrimond (19′, 38).

Goals: Farrimond (2/2).

https://wiganwarriors.com/blog/2024/03/ ... -helens-2/

[Suzieb]

Good win two evenly matched teams difference was Jack Farrimond but for a ball steal in the last seconds we would have lost good game from both teams

[josie andrews]

The future is bright with the academy ranks, says Wigan Warriors boss Matt Peet

Just 24 hours after their sides battled it out on the field on Good Friday, Wigan and St Helens head coaches Matt Peet and Paul Wellens watched their respective clubs go head-to-head once more in the academy ranks last weekend.

Wigan’s academy recorded a hard-fought 12-10 derby victory in the Academy League thanks to two converted tries from rising star Jack Farrimond, who enjoyed a winning first-team debut against London Broncos earlier in March

Both Peet and Wellens attended the fixture and were pictured side-by-side just the day after St Helens ended Wigan’s impressive unbeaten streak with a 12-4 score at the Totally Wicked Stadium during Super League’s Rivals Round.

And Wigan boss Peet insists the future is bright for both clubs having been impressed by the encounter at Ruskin Drive.

“It was a fantastic game,” Peet said.

"Both sets of players were fully committed and I think either team could have won it."

“There was plenty in common with the day before in terms of the commitment levels and being two skilful teams.

“I wouldn’t single out any individuals, but both teams did themselves proud and it bodes well for the future of both clubs.

“Both teams had players that I’d expect to progress through to the first-team in the next few years.”

Meanwhile, academy product Harvey Makin made his Super League debut for London Broncos following his loan move.

The 20-year-old forward joined the capital outfit on a short-term deal and was instantly called up by head coach Mike Eccles, featuring from the interchange bench as the newly promoted side fell short to Huddersfield Giants.

“I was very impressed with Harvey,” Peet commented.

“I thought he handled himself really well and he’s going to really benefit from that spell.

“He’s showing what he is capable of.”

Makin, who also played for Barrow Raiders earlier this year on loan, is yet to make an appearance for Wigan’s first-team, although featured during the club’s pre-season schedule.

On a potential call-up this year, Peet continued: “It’s all about how he plays and how the rest of the squad plays.

“But the opportunity is there like for any other player.”

https://www.wigantoday.net/sport/rugby- ... et-4578242