Wigan Warriors forward Ryan Sutton barged over for the game-winning score as the visitors completed a stunning five-try second-half comeback at Widnes Vikings.
The Vikings appeared to be on their way to a shock win and their first in five Betfred Super League games after they deservedly led 18-4 at the break thanks to three well-worked tries from Tom Olbison, Jay Chapelhow and Ryan Ince.
But the Warriors stormed back in the second period, hitting the home side with three quick-fire tries that gave them the confidence to get the job done late on through Sutton and Taulima Tautai as they ran out 32-24 winners.
Wigan dragged themselves back in it with an opportunist score out wide from Joe Burgess, Morgan Escare danced around four Widnes tacklers to score a masterful solo effort, then former Viking Willie Isa bulldozed his way through to score to lay the platform for victory.
FULL TIME
— Wigan Warriors ðŸ’âšªï¸ (@WiganWarriorsRL) April 27, 2018
Wigan with a mighty fine second half showing to secure the win here!
Burgess, Escaré, Isa, Sutton, Tautai all crashing over as the Warriors overturn a 14-point deficit. pic.twitter.com/suzWp8dZl7
Wigan boss Shaun Wane says there was no hysterics at half-time.
“We were calm at half-time,” Wane said. “We had a bit of a lesson in the first half and we got ourselves in trouble but we fixed it. I thought Widnes were outstanding today, especially considering Widnes have so many injuries.
“The players understood what I was saying, they all agreed that we needed to improve. Widnes threw a lot at us like they always do. They are busting with injuries but they put us under pressure.
“We had a poor 40 minutes and still found a way to win so I’m very pleased.”
YTB! ðŸ’âšªï¸ pic.twitter.com/T5vybiOc1l
— Wigan Warriors ðŸ’âšªï¸ (@WiganWarriorsRL) April 27, 2018
Widnes head coach Denis Betts cut a despondent figure after the game as his players ran out of steam at a crucial stage.
He said: “It’s tough to be the best side for 70 minutes and then lose. We never gave up but there are some tough players in their side that know how to win and they keep coming after you.
“They scored three quick tries and then it was game on for them. We got done in a few patches.”
