Richards decisive in grim battle
Pat Richards kept Wigan's Super League play-off hopes alive with a decisive six goal haul against Huddersfield.
By Simon Dilger
Last Updated: 10/08/07 11:37pm
Wigan Warriors 20-12 Huddersfield Giants
JJB Stadium, Friday August 10
Pat Richards notched up 100 points for the season, hitting a decisive six goal haul to keep Wigan's Super League play-off hopes alive.
But it was not an easy battle for the Warriors and they were pushed all the way by a grimly determined Huddersfield, who now lie just a point ahead of them in the table.
Aussie star Trent Barrett emerged as the key figure for the Warriors in a poor first half that saw video referee Ian Smith rule in favour of Wigan twice to give the home side a flattering 14-6 lead at the break
Barrett's kick to the corner brought the first score, Matt Gardner failing to clear the danger and Darrell Goulding pouncing to score his third try in two matches.
But the Giants regrouped and former Warriors Kevin Brown and Stephen Wild combined to find the gap and give Wild his 15th of the season.
Reprimand
Chris Thorman claimed the extra point out wide but was unable to capitalise on Huddersfield's first opportunity to go ahead when he missed a penalty attempt.
Barrett struck again just two minutes before the break, turning the kick inside to waiting skipper Sean O'Loughlin, who flicked the ball back for Mickey Higham to snap up, and dart over.
Despite a try-saving tackle on Gardner by Richards the Giants cut Wigan's lead to just two points after the home side conceded a scrum 10 metres from their own line.
Chris Nero raced through the gap to score and Thorman added the two points and leave the visitors breathing down the Warriors' necks.
But a series of professional fouls by the Giants allowed Richards to take full advantage with his boot, landing three more penalties before the close.
Both captains were reprimanded by referee Steve Ganson who also placed Stuart Fielden and Jamahl Lolesi on report when they appeared to clash after the Wigan forward was tackled.
And the Giants were left with 12 men at the finish after Nero was sin-binned for a challenge on Barrett after the kick.
