Eckersley hat-trick secures Wigan victory
Zach Eckersley scored three tries as Wigan Warriors overcame a determined Huddersfield Giants side to move within two points of the Super League summit. The visitors had lost eleven consecutive matches arriving at the Brick Community Stadium but threatened to complete a league double over the in-form Warriors after their shock win in March.
Discipline proves decisive in second half
Taane Milne put Huddersfield ahead before Oliver Partington and Eckersley responded to give Wigan a 10-4 half-time lead. Jacob Gagai levelled early in the second period but the game turned when Joe Greenwood was sin-binned for dissent after disputing a knock-on decision with the captain’s challenge already used.
Harry Smith’s delicate kick allowed Eckersley to race through for his second try before the winger completed his hat-trick from George O’Loughlin’s pass on the final tackle, taking his season tally to nineteen. Wigan head coach Matt Peet praised his side’s resolve while Huddersfield counterpart Jim Lenihan expressed pride in his team’s effort despite the defeat.