Wigan Warriors dominate St Helens in derby victory
Wigan Warriors secured their third consecutive derby win over St Helens with a commanding Super League performance at the DW Stadium. The hosts ran in six tries through Bevan French, Zach Eckersley twice, Oliver Partington twice, and Adam Keighran, who also kicked seven goals, while St Helens replied with scores from Jack Welsby, Jacob Douglas, and Lewis Murphy.
Interim Saints coach finds positives despite heavy defeat
St Helens entered the match under interim stewardship of Eamon O’Carroll following Paul Rowley’s departure on Thursday after less than a year in charge. The visitors made a bright start as Welsby weaved through for an early lead, and Douglas produced a fine finish from a scrum to restore their advantage after French had levelled, but Wigan’s quality told as they took control before half-time.
Eckersley claimed his 30th try of the season with a spectacular corner finish from French’s pinpoint kick, while Partington crashed over twice after the break during a sustained period of Wigan pressure. Saints’ cause was not helped when Jackson Hastings was sin-binned for a pull-back on French, and a controversial video review ruled out Harry Robertson’s try despite the on-field decision awarding the score.
The victory moved Wigan level on 30 points with Super League leaders Leeds Rhinos, though Wakefield’s win over Castleford dropped the Warriors to third in the table. St Helens have now lost seven of their past 11 games across all competitions, but O’Carroll expressed pride in his side’s effort and intent despite the scoreline, insisting the performance provides a foundation to build upon for the remainder of the season.