Super League: Wigan Warriors crush London Broncos
Wigan ran in nine tries against London in a 48-18 stroll, leaving the Broncos without a point from four games.
Last Updated: 24/02/13 5:52pm
Josh Charnley and Iain Thornley both grabbed a brace of tries for the Warriors, while there were also scores for Michael McIlorum, Blake Green, Sam Tomkins, Sean O'Loughlin and Pat Richards. Australian wing Richards also kicked six goals.
Wigan took the lead inside two minutes when Thornley touched down in the corner following good work by Richards, Green and Tomkins. The try was converted by Richards for a 6-0 lead.
Wigan extended their lead when Charnley scored for the fourth successive game this season following a swift passing move.
Just as Wigan looked to be taking control they were reduced to 12 men when Tomkins was sent to the sin bin for speaking out of turn to referee Robert Hicks. London made the extra man count as former Wigan winger Liam Colbon went in at the corner, Michael Witt converting to reduce the deficit to 10-6.
Things went from bad to worse for Wigan as Lee Mossop was forced off the field with a serious looking arm injury and moments later London took a surprise lead, as Matty Smith's wayward ball went to ground and it was swooped on by the impressive Craig Gower, who offloaded to Kieran Dixon for the try. Witt added the extras for a 12-10 lead.
Tomkins returned from the bin and almost scored in the corner before hooker McIlorum barged over from acting half-back, Richards making no mistake this time as he converted to put Wigan 16-12 ahead.
London continued to battle, though, and when Green's kick was charged down by Chad Randall the hooker picked up the loose ball to race away and score. Witt again converted as they led 18-16.
Powered over
Wigan responded almost immediately as skipper O'Loughlin powered his way over from close range and with Richards converting they led by four points at half-time.
Wigan opened up the second half like the first with a try for Tomkins. O'Loughlin linked well with Smith and Green before the full-back charged into the line to go over unopposed.
Richards was off target with the conversion but he then found himself on the end of another sweet passing move to score Wigan's sixth try, which he also converted to make it 32-18.
It was now London's turn to defend with 12 men as referee Hicks sent Matt Cook to the sin bin for lying on in the tackle.
Wigan finally put the game to bed in the 62nd minute when Tomkins broke a tackle in midfield and raced away, before sending Green over for his first try in a Warriors shirt. Richards added the extras to make it 38-18.
Wigan were now in cruise control and Charnley scored his second try of the game with 14 minutes remaining before Thornley crossed once more to complete the win.