Bury 18-20 Wigan Bulldogs
I suppose a great game for a neutral and the winners but frustrating as hell for us. That said, our first 30 was outstanding. Even Wigan would probably admit we blew them off the park, bullied them and dominated completely. Yet they showed their quality in defence by only being 10-0 before we gave away 3 penalties on the bounce to concede. We then scored again to make it 14-6 at halftime.
After half time we fell apart. Even after such a great 1st half team performance some lads think they can win games on their own and it just doesn't happen. Penalties, errors and sh*t decisions meant we had very little possession and completed only 30% in the 2nd half. And we knew the scoot is a big part of their game but some lads kept turning their backs or switching off at marker. Wigan just kept ploughing away and got back into it, eventually showing outstanding hands to take the lead and hold on. Got to say they showed great form to take this win, it was ours all day but they fought back.
One bone of contention. With 5 minutes to go the ref sin-binned one of theirs for dissent but didn't award the penalty, just the next play-the-ball to Wigan. This was 10 metres from their line and just out from the sticks, with a possible kick for the draw or a set of 6 on their line. That's a simple cock-up that shouldn't be happening.
Well played Wigan, deserved winners for sticking to your game plan, unlike us. Always a good game against the Bulldogs. Bring on the play-offs!!