Warriors rout poor Reds
Wigan returned to winning ways in emphatic fashion with a 38-12 victory over struggling Salford at The Willows.
Last Updated: 21/03/09 2:57am
Wigan returned to winning ways in emphatic fashion with a 38-12 victory over struggling Salford at The Willows.
Highly-rated teenagers Sam Tomkins and Shaun Ainscough scored two tries apiece as the Warriors bounced back in style after their 34-10 loss to Leeds.
Thomas Leuluai grabbed a brace as well while Pat Richards crossed and also slotted over five kicks for a personal haul of 14 points.
Salford's two scores came from Richie Myler, though the double from the scrum-half was scant consolation as the hosts slipped to a fifth successive loss.
Bright start
The Reds never really threatened an upset despite a bright start that could have seen them break the deadlock had Jeremy Smith gathered in Myler's clever kick.
Instead it was Wigan who opened the scoring, former Salford man Andy Coley helping set up Ainscough in the corner.
The try-scorer turned creator soon after, off-loading for Leuluai to race in, though the hosts replied in style when Myler dived on Smith's grubber.
Jordan Turner added the extras, but the Warriors were soon back on top and Tomkins' stunning break from 40 metres out saw him get over for a superb individual effort.
Richards fended off several defenders to get a fourth visiting try before the break, the Ireland international also slotting over three first-half conversions to make it 22-6.
Another stunner
Any faint hopes of a Salford comeback were dashed when Tomkins scored another stunner, this time the half-back charging down the wing after being in the right place to capitalise on a loose ball.
Fellow academy graduate Ainscough cut inside to also get a second as Wigan made it three wins in their last four outings after a slow start to 2009.
While they are on the rise the Reds look set for a long year, Myler showing he is at least a shining light in dark times with a late try under the posts.
However, Wigan rallied to have the last word, Richards running clear from close to his own line before handing on to Leuluai to finish.
