Matty Peet spoke of his sadness and admitted the best team won after Wigan Warriors’ Super League title hopes were crushed by a 20-8 play-off semi-final home defeat to Leeds Rhinos. The Cherry and Whites battered Leeds’ line for much of the opening 40 minutes but had only Liam Marshall’s clinically-executed try to show for it.
Zak Hardaker’s penalty got Leeds off the mark shortly after star winger Bevan French picked up a knock as he made a break during the first half. The Rhinos attacked the end where their vociferous 4,000-strong support was housed in the second half. After Zane Tetevano was denied from close range, Jarrod O’Connor – son of former Wigan prop Terry O’Connor – scampered over the line.
French then departed in clear discomfort with a foot injury before James Bentley touched down a kick from Aidan Sezer inside the right channel, with Hardaker converting to put Leeds 14-4 up. Moments later, Sezer launched a kick downfield and was caught late and high by England forward John Bateman, who was promptly dismissed.
