22 September 2023 , 21:04
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Wigan held their nerve to clinch the League Leaders’ Shield amid a dramatic final night of Super League action.
Joint-top with Catalans and St Helens ahead of the last round, Matty Peet’s side knew victory at derby rivals Leigh would secure first position.
But if they slipped up, either of their rivals could usurp them.
However, even though Dragons and Saints both prospered, Wigan did the business amid an electric atmosphere at the sold-out Leigh Sports Village.
First half tries from Jai Field and Jake Wardle, with a Harry Smith conversion, was just enough as they held on to a slender 10-6 interval lead in a tense and frenetic encounter.
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But Challenge Cup holders Leigh will rue a controversial decision to rule out Oliver Gildart’s 53rd minute try for obstruction which could have put them in front.
However, it was just two minutes after Field - Wigan's brilliant at full-back - had a superb solo try also chalked off in debatable style.
Defeat was a double blow for Leigh who also saw Hull KR knock them out of fourth spot on points difference. That means Rovers will have home advantage when they face each other in Friday's elimination play-off when Wigan - on an eight-game winning run - rest up.
(PA)Edwin Ipape rattled Wigan superstar Field with a shuddering tackle early on.
But the Aussie full-back shrugged it off and instead left three Leigh defenders floored with dazzling footwork to open the scoring on 18 minutes.
When a Leigh pass went to ground soon after, Wigan capitalised again.
This time Field came into the line to provide the assist for Wardle who finished his 16th try of the campaign.
Jai Field impressed for Wigan (Ed Sykes/SWpix.com)Monster prop Patrick Mago made a massive impact off the bench for the visitors, skittling defenders at will and slamming Josh Charnley with one huge hit.
But Adrian Lam’s side stuck at it and scored five minutes before the break when Lachlan Lam slipped Kai O’Donnell through with a clever pass and supported to cross.
Ben Reynolds slotted the conversion although team-mate Tom Amone was put on report for an alleged ‘crusher’ tackle on Toby King moments before the interval.
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Third-placed Warrington host Warrington in Saturday's playoff eliminator.