It looks as though he was outstanding again last night.
Result from Stanningley ARLFC - 7:30pm kick off
Wigan Warriors U19's - 34
T - Hampshire 3, Doran, Marshall, Moore
G - Gregson 5/6
Leeds Rhinos U19's - 24
T - Handley 2, Minchella, Milton, England
G - Lilley 2/5
Match Report
Wigan Warriors U19's backed up their derby win over Saints with a fantastic victory at table toppers Leeds.
The Warriors gave themselves some work to do at the picturesque Stanningley ARLFC after a first half littered with penalties and errors saw them go in at half time 24-12 down with the Rhinos racking up five tries.
However a spirited fight back from Wigan and an outstanding performance from Stand Off Ryan Hampshire saw them nil their opponents in the second half and take a 24-34 win and two points back over the Pennines.
The Warriors had the luxury of choosing the same Halfback partnership in back to back games for the first time this season and it paid off early on as Stand Off Ryan Hampshire combined with Scrum Half Jamie Doran after just five minutes to burst through from 20 metres and get the first try of the night. Nick Gregson goaled, 0-6 the visitors led.
Just a couple of minutes later the Rhinos were level, try scorer Doran fumbled on his own 15 metre line after good Leeds pressure and Winger Ash Handley took advantage with a fantastic acrobatic effort diving in at the corner. Jordan Lilley added the two and the sides level at 6-6 with nine minutes gone.
Leeds looked to build on their try and had a man held up over the line however it was Wigan who scored next. Ryan Hampshire displayed some magical footwork near the line and waltzed in for his first of the night. A simple kick for Gregson made it 6-12.
A Warriors knock on from the restart though let the Rhinos have great field position and they duly obliged with Elliot Minchella crossing the whitewash. Another successful kick, 12-12 just before the 20 minute mark.
Just a couple of minutes later and the Rhinos were in again, Wigan giving up possession far too easily deep in their own half and Loose Forward George Milton scored from the resulting scrum. Lilley missed his first conversion of the evening, 16-12 Rhinos.
Leeds started to take control as Winger Ash Handley was first to a high ball and his try put the home side 8 points clear. Lilley failed to convert again, the Rhinos now leading 20-12 after 26 minutes.
Wigan continued to give away cheap penalties and their misery was compounded when a penalty against the Warriors for obstruction went from bad to worse as Jamie Doran was sent to the sin bin for voicing his opinion. Leeds had just enough time to take advantage of the extra man before half time as Brad England barged over, Lilley with his third consecutive wayward effort meant the sides went in 24-12 at half time.
Wigan had to start the second half well and did just that. Off the back of a couple of penalties, Ryan Hampshire was again able to show an excellent turn of pace to zip through and get his second of the night. Gregson added a simple kick and the Warriors were within a converted try of drawing level.
Leeds again gifted the Warriors another penalty before a knock on was collected by winger Liam Marshall who raced in from 20 metres and the visitors were within touching distance despite still being down to 12 men. Gregson missing with the kick, the Warriors now just two behind at 24-22.
The home side started to come back into it but Wigan's defence held firm despite a couple of back to back sets in their own half.
The boys in Cherry and White then took the lead as Jamie Doran looking to make amends for his sin binning put Rob Lever through who had Jake Moore in support to go in near to the sticks. Gregson did the honours to make it 24-28.
League leaders Leeds again looked to build pressure and had a try ruled out for a forward pass as the Warriors defended for their lives.
On the 65 minute mark came the try of the night and one fitting to win any match. Ryan Hampshire capped a Man of the Match performance flying through the defensive line and racing from one side of the pitch to the other over 60 metres to burn off all in site including a hapless Rhinos Full Back. Another Gregson conversion put Wigan ten points up and the spoils were secured.
The Warriors saw out proceedings with relative ease and inflicted just the second defeat of the season for the Rhinos.
The win propels Wigan from 10th to 5th in the ladder as they continue to gain momentum in 2014.
Team News
Wigan Warriors U19's - Gabriel Fell, David Thompson, Jack Higginson, Oliver Gildart, Liam Marshall, Ryan Hampshire, Jamie Doran, Ben Austin, Callum Wright, Kieron Sharrett, Nick Gregson, Macauley Davis, Robert Lever
Replacements - Luke Waterworth, Brad Lawrence, Jake Moore, Kyle Shelford
Leeds Rhinos U19's - Ashton Golding, Billy McDermott, Jordan Harper, Josh Walters, Ash Handley, Ben White, Jordan Lilley, Dan Grange, Robbiie Ward, Robbie Mulhern, Elliot Minchella, Brad England, George Milton
Replacements - Ben Frankland, Matty Stableford, Sam Hallas, Jamie Samme
Ref - T Grant
Read more at
www.wiganwarriors.com/WContent.a ... jlQXlMf.99
