Harry Smith on target to help Wigan see off St Helens in full-blooded derby

Wigan Warriors emerged through a typically full-blooded Good Friday derby with St Helens in front of a packed DW Stadium to move up to second in the Super League table.

Matt Peet’s side were worthy winners against the reigning champions, who have now suffered three defeats in their opening seven league games in 2023. With the highest derby crowd for almost 18 years providing the backdrop for a thoroughly entertaining clash, 10 points from scrum-half Harry Smith proved decisive in swinging the contest in the favour of the Warriors.

The Saints’ stuttering and, judging by the standards they have set in recent years, unconvincing start to the new season continued with this loss. They could have no complaints about the outcome and while St Helens certainly had chances to score more points on the afternoon, they were ultimately well beaten by their greatest rivals in the biggest game of the season so far.

Wigan were much the better of the two sides for the opening half-hour and it was no surprise when they broke the deadlock with the opening try. It came when Smith linked up superbly with Jake Wardle, exchanging passes with the centre to round Jack Welsby and score under the posts. Smith then converted his own try before adding a penalty midway through the half to make it 8-0.

St Helens slumbered their way through that first 30 minutes, but as half-time approached, they stirred into life. However they were denied by superb Wigan defence on two separate occasions as first a wonderful tackle from Bevan French denied Tommy Makinson a certain try, before Liam Farrell scrambled back to deny Jonny Lomax just as he looked certain to score, leaving the Warriors ahead by eight at the break.

The hosts returned on the front foot after