Salford Red Devils fell to a second successive Betfred Super League defeat as Wigan Warriors ran out comfortable 30-0 winners on a frustrating evening at the DW Stadium.
Sam Tomkins’ brace alongside further scores from Oliver Gildart, Tony Clubb, George Williams and John Bateman ensured the Warriors moved to within two points of league leaders St Helens.
The Red Devils were fortunate not to have conceded just four minutes into the contest as George Williams broke clear before flicking inside to the onrushing Liam Marshall, however the latter couldn’t keep hold of the ball after some good pressure from stand-in full-back Derrell Olpherts.
Olpherts was involved again minutes later after teaming up with Jake Bibby and Kris Welham to force Willie Isa into touch just when a try looked certain.
Despite making a strong start to the contest, Salford’s efforts were undone midway through the half as former Red Devil Oliver Gildart cut inside before racing clear under the sticks to touch down.
Sam Tomkins converted the resulting goal and the Warriors were in again moments later as Marshall capitalised on an error from Bibby before finding Tony Clubb who powered over the line from close-range, despite the best efforts of two Salford defenders.
Shaun Wane’s men were in a ruthless mood and found themselves over for a third occasion in the 31st minute as Williams jinked his way through the Salford line to cross over before Tomkins added his third goal.
The Wigan full-back then attempted to land a drop-goal from the 30m mark but Olpherts comfortably collected as the ball fell short of the sticks seconds before the half-time hooter.
After the break the hosts flew out of the blocks and thought they’d scored as Sam Powell darted over the line, but referee Chris Kendall came to Salford’s aid after ruling the try out.
Wigan weren’t to be denied for long however, the lively Tomkins picked up a short ball from Tommy Leuluai before forging his way under several Red Devil counterparts to cross over.
Salford regrouped and almost found their way over as Daniel Murray pierced his way through the Warriors line, but the forward knocked on after an explosive tackle from an opposition defender.
Things soon worsened for Ian Watson’s side when Tomkins wormed his way over to grab his second try in what was a carbon copy of his first effort.
The Warriors weren’t done there however, John Bateman produced a sublime dummy to deceive the Salford line before diving over with ease to complete the victory.
Wigan Lineup: S.Tomkins, Davies, Sarginson, Gildart, Marshall, Williams, Powell, Navarette, Leuluai, Flower, Isa, Bateman, J.Tomkins.
Interchanges: Clubb, Sutton, Tautai, Escare.
Salford Lineup: Olpherts, Johnson, Sa’u, Welham, Bibby, Shorrocks, Littlejohn, Kopczak, L.Tomkins, Bennion, Hauraki, Lannon, Murray.
Interchanges: Tasi, Burgess, McCarthy, Nzoungou.
Wigan Scorers: Tries- Gildart (22’), Clubb (25’), Williams (31’), S.Tomkins (58’, 67’), Bateman (75’) | Goals- S.Tomkins (22’, 25’, 31’)
Salford Scorers: Tries- N/A | Goals- N/A
Man of the Match: Kris Welham
Referee: Chris Kendall. Touch Judges: Anthony Martin & Gareth Jones. In-Goal Judges: Curley Etchells & Jack Pulletin.
Attendance: 10,733
