Re: How did we win that? : Sat Oct 13, 2018 8:41 pm  

PurpleCheeseWarrior wrote:

We won because we don’t celebrate knock ons when we’re losing like we’ve just won the final. We actually know how to go on and win finals.

Some say Hill and co are still there now on the pitch high fiving each other.

Hill is a bit stigish

[DaveO]

Re: How did we win that? : Sat Oct 13, 2018 8:49 pm  

The_Enforcer wrote:

We looked out of it energy wise after 55 minutes and i really thought Warrington would snatch it near the end but somehow we kept turning up with scrappy tackles and scrambling defence to shut them down and then we had the conviction to finish them off in a very Grand Final way at the end with that lovely switch of play. Wane may not be the most entertaining coach but he has the ability to make his players fight to the death and never ever give up.

Defence wins matches. Was it John Monie who said that? I can't remember but I don't care

Re: How did we win that? : Sat Oct 13, 2018 9:30 pm  

Personally I don’t think it was a spectacle. Both teams chose the biggest night of the year to be offensively off but defensively I thought both teams were immense with ours being the better all round.

I think that performance typifies Shaun Wane. Tough, gritty, not a pretty picture but it’s enough to do the job.

Roll on the Adrian Lam and Shaun Edwards era’s. Let’s hope and pray we stick on this path. We talk about the “Glory Days” of Wigan Rugby League. The unbeaten Challenge Cup era and trophies being won year on year, but I genuinely believe the past few years and the years to come could well surpass that era for us. That’s not saying we’ll conquer all and dominate for years, it’s impossible these days. What it is saying is that we have been and will continue to be a force to be reckoned with. Winning trophies more or less every other year. It’s an era I think we’ll come to remember fondly in 20/30yrs time.

All that and I haven’t even had a drink

[DaveO]

Re: How did we win that? : Sat Oct 13, 2018 10:15 pm  

100% Warrior wrote:

Personally I don’t think it was a spectacle. Both teams chose the biggest night of the year to be offensively off but defensively I thought both teams were immense with ours being the better all round.

I think that performance typifies Shaun Wane. Tough, gritty, not a pretty picture but it’s enough to do the job.

Roll on the Adrian Lam and Shaun Edwards era’s. Let’s hope and pray we stick on this path. We talk about the “Glory Days” of Wigan Rugby League. The unbeaten Challenge Cup era and trophies being won year on year, but I genuinely believe the past few years and the years to come could well surpass that era for us. That’s not saying we’ll conquer all and dominate for years, it’s impossible these days. What it is saying is that we have been and will continue to be a force to be reckoned with. Winning trophies more or less every other year. It’s an era I think we’ll come to remember fondly in 20/30yrs time.

All that and I haven’t even had a drink

It wasn't a spectacle but for both sets of fans a gripping game. Next year Wire probably have the player they needed tonight, Blake Austin. With our departees all else being equal I think play the same game next year and the result might be different. We lose Bateman and Sam T which are significant losses (Sutton we can cover) so unless there are new signings Lam has a job on. Not convinced re Hardaker though hope I am wrong. That said if there is a coach that will keep the best of the Wane era such as the ethos and never say die attitude and improve it, then I think it is Edwards. I just hope that in the meantime Lam is not on a hiding to nothing.

Re: How did we win that? : Sat Oct 13, 2018 10:24 pm  

We won that through sheer grit and determination, a fitting end to the Wane era.

I don’t know how much of it was our defence and how much was Warrington’s inability to create but I was watching the second half waiting for them to score and fearing the worst. We somehow managed to close every gap.

I’m delighted, not just as a Wigan fan but for Wane, Tomkins, Bateman & Sutton. Most of all for Manfredi, after what that bloke has been through that was a proper fairytale.

Re: How did we win that? : Sat Oct 13, 2018 10:59 pm  

My old Dad, God bless him, told me many things in life. But one thing he emphasised was, "never back against Wigan in a Cup tie". He was taught by his dad.....my grandfather, who served in WW1 and born in 1882.. His memories included " Leytham, Jenkins, Todd & Miller".

Not a great final, but we have pedigree.

Re: How did we win that? : Sun Oct 14, 2018 8:05 am  

You win because you've got a great coach who has installed a fabulous culture. A coach who regularly lost his best players at the end of each season. A coach who has unlike previous coaches hasn't relied on buying up the best talent in the league or from overseas. A coach who set up your academy into the most successful of the super league era.
Congratulations on a well deserved win.
Those who have consistently criticised Wane and belittled him 5 finals with primarily academy graduates puts him as one of the greatest coaches you've had.

Re: How did we win that? : Sun Oct 14, 2018 8:29 am  

The answer to the OP's question was simply being the better team on the day by taking your opportunities.
Congratulations on the win.

Re: How did we win that? : Sun Oct 14, 2018 8:41 am  

Tough to a point were I think Tommy should retire now, that jaw is giving him problems and I don't want to see him suffer he has nothing to prove to anyone anymore.

Re: How did we win that? : Sun Oct 14, 2018 8:49 am  

Mash Butty wrote:

Tough to a point were I think Tommy should retire now, that jaw is giving him problems and I don't want to see him suffer he has nothing to prove to anyone anymore.

He’s already said he’s playing next season and I’m glad he is. He’s been superb this season and is well worth another year.