Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Wigan Warriors held off Warrington Wolves to secure a close 22-20 victory on day two of Magic Weekend at Newcastle's St James' Park. Wigan had a 12-4 lead at half-time through converted tries from Jai Field and Bevan French, Warrington hitting back with a Jake Thewlis unconverted effort to keep themselves in the game. Warrington opened the scoring in the second 40 with a Rodrick Tai try, which Stefan Ratchford duly converted, but as Abbas Miski went over then Adam Keighran raced away, Wigan were back on top. Sam Burgess' side continued coming and went over through a converted Joe Philbin try and a sensational Thewlis score in the corner, but with Ratchford unable to add the extras for the second, they succumbed to a narrow loss. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Despite being on the end of a defeat, there were certainly positives for Burgess' side who were without star half-backs Marc Sneyd and George Williams. In a clash between two old foes, it was Warrington who thought they had opened the scoring in the third minute through Matt Dufty but a knock-on from Arron Lindop in the build-up saw it ruled out. From that opening opportunity onwards it was all Wigan and they quickly had control, Field sliding over in the corner in the 10th minute before Jake Wardle combined with Field to find French, who put on the afterburners to race in under the sticks, referee Chris Kendal taking a tumble as he got in the way of the action. With Keighran converting both tries, the Warriors were 12-0 up inside the first quarter without getting out of second gear. Despite having to deal with all of Wigan's early pressure, Warrington hit back in the 18th minute through Thewlis, Dufty throwing a brilliant delayed pass to bring the score to 12-4. Wigan then had efforts ruled out for Field and Kruise Leeming as they hunted for a third try, having to make do with the 12-4 lead at the break. The second half then saw Warrington come out with real intent, Tai finishing off a brilliant kick from Oli Leyland in the corner and Ratchford landing the conversion to move them within two points of Wigan. However, Wigan's attacking class came to fruition in their first attack of the second 40, Field sending a silky cut-out pass for Miski to walk in on the wing, Keighran converting to move them 18-10 ahead. Warrington kept on coming back and tried to find the breakthrough but Wigan silenced the Wolves fans as Leyland's kick fell nicely for Keighran to pick up and race down the right to go over with just 10 minutes remaining. Burgess' side were not done though, and managed to barrel over from close range through Philbin, before Thewlis finished off a Dufty break in the corner. Ratchford was unable to convert the second as the scores were tight at 22-20 with just under four minutes remaining. From there, Wigan held firm and kept Warrington out of scoring territory to leave Magic Weekend as the victors against one of their local rivals. Peet: I thought Warrington might get us in the end | Burgess: I'm really proud - no one gave us a chance Wigan Warriors head coach Matt Peet told Sky Sports... "I had a feeling it might be that kind of game. Warrington will be proud, they were great. I thought they might get us at the end, but we had enough. "It was a strange game, very stop-start. Warrington were quality, nothing changed [at the end], but we finished it in front. "You always know you can lose at these events, but I had every faith in the players." Warrington Wolves head coach Sam Burgess to Sky Sports.. but we didn't give ourselves a great chance in the first half and missed a couple of opportunities in the second I don't think one person in the stadium gave us a chance "We've got a lot of guys on the sidelines at the minute We'll lick our wounds and review the game in the morning injuries have been a positive for us in terms of finding different ways to evolve I'm looking forward to them coming back into the group and adding to what we've already built." Sky Sports will again show every game of Super League live this season - including two matches in each round exclusively live, with the remaining four matches each week shown on Sky Sports+ via the red button Wolves were edged out and Huddersfield picked up first win but biggest victory is word that Newcastle will host again Last year it was much more decisive given how it was played in mid-August, just weeks before the playoff began: but even here, on the May bank holiday weekend, Magic’s return to Newcastle felt hugely significant. That was in part because it provided the sport with a welcome tonic from the endless boardroom politics, with the public also voting with their feet on how Newcastle should remain the permanent home of Magic into 2026 and beyond, with a crowd of 64,156, the biggest since 2018, in attendance: and the highest ever Sunday figure too. Read moreBut there were plenty of storylines on the field too, as the regular season hurtles towards the midway point in 2025. There is now a clear trio at the summit, with the reigning Super League champions solidifying their place in that leading pack with a hard-fought win over Warrington It is still slightly too early to suggest that trio are the only contenders for the Grand Final: but right now the Leopards and the Warriors compared to their next closest rivals Magic is a stage built for the biggest and best players to showcase their talent – and Wigan’s dynamic duo of Jai Field and Bevan French both crossed for wonderful tries here. That ultimately helped Wigan to have just enough against a Warrington side hit by injuries but who showed plenty of spirit here but fell short are one of a number of teams now falling behind the leading pack – three wins behind the trio already the Wire are firmly entrenched in a battle for the other three playoff spots with six teams: who are now just split by a solitary victory The debate over the strength of Super League’s high tackle laws has also begun to resurface emphasised by the opening game of day two on Sunday Huddersfield claimed their first win of the season at the 10th attempt with a 12-10 triumph over Hull whose early-season promise is starting to falter slightly It left Hull’s coach, John Cartwright, calling Knight and his side “dumb”. His counterpart, Luke Robinson – who had two players put on report for contact with the head – joined the growing calls for a greater level of understanding and common sense over the finer points of tackling in the modern era. Whether he is listened to remains unlikely. Free weekly newsletterThe best of our sports journalism from the past seven days and a heads-up on the weekend’s action But what of Magic in general? It is at this point in proceedings that we raise the question about what could or couldn’t happen next year. Murmurings of Super League potentially going to 14 teams in 2026 will not go away – but even then, Magic will remain on the calendar. The Guardian understands that talks between Super League and officials in Newcastle had started even before this weekend. The healthy crowd will have only added further weight to the fact that the game will be back at St James’ Park in a year’s time. In fact, this was the sixth-highest Magic Weekend crowd in history – and RL Commercial’s CEO, Rhodri Jones, revealed to the Guardian on Sunday afternoon that a decision to bring the event back to St James’ Park next year is a long way towards being finalised already: with no other venues under consideration. “Fans wanted to come back to Newcastle and the stakeholders here have been great,” Jones said. “The stadium is great and we’re delighted with the weekend and the attendance. “It’s fair to say that positive conversations have already happened for next year.” In truth, it is difficult to imagine this event being anywhere else. Magic Weekend is done and dusted for 2025: and it was a couple of days not without huge controversy on the field. The high tackle laws and the spate of cards we have seen in recent weeks are once again at the centre of attention, with some major disciplinary moments to discuss. That will be looked at in further detail by the Match Review Panel on Monday morning – who will have some big questions to ask of some players.. The most controversial moment of the weekend without question – or at least the first day. The fact it led to a sin-binning means it will definitely be looked at by the Match Review Panel. Murphy’s tackle on Alfie Edgell led to plenty of debate after the game, and whether he is officially sanctioned remains to be seen. But it certainly wasn’t the biggest moment of the weekend. Hull spectacularly combusted in a matter of minutes on Sunday afternoon. Prop Eseh was sent to the sin-bin for a dangerous shot on Matty English, which forced the forward from the field for a HIA. But it was the nature of the second contact with English, which led to a major brawl, that could be the point of interest here. Then just seconds later, Knight inexplicably hit Sam Hewitt high with a serious challenge as there were just ten seconds remaining in the first half. It left the officials with no choice but to brandish a straight red – and left Hull coach John Cartwright furious post-match. It pales into significance given the events of later in the half, but Burgess is likely to warrant further attention for his high shot on John Asiata, too. It left the veteran prop in the sin-bin for ten minutes. The Wigan forward was penalised on Sunday afternoon for a late hit on Ben Currie. That could easily be reviewed and merit closer attention by the Match Review Panel. © Planet Sport Limited 2025 • All Rights Reserved Hull FC’s U18s went down 16-30 to Wigan Warriors at the University of Hull on Friday evening. First-half scores from Elliot Middlemas and Josh Horne had the Airlie Birds behind by just two points at the break, but the visitors ran away with the scoreline in the second-half. Francis Cummins made two changes to the side that faced Hull KR two weeks ago. Zak Nelson-Hewitt and Preston Ward both dropped out of the side. The pair were replaced by Leon Hayward and George Power. FC had an early chance off the back of a Wigan knock on. Middlemas leaped highest to a Kemp bomb and scored the opening points. Thompson dragged his conversion attempt wide. The Warriors looked to have a good chance to respond straightaway though but knocked on early in their set. A handling error denied Hull their second after a great break from Middlemas just short of the ten-minute mark. A 40/20 then put the Warriors on the front foot, and Daniel went close to opening Wigan’s account, but Middlemas forced an error out of the centre. Wigan did score next though through Hamza Butt who rounded Kemp to score. Drachenberg converted the try. Hull had a huge chance to retake the lead after Wigan knocked on deep in their own half. Horne was quickest to a short kick from Kemp to score just to the right of the posts. Thompson added the extras. Wigan immediately replied, however. After a repeat set, the ball was shipped out to Drachenberg who slid in in the corner. He then converted his own try to restore Wigan’s lead after half an hour. The visitors had the next chance with five minutes to go, but were penalised for obstruction just short of the line. The next opportunity of the half went Wigan’s way too, with Evan Buckley stopped by Lloyd Kemp metres short of the line. FC ended the half on the attack, with Hayward sidestepping a few but not being able to get over. Half-Time: Hull FC Academy 10-12 Wigan Warriors The Warriors had an early chance to post points, and did so, with Ashurst reacting quickest to a short kick and scoring just to the left of the posts. The conversion was unsuccessful. FC nearly hit back straight away through Kassim in a frantic start to the second half. FC did score next though. A lovely cutout ball found Eccles, who kicked back inside for Thompson who scored the try. Thompson then levelled the scores with the boot. A knock on handed Wigan a chance to hit back and they did so. A flat pass found Butt who scored his second of the night. Drachenberg converted the try with twenty-five minutes to go. The Warriors had a good chance to extend their lead a few moments later too, but they knocked on just as it began to look menacing. Callum Kemp crossed the line on Hull’s next attack, but the try was ruled out for a knock on in the build-up. Middlemas then got FC in good field position on their next set but it came to nothing for the Black and Whites. A break from Dickenson handed Wigan a guilt-edged opportunity ten minutes from full time. Austin Daniel was held up just short before McGann scooted and jumped over from close range. The try wasn’t converted. Wigan went back to back, with Riley Dervan diving over in the corner. The kick was unsuccessful again. Callum Kemp was held up over the line with two minutes to go, denying Hull a late consolation and securing the win for the visitors. Full Time: Hull FC Academy 16-30 Wigan Warriors Hull FC: Lloyd Kemp, Elliot Middlemas, Leon Hayward, Josh Horne, Tyler Eccles, Callum Kemp, Joe Thompson, Kian Goodhand, Alistair Swyer, Callum Smith, Rio Kassim, Finley Wilson, Matty Shepherdson. Hull FC Interchanges: Alfie Baxter, Tom Cheshire, George Power, Kirils Prigorkins. Hull FC Tries: Middlemas (2), Horne (19), Thompson (49) Wigan Warriors: Sam Dickenson, Zak Bielecki, Austin Daniel, Riley Dervan, Jaiden Drachenberg, Finley Yeomans, Evan Buckley, Shea O’Connor, Joe McGann, John Parry, Lewis Daniels, Hamza Butt, Joseph Hollins. Wigan Warriors Interchanges: Corben Ashurst, Bailey Jones, Harlen Smith, Leo Wadsworth. Wigan Warriors Tries: Butt (13, 53), Drachenberg (27), Ashurst (42), McGann (70), Dervan (74) Wigan Warriors Goals: Drachenberg (14, 28, 54) Up next, the Black & Whites travel to AMT Headingley for... Read More Hull FC suffered a third straight defeat, going 12-10 down to... Read More John Cartwright has named his match day squad for our Magic... Read More John Cartwright has looked ahead to our Magic Weekend clash against... Read More The Academy squad has been named for this evening's clash with... Read More Sign up for all the latest news, offers, ticket & match info and video content from the Black and Whites. Wigan Athletic ended the 2024/25 season eight games unbeaten after a 96th minute Dale Taylor goal secured a 1-1 draw and very late point at Northampton Town The hosts took the lead on 33 minutes through a quickfire counter attack which saw Tariqe Fosu finish well Latics pushed in the second half for an equaliser and were rewarded as Taylor pounced in the box to grab a point.  There was still time for a late red card as Will Aimson was shown his marching orders for a challenge on substitute goalkeeper James Dadge Ryan Lowe opted to make three changes from the midweek draw at Burton Albion Team news for the final day is in! 🗞️#wafc 🔵⚪️ | @HeatableUK pic.twitter.com/6bvd84BFK4 Sam Tickle came up with a big save inside the first five minutes after a free kick from the right was curled in and after a touch from the striker our number one somehow got a hand to the ball reaching down low to his left to keep it out good play from Darcy and Robinson saw a chance for Jonny Smith at the back post Latics were building pressure before the hosts hit Lowe’s men on the counter attack following a Tics corner Nesta Guinness-Walker broke and played in Fosu who cut inside and found the far corner The Tics looked to respond with a succession of further corners one of which resulted in Smith having a deflected effort loop wide and we continued to push until the break Behind at the halfway stage. ⏸️#wafc 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/2k3TdvnbND Lowe sent his Latics troops out early for the second half looking for a response and we forced the first chance since the restart as Robinson’s deflected shot went straight into the hands of Burge fresh from his two awards on Thursday night jinked his way through before playing Asamoah Jr in Jason Kerr then had a header cleared off the line following another Latics corner as Mitch Pinnock diverted the ball over the crossbar Taylor then flicked a near post free-kick wide before he then fed Asamoah Jr Lowe introduced young K’Marni Miller from the bench and his wicked cross from the left rattled the outside of the post as we headed into 11 minutes of added time as Taylor pounced in the box to nod home James Carragher’s deflected shot in the sixth minute of time added on DT AT THE DEATH!!! 😍(1-1) | #wafc 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/0ljoTD4Esq There was still time for a red card as Aimson was shown a straight red for a challenge on substitute goalkeeper James Dadge as the points were shared on the final day Ending the 2024/25 campaign with a point on the road at Northampton Town. 💪#wafc 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/Fp1IKKDbxQ Warrington Wolves boss Sam Burgess has confirmed their worst fears on the injury front for Danny Walker who will be sidelined for between ten and 12 weeks with a knee issue Ahead of Wire’s Magic Weekend clash with Wigan Warriors Burgess had revealed the new of Walker’s injury and said he wouldn’t feature But when the homegrown ace was named in his 21-man squad Walker was ultimately not involved at St James’ Park where the Wolves were narrowly beaten 22-20 Speaking after the defeat in the North East Burgess confirmed that Walker would be missing for a considerable chunk of time He explained: “Danny’s going to be out for a little while he’s going to be out for around ten weeks “I think he’s booked in for surgery next week “It’s unfortunate for Danny and the group “We’ll keep marching forward and we’ll look forward to welcoming him back later in the year.” Warrington take on Leigh Leopards next weekend in the Challenge Cup semi-finals and are already low on numbers in key positions with Walker’s absence another big blow Burgess believes they have come through their Magic clash against Wigan unscathed even though forward Lachlan Fitzgibbon was forced off at half-time The Wire head coach detailed: “We’ll have to see what training looks like on Tuesday and Wednesday and see how many guys we get on the field “We’ll get a good week’s preparation under our belt “Lachie didn’t make the second half (at Magic) but I think he’ll be alright next week.” The Academy squad has been named for this evening’s clash with Wigan The Black & Whites’ youngsters have won two of their opening three matches of the 2025 campaign but they are preparing to face a determined Wigan side Cummins has made just two changes from the side that narrowly lost to Hull KR just under a fortnight ago Zak Nelson-Hewitt and Preston Ward are replaced in the squad by Leon Hayward and George Power The full 18-man squad to face Wigan’s Academy is as follows: the Black & Whites travel to AMT Headingley for.. John Cartwright has named his match day squad for our Magic.. John Cartwright has looked ahead to our Magic Weekend clash against.. Hull FC's U18s went down 16-30 to Wigan Warriors at the.. ticket & match info and video content from the Black and Whites News | UK A woman has said she is “thrilled” after becoming the first person to be crowned Flatpack world champion The Flatpack World Championships, which is in its first year, saw eight competitors battle it out to build flatpack furniture as speedily as they could, at the opening of Grand Designs Live at ExCel London on Friday The contest was split into two rounds and involved participants making bookcases and bedside tables Taking a mere nine minutes and 33 seconds to build a bedside table Hayley McAuley proved she had the speed and determination needed to become a champion “It’s been a rollercoaster of a morning, and I am absolutely thrilled to have been crowned Flatpack World Champion,” Ms McAuley, from Wigan “When I first heard about the competition I jumped at the chance to enter as I’ve always thought I’m a bit of a machine when it comes to building flatpack furniture Ms McAuley was awarded with a golden Allen key medal and congratulated by Kevin McCloud who was the host of the event and is best known for presenting Grand Designs McCloud said: “This was great fun and hugely amusing “It was wonderful to see who took this seriously and who accidentally sabotaged their own attempts to win “We had a really spectacular audience who found it hugely entertaining.” The furniture pieces are to be donated to the charity British Heart Foundation Grand Designs Live will run from May 2 to 5 and is in its 20th year Prince Louis steals the show at VE Day parade as he keeps dad William looking sharp and mimics brother George Prince Louis steals show with sweet antics at VE parade VE Day 2025 fashion: best looks from the day VE Day 2025 fashion: Princess of Wales to Lady Victoria Starmer UK tourists face major travel shake-up as Dubai airport set to close Royals watch historic flypast as huge crowds turns out for VE Day 80th anniversary  Royals watch historic Red Arrows flypast for VE Day 80th anniversary Ukraine 'launches stunning Kursk offensive' in major blow for Putin ahead of Victory Day celebrations Ukraine 'launches stunning Kursk offensive' in blow for Putin