Wigan secure play-off spot

The Warriors trailed 10-6 at the break but found an extra gear to hold off the champions and retain their top-six spot ahead of Warrington.

Tries from Thomas Leuluai and Liam Colbon, as well as three goals from Pat Richards, proved crucial as the Warriors edged an electric derby in front of 22,031 at the JJB Stadium.

Wigan had gone into the game under pressure after losing their last eight matches to Saints and with Warrington facing a relatively easier task at relegated Salford.

Yet they somehow found enough in the tank to earn a victory that meant the deduction of four points for breaching salary cap restrictions would not prove too costly.

Yet it was Saints who held a slight advantage after a breathless first half due to tries from Willie Talau and Ade Gardner. Wigan's lone first-half try came from David Vaealiki.

A needless penalty gave Saints the chance to take the lead on 13 minutes as Leon Pryce rifled a long-range pass wide for Willie Talau to race through but Wigan responded instantly with Vaealiki breaking from deep inside his own half for a superb try.

Saints went ahead before the break when stand-off Pryce was given time to pick his spot and his high bomb to the corner was inch-perfect for Gardner. Wellens converted to give the visitors a four-point cushion at the break.

Wigan made just the start to the second half they needed as Leuluai crashed over following a superb run from Iafeta Paleaaesina three minutes after the restart.

The visitors managed to get back level at 12-12 through Wellens after Phil Bailey conceded a try in front of the posts but Wigan remained on top and were rewarded as Vaealiki put Colbon over from close range on the right.