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Rochdale Hornets suffer record defeat as Wigan Warriors run in 15-try rout

Monday, 9 February 2026 11:48

By David Murphy

A spirited Rochdale Hornets side were comprehensively beaten 83-0 by World Club Champions Wigan Warriors in the third round of the Betfred Challenge Cup, in front of the club’s biggest home crowd in over two decades.

4,248 supporters witnessed Wigan underline their Super League credentials in emphatic fashion, scoring 15 tries without reply.

Zach Eckersley, Jai Field and Jake Wardle all crossed for hat-tricks, while Bevan French claimed two tries, a drop-goal, and multiple assists in a ruthless Wigan performance just one week before their league opener.

Despite the lopsided scoreline, Gary Thornton’s League One outfit showed determination and had their moments, most notably when winger TJ Boyd just failed to claim a high kick with the line at his mercy late in the first half.

Wigan’s opener came within five minutes, with a cut-out pass sending Eckersley over. The winger soon added a second, and further tries from French, Field and Farrimond pushed the score to 34-0 before a near-miss at the other end by the Hornets.

From the resulting restart, Field scored again following a flowing move involving Wardle. A late drop-goal from French gave the Warriors a 39-0 lead at the break.

The visitors continued to dominate in the second half. Partington, Wardle, Nsemba and Mago all crossed, with Keighran converting 11 of the 15 tries.

Eckersley notched his third and fourth of the afternoon, Field completed his hat-trick, and Wardle rounded off the scoring with his third as the final hooter sounded.

For the Hornets, it marked their heaviest-ever Challenge Cup defeat, but the occasion drew a level of local support not seen since 1998 – offering some consolation for the club as they turn their attention to league matters.

They return to action this coming weekend at home to Keighley Cougars in Round 3 of the Betfred Championship.

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