THE Mets led three times but had to settle for a share of the honours in a six-try derby duel with the Bulldogs at New House Farm.

Bolton started brightly with some basic but effective rugby which ended with winger Adam Ryan sprinting down the line to score — only to be brought back for having a foot in touch.

Centre Mark Hart was next to go close but the Mets finally got their reward from a move which ended with Louis Taylor powering his way over the line.

Joe Harte hit the post with his conversion attempt — setting a pattern for an off-day for both teams on the kicking front.

The Bolton defence stuttered and Wigan started to take control and had a period of possession which saw them make some easy yards before scoring a try out wide. The missed kick left the game tied at 4-4 at half time.

The Mets were forced into a reshuffle early in the second half, but soon restored their advantage, a set move paving the way for winger Paul Harrison to finish in the corner for his second try in consecutive games.

Wigan responded well, creating an overlap to equalise with a second try in the corner.

The game could have swung either way in the final 20 minutes.

Mets’ man of the match Ryan Terry, impressive in his first game back after injury, was judged a fraction short of the line after a trademark defence-scattering run. But from the next play-the-ball full-back Harte went over to give the Mets the lead for the third time.

The Bulldogs refused to lie down though and forced an error from the kick off from which they, launched the attack that brought the try that put them back on level terms once more.

Fortunately for the Mets, the conversion went the way of the previous five, leaving the match tied.

A few niggles started to creep into the match as the tension increased and Taylor and a Wigan player were sin-binned.

Mets almost snatched victory with the last play of the game but Michael Horrobin’s attempt to keep the ball alive after he chased a kick through ended with a knock-on.

The Mets, who are now fourth in the league, travel to St Helens Wild Boar at the weekend aiming to finish the calendar year with a win.