Moss Bank Bulldogs 28
Warrington Wolves IMBRL 12
@ Parr Stocks Lane - 24/04/07 - NWC 6

Warrington came close to causing a shock against one of the division 6 big boys when they narrowly went down for the second time this season at Moss Bank Bulldogs.

Due to a fixture backlog the game was played for 4 league points which led to a very even contest with both side’s looking to bolster their points tally for differing reasons.

The Bulldogs have been a trend setter at the top of the table for most of the season alongside Woolston Rovers, Spring View and Leigh Central and were keen to continue their promotion push. The Wolves meanwhile were looking to strengthen their own position in order to avoid the drop to a proposed division seven.

Both club’s had originally met back in November in the North West Counties Bowl Competition with Bank finishing up 36-24 victors. On that occasion the Bulldogs had gone in front early only to be pulled back by the competitive Wolves and this game followed in a similar pattern.

As had been the case with the Warrington District Cup contest against Bank Quay a week earlier, the Wolves had to prepare unsure of player availability and arrival times for the evening kick-off, which meant preparations were rushed in the extreme.

However 10 of the side who had played against the Bulldogs earlier on in the season made the 17, whilst there was a welcome return from Steve Rutter who donned the shirt for the first time since September 2006. Priestley College loose-forward Tom Ratcliffe also made himself available for the midweek clash to take his place is a hastily put together team.

The game began with both sides testing each other out and with the Wolves more than holding their own they were unlucky not score on a number of occasions having enjoyed an equal share of possession.

The first scoring opportunity did come as Karl Case fed Stephen Lenihan with a crash ball for a try which was unfortunately ruled out for a forward pass.

Having been given a scare the Bulldogs helped by a string of ex St Helens Academy players hit the lead with two tries and a conversion to make it 10-0.

Warrington came back however with a sensational move on the right flank as Stephen Lenihan was put into space before drawing the remaining cover and handing onto Irish international Dave Heathwood who scorched down the touchline to score.

Andy Hawley goaled for the visitors before two further Bulldogs tries made it 18-6. Needing a score to get back in the game Tom Ratcliffe looked to have brought the Wolves into contention but his plunge for the line was ruled to have come up short and the Wolves trailed by 12 at the break.

Warrington did get back to within six soon after the interval as Karl Case pounced on a loose ball following a grubber kick to touchdown and with Hawley goaling form the touchline the hunt was on.

However having given themselves a lifeline the Wolves conceded again soon after to take the Bulldogs out to 22-12 before a serious injury to a Moss Bank player, who was later rushed to hospital with kidney damage.

After waiting for the arrival of paramedics the heavens opened and the night drew in as both sides vowed to finish the final 20 minutes. Again the Wolves had plenty of chances to post further points, particularly via Rutter who dropped the ball in the act of scoring.

As it was a converted try by the Bulldogs took them too far ahead and the rest of the game petered out in awful conditions.

Man of the Match as voted for by the opposition was Kyle Holcroft whilst there were other strong performances by Stephen and Rick Lenihan who arguably had their best ever games in an IMBRL shirt. Prop forward Jawaad Adonis caused problems for yet another one of the divisions top teams whilst the return of Rutter in the back row was a welcome addition.

Wolves: Liam O'Brien, Andy Mahoney, Stephen Lenihan, Gareth Edwards, Matt Lawton, Andy Hawley, Karl Case, Jawaad Adonis, Kyle Holcroft, Steve Brown, Steve Rutter, Rick Lenihan, Tom Ratcliffe. Subs: Dave Heathwood, Jon Westwood, Mark Moore, Chris Green.
Tries: Heathwood, Case
Goals: Hawley (2)