Warrington Wolves IMBRL 56
Shevington Sharks "A" 22
@ Hood Lane - 24/03/07 - NWC6

Warrington picked up only their second home win of the North West Counties Division 6 campaign with an 11 try romp against basement club Shevington.

Prior to the contest IMBRL had not won a game since late November 2006 with a victory over Latchford at Victoria Park and since then had lost six consecutive league games (3 of which were played for 4 points).

On Saturday they were able to field one of their strongest teams so far during a campaign which has been widely disrupted by bad weather and injuries.

Prop forward Neil Ashurst returned from a three week absence to bolster the pack whilst Mick Austin also rejoined the fold at full-back. It meant that only John Williams (broken hand) and Dave Heathwood (international duty) were unavailable for selection.

Coach Mark Moore had the unenviable tasks of making the numbers all fit with 20 players putting themselves available for selection; Paul Arnison, Danny Elliott and Matt Lawton were those unfortunate to miss out.

During intense training in the build-up to the game, all Warrington players had been made aware of the vital importance of gaining a victory in the contest in order to put daylight between themselves and the bottom cluster of teams.

That determination was to reap rewards as the Wolves finally managed to gain victory in a 4-point contest having previously lost 12 possible points in the three weeks prior following defeats to Rylands (12-18), New Springs (32-10) and Folly Lane (42-10).

From the moment the game began the Wolves looked in a good mood and seemed more comfortable playing in the sunshine and on a firmer pitch, whilst Shevington arrived in town keen to do well.

After the powerful pack began work, Warrington soon had a foundation as strong running and tackling from Jawaad Adonis, the Ashurst brothers, Jon Westwood and Mark Moore set the stall.

With Kyle Holcroft dictating play around the ruck, Shevington soon began to wilt and the result saw half-backs Karl Case and Andy Hawley dominate as tries came at regular intervals.

Indeed after a superb first forty minutes which reminded many of the opening day win at Adlington, IMBRL had racked up a 24-4 advantage.

For once the side didn’t rest on their interval advantage and were able to rotate their forward pack well with Ste Brown, John Spreadbury and Rick Lenihan all offering good value from the bench.

By the time the clock had hit the sixty minute mark IMBRL led 50-4 before a spell of resistance came from Shevington, who were able to cross for three tries of their own. A further six pointer on the hooter rounded the show off for Warrington in superb style.

On the points front Hawley led by example with two tries and six conversions whilst Case and Mahoney (2), Austin, Jonathan Knight, Holcroft, Neil Ashurst and Rick Lenihan (his first try of the season) ran in the other points.

Shevington voted their man of the match as Hawley and also made special mentions of Case and Holcroft.

Wolves: Mick Austin, Liam O'Brien, Stephen Lenihan, Jonathan Knight, Tom Mahoney, Andy Hawley, Karl Case, Jawaad Adonis, Kyle Holcroft, Neil Ashurst, Nat Ashurst, Jon Westwood, Mark Moore. Subs: Rick Lenihan, Steve Brown, John Spreadbury, Gareth Edwards.
Tries: Hawley (2), Case (2), Mahoney (2), Austin, Knight, Holcroft, Neil Ashurst, Rick Lenihan.
Goals: Hawley (6).