Warrington Wolves IMBRL 13
West Bank Bears "A" 14
@ Hood Lane, Crosfields - 23/09/06 - NWC6

Warrington IMBRL suffered a heartbreaking loss at home against the Bears from Widnes having largely done enough to win an eagerly contested game where defences were on top.

The Widnes side had failed to complete any of their fixtures during the season and IMBRL were kept waiting late in the day to find out whether the game would indeed go ahead. To the frustration of the home side, West Bank did only arrive in town after news filtered through that their first teams clash against Langworthy had been failed.

Spurred on by the news that they would largely be facing higher league opposition, the Wolves prepared for battle and were delighted to hand a debut to former Ireland World Cup student Dave Heathwood.

In a scene which is becoming common place IMBRL defended like trojans in the first forty minutes. Indeed the Wolves held a 6-4 interval lead after Stephen Lenihan finished off Liam O'Brien's break and Andy Hawley goaled. Shocked by their poor completion rate, the Wolves vowed to up the anti in the second-half knowing that if they could hold onto the ball victory would be there for the taking.

As it was IMBRL once again defended for large parts of the second period but were still able to build a 13-4 lead thanks to a try, conversion and field goal all from Andy Hawley.

However two tries from the Bears, one of which was goaled gave them a one point lead and with a late penalty goal from IMBRL going wide of the posts it proved to be Widnes’ day.

Man of the Match for IMBRL was scrum-half Karl Case, whilst Nat Ashurst was inspirational in defence with 30 completed tackles to his name.

Wolves
1) Mike Austin
2) Matt Lawton
3) Stephen Lenihan (1 try)
4) Dave Heathwood
5) Rick Lenihan
6) Andy Hawley (1 try, 2 goals, 1 FG)
7) Karl Case
8) Paul Arnison
9) Liam O'Brien
10) Neil Ashurst
11) Danny Elliott
12) Jonathan Knight
13) Nat Ashurst
Subs:
14) Jon Westwood
15) John Williams
16) Keith Ryan
17) Mark Moore