Warrington
Wolves IMBRL 16
Wigan Supporters XIII 34
@ Hood Lane, Crosfields - 22/07/06 - Friendly
Warrington IMBRL played their latest friendly game in the build up to life in North West Counties but the result wasn’t what the club was looking for.
On a baking hot summer afternoon the Wolves flattered to deceive and were on top in the contest for large parts of play but in the final reckoning it was Wigan who powered home to secure the bragging rights.
The Wolves had gone into the game on the back of a resounding victory over Oldham and with intensive training also taking place it was hoped that the side certainly wouldn’t be let down in the fitness stakes.
Things had started very promisingly for the home side as Nat Ashurst broke clear in the first set and sent Jon Westwood hurtling towards the line. Although the big second-rower couldn’t score, the resulting penalty allowed Neil Ashurst the opportunity to crash over.
Wigan soon responded with a try from a kick out wide but a fine scrum base move put the Wolves back on course as Nat Ashurst and Craig Middlemore combined to send Matt Lawton over.
Andy Hawley then created an opportunity for himself as his kick over the Wigan line caused all kinds of confusion and the stand-off was on hand to re-collect and beat the remaining cover for the try.
All three scores failed to be converted meaning that the Wolves could and should have held a commanding lead but a late Wigan converted score still left the game in the balance at the interval.
Into the second period both sides traded scores with Liam O'Brien touching down for the home side as he put the finishing touches to a fine free flowing move which showed just what the Wolves were capable of out wide.
The conversion again went amiss as did further superb try scoring opportunities for Neil Ashurst and Rick Lenihan.
Wigan meanwhile didn’t need a second invitation to regain the initiative as they then registered three converted tries in the final ten minutes to put a rather flattering edge to the score.
On a dissapointing day the Wolves were best served by Hawley, Lawton, Craig Middlemore and Keith Ryan, whilst Nat Ashurst topped the tackle and drive count.
Wolves
(1) Liam O’Brien (5T, 4HU, 1 try)
(2) Gareth Edwards (5T, 3HU)
(3) Mark Moore (5T, 3HU)
(4) Johnny Knight (15T, 3HU)
(5) Matt Lawton (11T, 4HU, 1 try)
(6) Andy Hawley (14T, 3HU, 1 try)
(7) Craig Middlemore (17T, 10HU)
(8) Keith Ryan (11T, 12HU)
(9) Kyle Holcroft (8T, 1HU)
(10) Neil Ashurst (18T, 7HU, 1 try)
(11) Jon Westwood (1T, 3HU)
(12) Danny Elliott (7T, 4HU)
(13) Nat Ashurst (30T, 17HU)
Subs:
(14) Rick Lenihan (3T, 1HU)
(15) Ashley Whitfield (4T, 1HU)
(16) Matt Lister (4T, 1HU)
(17) Paul Arnison (5T, 5HU)
(18) Karl Case (5T, 3HU)
(19) John Spreadbury (2T, 6HU)
(20) Simon Surname (4T, 3HU)
* Stats by Ben Messenger