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Warrington Wolves cruised to a 22-6 win over Celtic Crusaders at the Brewery Field on Saturday evening but it was only in the second half that the visitors broke away after the Crusaders had two tries disallowed.
Warrington, still without former Wales skipper Lee Briers, fielded an unchanged 17 from the side who beat Hull FC 24-12 last week. Marshall Chalk made a welcome return to the Crusaders line up following his two month lay-off with a broken jaw. He slotted in at full-back, replacing Damien Quinn who had pulled out with suspected tonsillitis. Luke Dyer and Chris Beasley were also back after injuries.
The visitors opened the scoring when hesitation in the Crusaders backline allowed Jon Clarke to pick up Michael Monaghan’s high lob and have a clear run to the line. Hicks kicked the tricky conversion.
The contest had been quite even until that point so it was no surprise that the Crusaders attempted a come-back. It took some strong defending to pull Steve Tyrer into touch as he was close to the line. The reserve team top scorer tried to battle his way through after being set up by Mark Lennon.
Tyrer was unlucky again minutes later after having a try ruled out by the touch judge for a suspected knock-on. Jace Van Dijk, Marshall Chalk and Lennon were instrumental in the build-up.
At the other end, Louis Anderson also had a try disallowed after receiving a forward pass while the unfortunate Tyrer spilled the ball while under pressure as Crusaders were close to the line for another time.
Van Dijk also had a chip picked up by Chris Bridge who outran Chalk to the ball and just before the half-time hooter, Tyrer did well to deny Chris Hicks a try as he kicked the ball into touch while the away side’s winger was diving in.
A Peter Lupton interception prevented a certain early second half Warrington try and from the resulting attack, Crusaders were unlucky not to score once again. Ben Flower created and finished the chance with Jason Chan and Lincoln Withers also lending a helping hand but Flower was pulled back for a forward pass.
However there was no problem with Ben Harrison’s try on 52 minutes for Warrington, a quick fire score with Monaghan the creator once again. Hicks converted.
Suddenly Warrington were lifted. Five minutes later Chris Bridge opened up a gap for Richie Mathers who ran unchallenged to the line. Hicks had no problem making the score 18-0.
Five minutes later, Mathers raced over for his second and Wolves fourth after being slipped the ball by Matt King. Hicks’ conversion hit the post.
Crusaders did manage a consolation try three minutes from time when Luke Dyer stormed over in the corner. Lennon kicked the tricky conversion.
On a final note, it was great to the supporters club section back in the Grandstand. While Crusaders fans normally out-shout all opposition fans anyway, the echoes through the stand lifted the noise around the ground.
Crusaders: Marshall Chalk; Luke Dyer, Steve Tyrer, Mark Dalle Cort, Anthony Blackwood; Mark Lennon, Jace Van Dijk; Ryan O'Hara, Lincoln Withers, Mark Bryant, Jordan James, Chris Beasley, Peter Lupton. Subs: Ben Flower, Jason Chan, Neil Budworth, Geraint Davies.
Tries: Dyer (77) Goals: Lennon 1/1
Wolves: Richie Mathers; Chris Hicks, Chris Bridge, Matt King, Chris Riley; Simon Grix, Michael Monaghan; Adrian Morley, Jon Clarke, Paul Wood, Louis Anderson, Ben Westwood, Ben Harrison. Subs: Paul Johnson, Vinnie Anderson, Garreth Carvell, Mike Cooper.
Tries: Clarke (12), Harrison (52), Mathers (57, 65) Goals: Hicks 3/4
Half-time: 0-6 Attendance: 3,231 Referee: Thierry Alibert (France) |
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