Ryan Atkins gives the Wolves early hope
PICTURE EDDIE WHITHAM
WARRINGTON Wolves’ Wembley dream is over after crashing out of the Challenge Cup at the semi-final stage for a third consecutive season.
After losing out to Leeds last season and Hull Fc the season before, it was underdogs Hull KR who booked a place in the final against Leeds at the end of August with an 18-26 victory.
The Wolves were odds on favourites and got off to a flying start when Ryan Atkins’ scored a second-minute try converted by Gareth O’Brien.
But then it was Hull KR who bossed most of the second half with two tries in three minutes.
A slick passing move saw Mantellato get in at the left corner and, after he had converted his own kick, Sio then beat Gene Ormsby to collect Albert Kelly’s up-and-under to go in at the
opposite corner. Mantellato again converted for a 12-6 half-time lead.
Warrington, who were already without the suspended Bennie Westwood and injured full-back Matty Russell, were dealt a further blow when Ben Harrison was led from the field suffering from concussion.
Larroyer’s 47th-minute converted try, followed by a penalty that put the Robins 20-6 in front and on course for the final.
To their credit Warrington bounced back with tries from the impressive Richie Myler and Ben Currie, put through by Myler both converted by O’Brien, closed the gap to just two points to set up a grand stand final 12 minutes.
Warrington suffered a further set back with Gene Ormsby led from the pitch with a suspected broken jaw.
They looked to have taken the lead when Joel Monaghan bravely dived in at the corner only to lose finger tip control, witht he effort ruled out by the video referee.
Then with the clock ticking down Warrington’s tiring defence failed to stop Lunt in the tackle and the hooker forced his way to the line, with man-of-the-match Mantellato converting to
send the Robins on their way to Wembley.
After the match Warrington boss Tony Smith said Hull KR deserved to win, adapting better to the “stop start” nature of the game.
Commenitng on Warrington’s defence Smith added: “I thought we leaked a couple of softies today.
“Congratulations to the two teams who have got to Wembley and we are envious of them -but it was not to be.”
Flying start as Ryan Atkins opens the scoring – PICTURE EDDIE WHITHAM
New Aussie signing Chris Sandow watching from the wings PICTURE EDDIE WHITHAM
So near for Sam Wilde PICTURE EDDIE WHITHAM
So near for Gaz O’Brien PICTURE EDDIE WHITHAM
So near for Joel Monaghan PICTURE EDDIE WHITHAM
Richie Myler starts the fight back PICTURE EDDIE WHITHAM
Ben Currie renews hope PICTURE EDDIE WHITHAM
End of Wembley dream PICTURE EDDIE WHITHAM
WOLVES: Ratchford; Ormsby, Wheeler, Atkins, Monaghan; O’Brien, Myler; Hill, Clark, Sims, Wilde, Currie, Harrison.
Replacements: Dwyer, Asotasi, Philbin, England.
Hull KR: Dixon; Mantellato, Welham, Salter, Sio; Blair, Kelly; Walker, Lunt, Puletua, Larroyer, Horne, McCarthy.
Replacements: Boudebza, Donaldson, Green, Tilse.
Attendance: 13,049.
