Warrington Wolves lift League Leaders Shield at Hull

UPDATED PICTURES: WARRINGTON Wolves lifted the league leaders shield against all odds with stunning 6-23 victory at Hull FC to avenge their Challenge Cup final defeat.

Missing various key players including half-backs Kurt Gidley and Chris Sandow alongside Ben Currie, Warrington’s young guns showed true grit and determination to pull off victory, setting up a home semi-final against St Helens next Thursday.

Proud Coach Tony Smith praised his team’s defensive effort pointing out his 17 man squad contained just one overseas player, Ashton Sims, with many coming through the ranks at the club.

He also singled out former Hull favourite Tom Lineham, who returned to the team after a nine match absence to grab two tries.

“Tom has shown plenty of character and taken being left out on the chin by turning up for training earlier and earlier over the past few weeks and he has grabbed his chance with both hands.

“The lads were terrific tonight with a great defensive effort.”

Warrington dominated the first half, but only led 0-10 at the break – just like they had at Wembley.

They got off to the best possible start in the 5th minute as full-back Matty Russell burst clear to feed the supporting Stefan Ratchford, who produced the kick for Lineham to touchdown out wide. Dec Patton’s conversion attempt drifted just wide.

Then on 12 minutes, Kevin Penny, who was also recalled due to the injury crisis, flew in at the opposite corner after taking a pass from Jack Hughes. Patton was again just wide but adfded a penalty a couple of minutes later after a late tackle on Daryl Clark to make it 0-10.

Hull, who had been guilt of making too many mistakes, mainly due to the intensity of the Warrington tackling, had their best spell of pressure just before the break, but could find no way through.

But two minutes after the re-start Carlos Tuimavave dummied his way over and Marc Snyed added the conversion to make it 6-10, with many thinking it could be another comeback like at Wembley.

On 51 minutes Lineham pulled off a try saving tackle as the hosts looked certain to score after a great break by full-back Jamie Shand.

On 55 minutes Patton added another penalty to settle Warrington’s nerves, with further penalties on 61 and 70 minutes chipping away at Hull’s confidence to make it 6-16.

The with five minutes to go Hull dropped the ball and Lineham kicked ahead to touchdown and secure victory and the League Leaders Shield for Warrington. Patton added the extras and a drop-goal int he final minute to rub salt in the wounds.

It was Warrington’s first win over Hull this season, with the hosts winning all three previous encounters, including the Challenge Cup final by the margin of 12-10.

For the first time players were presented with League Leaders Shield medals while Warrington also secured an additional £100,000 in prize money for finishing top of the table.

Kev Penny scores in the corner – Picture Eddie Whitham

Tom Lineham seals the victory – Picture Eddie Whitham

Tom Lineham shows his delight Picture Eddie Whitham

Daryl Clark leads the celebrations Picture Eddie Whitham

Chris Hill applauds the fans Picture Eddie Whitham

The team celebrate Picture Eddie Whitham

Ashton Sims with club owner Simon Moran and skipper Chris Hill Picture Eddie Whitham

FOR A GALLERY OF MORE THAN 100 PICTURES BY EDDIE WHITHAM CLICK HERE

An amazing win for our boys! A very proud dance team! Well done @wolvesrl were top of the league! pic.twitter.com/kSMJzs0mBe

— Wirettes (@wirettecheer) September 23, 2016