WARRINGTON Wolves went top of the Super League with a 6-22 victory at basement club Wakefield Trinity Wildcats despite missing half a dozen first team regulars.
Head Coach Tony Smith rested hooker Michael Monaghan who was joined on the sidelines by brother Joel, due to a slight groin injury, but the Wolves still had enough quality in depth to out muscle their hosts, despite also being without the likes of Matt King, Louis Anderson and influential skipper Adrian Morley.
But it was Warrington’s defensive qualities that ensured the victory more than their usual attacking flare as a strong wind made for difficult playing conditions.
Winger Chris Riley (pictured right) opened the scoring after six minutes following a fumble in the Wakefield defence to make it 0-4 as Benny Westwood was unable to kick the difficult conversion. Then some good footwork by full-back Chris Bridge saw Warrington extend their lead with Weswtood on target this time to make it 0-10.
Youngster Rhys Evans looked to have extended Warrington’s lead on 20 minutes as he forced his way in at the corner but it was ruled out by the video referee for a foot in touch.
Wakefield had plenty of possession but could find no way through Warrington’s workmanlike defence as the score remained 0-10 at the break.
Warrington survived some Wakefield pressure at the start of the second half and then went further ahead on 47 minutes as good work by Jon Clarke and Richie Myler opened up the defence enabling Ryan Atkins to go over for a walk in try against his former club. Westwood drifted over a tremendous touchline conversion to make it 0-16.
But to their credit Wakefield never gave up and were unlucky not to get back in the game after a great 40-20 by Thomas Lee on 51 minutes. From the resulting scrum Kevin Henderson powered over but the try was chalked off by the video referee for a double movement.
Warrington soaked up some more pressure and then made the game safe on 58 minutes when Clarke opened up the Wakefield defence for Myler to race through a huge gap. Westwood added the extra to make it 0-22.
The Wildcats eventually breached the Wolves’ defence on 66 minutes as Josh Griffin charged down a Briers kick and won the race to touchdown despite the efforts of Bridge and Evans and then added a great touchline conversion to make it 6-22.
Lee used the wind to his advantage again on 70 minutes with another 40-20 but the Warrington defence was able to hold out.
The victory saw Warrington go top of the table on points difference from Harlequins who continued their good form with a surprise 16-27 victory at St Helens.
Wolves: Bridge, Riley, Blythe, Atkins, Evans, Briers, Myler, Carvell, Higham, Wood, Westwood, Harrison, Grix.
Subs: Solomona, Clarke, McCarthy, Mitchell.
Atten: 5,073
Ref Silverwood
