WARRINGTON Wolves started their defence of the Challenge Cup in impressive style as they cruised to an 80-0 victory against Championship outfit Keighley Cougars.
The Cougars gave a spirited opening 15 minutes but then the Wolves started to show their superior fitness against a tiring defence to take control.
Despite fielding a strong line-up with youngster Gareth O’Brien making his debut at half-back alongside the experienced Lee Briers who recorded an impressive 32 points, with two tries and 12 conversions.
Once Warrington had breached the Cougars defence once it was pretty much one way traffic as the Wolves ran in 14 tries without reply, including a hat-trick from Centre Ryan Atkins.
Young winger Rhys Williams also crossed twice with O’Brien also scoring on his debut.
Warrington’s others tries came from Michael Monaghan, Simon Grix, Matt King, Mike Cooper and Rhys Evans.
Warrington’s reward was a home draw against Swinton on Friday May 20, kick off 8pm.
Pictures show try scorers Lee Briers and Rhys Williams.
For pictures from the game CLICK HERE
Wolves: Chris Riley; Rhys Williams, Matty Blythe, Ryan Atkins, Matt King; Lee Briers, Gareth O’Brien; Garreth Carvell, Mickey Higham, Mike Cooper, David Solomona, Simon Grix, Ben Harrison.
Subs: Michael Monaghan, Adrian Morley, Paul Wood, Rhys Evans.
Keighley Cougars: Gavin Duffy; Ben Sagar, Danny Lawton, Chris Baines, James Hutchinson; Jason Demetriou, Ryan Smith; Andy Shickell, James Feather, Ryan Benjafield, Will Cartledge, Olly Pursglove, Jamie Shepherd.
Subs: Jamaine Wray, Rick Barr, Scott Law, Greg Nicholson.
Att: 6,583
