WARRINGTON Wolves bounced back from their Challenge Cup exit by thrashing Bradford Bulls 64-6 at the Halliwells Jones Stadium keeping up the pressure on league leaders Wigan.
The Wolves blitzed the Bulls with an awesome display of attacking rugby which saw them run in eleven tries including four fro centre Ryan Atkins who formed a lethal partnership with Matt King on the wing who also grabbed a brace.
The only disappointment was in the last 90 seconds when a sloppy pass from Chris Bridge allowed Bradford’s Patrick Ah Van a walk over try which he also converted as the Wolves had looked on course to nil their opposition for the 5th time this season.
But the try fest saw them break the 900 points barrier for the season, ensuring they have the best points for and against in the league table, trailing Wigan by just one point.
It took little over 60 seconds for Warrington to open the scoring after Bradford kicked out on the full form the kick off as Atkins opened his account forcing his way over wide out. But Brett Hodgson’s conversion effort drifted just wide.
Then on four minutes good work by Richie Myler opened up the Bulls’ defence as Atkins sent Matt King in at the corner. Hodgson made no mistake this time finding his range from wide out to make it 10-0.
Warrington showed plenty of defensive qualities as the Bulls looked to hit back and it was 20 minutes before the Wolves got back on the score board as Hodgson and King combined to send Atkins over for his second try. Hodgson took a knock in the build up so Bridge stepped up to cooly slot over from an acute angle to make it 16-0.
With the Bulls looking vulnerable on the left the Wolves continued to pick off their opponents like wounded prey as Atkins returned the favour sending King over on 25 minutes. Hodgson returned to the kicking duties but dragged his effort wide as the Wolves looked in total control at 20-0.
On 35 minutes good play from Atkins saw the ball moved out to the opposite wing where Joel Monaghan got over in the corner and Hodgson landed a difficult conversion to make it 26-0 at the break and effectively ended the game as a contest.
The Wolves were in no mood for mercy as four minutes after the break Hodgson dummied his way over and added the extras to extend the lead to 32-0.
Then on 50 minutes a superb off load by Simon Grix sent Bridge racing clear to send the supporting Hodgson over for his second try and the easiest of his conversions.
When the Bulls did threaten in attack the Wolves defence was more than a match for them holding players up over the line on several occasions.
On 58 minutes a bullet pass from Bridge sent Joel Monaghan over for his second try and Hodgson added the extras to make it 44-0. Then on 63 minutes the winger sprinted the length of the field, out pacing Gareth Raynor to complete his hat-trick. With Hodgson off the field being rested following a man-of-the match performance Bridge again took over the kicking duties but missed the conversion.
Three minutes later Matt King raced clear with an intercept and sent the supporting Atkins over for his hat-trick as Bridge added the extras to make it 54-0.
Then on 71 minutes more good work by Myler sent Atkins over for his 4th try although Bridge was wide with the kick.
With the clock ticking down Mike Cooper off loaded to send Michael Monaghan under the sticks, giving Bridge the easiest of conversions to make it 64-0.
As Warrington pushed to increase the scoreline Bridge then blotted his copy book with a slopy pass to allow the Bulls a late consolation.
Pictures show four try Ryan Atkins and man-of-the-match Brett Hodgson going over for the Wolves.
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