End of Grand Final dream for Wolves

WARRINGTON Wolves’ Grand Final dream came to an end in a pulsating clash with Leeds Rhinos as they were edged out 24-26 in a thrilling play off semi-final eliminator at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
A penalty kick from Kevin Sinfield two minutes from time after Richie Myler was penalised for off-side as he charged down a drop goal attempt broke warrington’s hearts, as the Rhinos became the first ever team to make the Grand Final from 5th place in the league table.
First half tries from Joel Monaghan and Chris Riley saw Warrington take a narrow 12-6 half-time lead.
With defences on top for much of the half it was the Rhinos who drew first blood on four minutes after a Danny Maguire kick was touched down by winger Carl Ablett, with Kevin Sinfield adding the extras to give the visitors a 0-6 lead.
With the Wolves making some uncharteristic errors Joel Monaghan helped settle their nerves finishing off a great move as Briers hoisted the ball high for Matt King to knock the ball back to Chris Bridge, who off loaded to Monaghan, who touched down for his 26th try of the season. Bridge added the extras to level the scores.
With the Wolves forced to reshuffle as Brett Hodgson limped off with an ankle injury, it was his makeshift replacement Chris Riley, who moved in from the wing and breached the Rhinos defence on 33 minutes after a looping pass from Michael Monghan opened up a huge gap. Bridge was again on target to give the Wolves a 12-6 half-time advantage.
But it was eeds who scored within a minute of the re-start as Ryan Hall intercepted on half way to outpace the Warrington cover, with Sinfield adding the extras to level the scores.
Warrington edged back in front as Matt King forced his way through three tackles to touch down after two super long passes by Monaghan and Myler and then Bridge kept his cool to land a towering conversion to make it 18-12.
But back came Leeds with the try of the game on 58 minutes as substitute Rob Burrow broke clear from inside his own half to send the supporting Danny Maguire clear and although he was caught by the Wolves defence he was ableto off-load to Hall who went over for his second try. Sinfield made no mistake to level the scores again.
Sensing a shock was on the cards Leeds stepped up a gear and within two minutes were back in front after Brent Webb broke clear to send the supporting Burrow behind the sticks giving Sinfield the easiest of chances to make it 18-24.
Back came Warrington as Briers opened up the Leeds defence to send Riley over for his second try 68 minutes, with Bridge adding the extras to level the scores.
King then thought he had put the Wolves back in front on 71 minutes buthad his effort ruled out by the video referee with the ball literally an inch from the line.
Four minutes later the video referee was back in action after Ryan Hall had an effort ruled out after Burrow was ruled to have knocked on in the buod up play.
Then with the clock ticking down Maguire attempted a drop goal as Myler was penalised for off-side as he charged it down, allowing for Sinfield to hold his nerve and slot over the match winning penalty, two minutes from time and break Warrington’s hearts.
Despite finishing top of the league with the best attack and best defence over the season, the Wolves were left licking their wounds after failing to rise to the occasion – and while they competed in a thrilling encounter, no one could argue Leeds didn’t deserve their victory.

Pictures show a gutted Lee Briers, David Solomona being stopped in his tracks, Wolves’ Head of Coaching Tony Smith congratulating Leeds’ skipper Kevin Sinfield and two try hero Chris Riley being consoled by Tyrone McCarthy.

For more pictures from the game CLICK HERE