Ratchford helps Wolves tame Wildcats

AN inspired performance by Stefan Ratchford helped Warrington Wolves over come Wakefield Trinity Wildcats 12-42 as centre Ryan Atkins weighed in with a hat-trick of tries against his former club.
With the scores locked at 12-12 at the break the Wolves stepped up a gear in the second half and produced five unanswered tries to overcome a spirited Wakefield side at Belle Vue.
The impressive Ratchford, who was picked ahead of veteran Lee Briers, and Chris Riley both scored a brace tol take the Wolves to second in the table just a point behind Wigan.
Wakefield started well and deservedly took a shock early lead through a Frankie Mariano try, but it was quickly levelled by Atkins’ first score and when Chris Riley went over in the corner for the first of his two tries it looked as though Tony Smith’s men would take control.
But Wakefield produced some entertaining rugby and had two efforts ruled out, before drawing level through Steve Southern seven minutes before half time.
Warrington’s defence stood firm at the start of the second half and when Ratchford raced over to regain Warrington’s lead there was no way back for the Wildcats.
Ratchford put the result beyond doubt in the 62nd minute with his second try.
The closing stages were somewhat of a procession as the Wolves ran in a further three tries which saw former Wakefield centre Atkins complete his hat trick.
Wolves’ boss Tony Smith was particularly impressed by the form of Ratchford who returned form a shoulder injury a month earlier than expected.
“It was pretty good for someone who has out for so long with a substantial injury,” said Smith. “He did a great job.
“I threw him in at the deep end but he’s been training with such enthusiasm for the last few weeks that I knew he would do a good job. He was jumping out of his skin to play in this game.”
“It took some time for us to get some continuity and flow in the game but we took some things in our hands in the second half. We took control and got our reward.