WARRINGTON Wolves are still looking for their first points of the season as they tasted defeat for the second week running going down 18-12 to Leeds Rhinos.WARRINGTON Wolves are still looking for their first points of the
season as they tasted defeat for the second week running going down
18-12 to Leeds Rhinos.
With youngster Gene Ormsby making his debut on the wing in place of Chris Riley and Anthony England making his debut from the bench, it was a much improved performance following the disappointing home opener against St Helens last week. But Warrington failed to convert their pressure into points as they had most of the possession in the second half after trailing just 12-6 at the break.
Warrington started brightly and took the lead on nine minutes when a Gareth O’Brien high ball was superbly collected by Joel Monaghan who somehow kept control to ground the ball. Stefan Ratchford calmly slotted over the extras from out wide to make it 6-0.
But Leeds hit back on 20 minutes when Tom Brisco kicked the ball through allowing Zak Hardaker to touch down. Kevin Sinfield goaled from wide out to level the scores.
Warrington survived some intense pressure as the video referee riuled out efforts by Ryan Hall for a foot in touch and Hardaker for failing to ground the ball properly.
But the pressure eventually told just before the break as Brisco split the Wolves defence with Sinfield again on target to make it 12-6 just before the break.
Warrington almost levelled on 51 minutes when Ratchford was held on the line but five minutes later Leeds punished some sloppy defending as the Warrington players stood and watched expecting Hardaker to to kick on the last tackle, leaving a huge gap for him to stroll through. Sinfiled was again on target to make it 18-6.
Warrington had plenty of possession, including five repeat sets but couldn’t find a way through a strong defence.
On 71 minutes Sinfield attempted a drop goal but hit the upright.
With the clock ticking down Ben Westwood used his strength to power over from close range under the sticks to set up a grand stand finish as Ratchford added the extras to make it 18-12.
Two minutes from time a great break from Richie Myler almost put O’Brien through but the Leeds defence held firm to earn the victory.
