WARRINGTON Wolves prepared for next weekend’s Challenge Cup semi-final against Leeds with an exciting 26-24 win on the notoriously difficult trip tp Perpignan against Catalan Dragons.
After two straight defeats, and Leeds for a place at Wembley on the horizon, it was vital that Tony Smith’s men restored some momentum, having seen their 10 game winning run halted by the losses to Widnes and Wakefield.
It was a see-saw battle against the Dragons, much like last week’s clash with Wakefield, except this time the Wolves managed to come out on top.
They crossed first when the returning man of the match Michael Monaghan (pictured above) wriggled out of a two-man tackle close to the line to dive over.
Opposing right wingers Michael Oldfield and Gene Ormsby exchanged tries as Warrington went in at half time 12-6 to the good.
The Wolves were never behind in front of a sizeable travelling contingent, and nudged their advantage out to eight through a Chris Bridge penalty.
Greg Mounis then crossed by the posts to bring Catalan back within two, before Bridge’s grubber kick set up a try for Rhys Evans.
Catalan weren’t done though, and Oldfield crossed for his second try, to reduce arrears to 20-18.
But the home side just couldn’t topple Warrington, and the tit-for-tat scoring continue when Joel Monaghan took advantage of a misplaced pass to score.
Oldfield’s hat-trick try set up a frantic final few minutes, but Warrington held on to move level on points with Castleford in fourth place.
Catalan Dragons: Escare, Oldfield, Pomeroy, Taia, Millard, Pryce, Bosc, Bousquet, Henderson, Lima, Anderson, Whitehead, Baitieri. Interchanges: Mounis, Pelissier, Simon, Paea.
Warrington: Ratchford, Ormsby, J. Monaghan, C. Bridge, R. Evans, Myler, O’Brien, Hill, M. Monaghan, England, Waterhouse, Currie, Harrison. Interchanges: Asotasi, Grix, Wood, Dwyer.
Wolves returning to winning ways in France
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About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
