Wolves season review 2003
http://www.warrington-worldwide.co.uk/articles/2303/1/Wolves-season-review-2003/Page1.html
By Orbit News Ltd.
Published on 01/01/03 2:00 pm
Wolves pay
the penalty
by Gary Skentelbery
LEADING 12-4 after half an hour Warrington Wolves looked well capable of pulling off a shock Powergen Challenge Cup victory over Bradford Bulls at Wilderspool.
But a combination of poor refereeing decisions and injuries proved costly against one of the strongest teams in Super League.
After an exchange of penalties Darren Burns powered over to put the Wolves 8-2 in front following Lee Briers conversion.
But after losing winger Rob Smyth in the opening minutes through injury as he put his body on the line to stop the Bulls scoring and then losing full-back Lee Penny with a leg injury, it took its toll on the Wolves as the Bulls plugged away, aided by a number of favourable refereeing decisions.
The lively Robbie Paul eventually pulled the Bulls back into the game and when stand-in full-back Graham Appo was sin binned, Paul Deacon was able to slot over his 4th goal of the afternoon to level the scores 12-12 at the interval. Warrington's other points had come from the boot of Briers.
Starting the second half a man down it only took a couple of minutes for the visotrs to take advantage as Lesley Vainikolo powered his way over in the corner.
Refree Bob Connolly continued to frustrate the Wolves and Sid Domic was the next to be sin binned as he booted the ball away in frustration.
Before he was back on the pitch the Bulls had taken the game out of sight as Leon Pryce cut through the ineffective Appo followed by Vainikolo going over again in the corner.
Scott Naylor rubbed the final salt in the wounds as Deacon banged over his 7th goal of the afternoon.
Briers was the third Warrington player to feel the wrath of Connolly as he was despatched to the sin bin, meaning warrington played half an hour of the game reduced to 12 men - too much of a handicap against a team like the Bulls, who took advantage of the situation.
Warrington should not be disheartened by the final score line. Although Bradford are a stronger team the Wolves showed plenty of commitment and eventually paid the penalty for their frustrations at the poor refereeing decisions.
Wolves win opener
By Sports staff
WARRINGTON Wolves survived a rugged battle against newly promoted Huddersfield to start Super League VIII with a vital away victory.
The Wolves dominated the first half leading 0-16 at the interval, thanks to two tries from Aussie signing Brent Grose.
Skipper Lee Briers weighed in with four conversions but in reality the lead should have been much greater, as stand-in full-back Graham Appo "bombed" two scoring chances, being held up over the line after a 40 yard break and then being penalised for a double movement.
Had the two scores counted Warrington would have been out of sight.
Instead they were forced to batten down the hatches in a second half slog, which didn't make a pretty spectacle.
The Giants changed their tactics and picked out Briers for some "rough" treatment with Darren Fleary spending 10 minutes in the sin bin after a late tackle and together with Stanley Gene, who also targetted Briers with a blow to the head. Fleary and Gene were both placed on report n will be lucky to escape without further punishment.
With Nick Fozzard and Darren Burns both missing in the second half through injury Warrington found it heavy going.
The Giants gave themselves hope when Brendan Costin chip kicked over for Hefia O'Hare to score wide out to make it 4-16.
A Briers penalty gave the Wolves some breathing space but midway through the second half Huddersfield narrowed the gap to just 10 points when winger Marcus St Hilaire scored in the corner.
The Wolves withstood a lot of pressure before Briers added the final score of the half with a penalty six minutes from time.
Head Coach Paul Cullen was pleased with the two points.
"We came here to do a job which was to go home with two points in the bag, which is something we achieved," he said.
It was Huddersfield's first home defeat in more than 12 months after going all of last season unbeaten at the McAlpine.
WARRINGTON'S new found fighting spirit proved costly as they were reduced to 12 men just before the interval as Prop Nick Fozzard was given his marching orders for allegedly head butting Leeds prop Barrie McDermott.
Fozzard, with a point to prove against his former club, had earlier been placed on report for an alleged high tackle on Leeds skipper Kevin Sinfield.
It could have been a different story for the Wolves who for 20 minutes gave the visitors the run around, taking a 6-0 lead thanks to a Sid Domic try and Lee Briers penalty.
But Warrington "gifted" the game to Leeds with a number of avoidable incidents.
The Wolves could have been 8-0 up had Nat Wood allowed Briers the chance to take an easy penalty kick instead of opting to run the ball. It was Wood who was then penalised allowing Mark Calderwood to level the scores.
Dave Furner edged the visitors in front with his second goal and then Gary Connolly forced his way over in the 27th minute which Furner again goaled to put daylight between the teams.
Briers added a penalty but then the turning point in the game arrived as Fozzard surrendered possession allowing Matt Adamson to score for the visitors.
After awarding the try referee Steve Ganson gave Fozzard his marching orders, indicating that the prop had used his head on McDermott.
trailing 8-18 at the interval and down to 12 men the Wolves battled back bravely and were given some hope when stand-in full-back Graham Appo, scored the first of his two tries.
Briers conversion followed by a penalty made it 16-18 in the 46th minute.
Then hooker Mark Gleeson had a try disallowed for a knock on in back play.
After soaking up some presure Mike Wainwright "gifted" the ball to Leeds, knocking on near his own line and from the scrum centre Keith Senior charged over. Leeds then made the extra man count as Chev walker went over in the corner to make it 16-28.
Still Warrington battled back as Appo jinked his way past four defenders to score a spectacular solo effort.
Leeds then had a try disallowed before breaking Wolves hearts six minutes from time as a length of the field move saw Walker win the race to the corner to complete the scoring.
While disappointed by the manner of the defeat Head Coach Paul Cullen praised his players for their effort but pinpointed the two knock ons and the sending off as the incidents which turned the game.
MOST peoples favourites for the relegation dog fight at the start of the season Warrington Wolves are now being tipped as top six contenders following their robust victory at London.
Superbly led by skipper Lee Briers, the Wolves recorded their second away victory of the season which took them to third in the table.
With Briers in inspirational form, in particular with his kicking game, the Wolves produced a stunning display of team work which snuffed out everything the Broncos could throw at them.
After watching the match former Great Britain star Phil Clarke, now a commentator for Sky Sports, said: "On this kind of showing I think Warrington have every chance of being a top six side this season."
It may be early days, but Warrington produced one of their best displays for a long time.
While they have looked good in patches during other games, they competed for the full 80, with forward Nick Fozzard constantly punching holes in the Broncos defence.
His break which led to Graham Appo's touchdown was top drawer stuff.
It was London who took the lead with a Tony Martin penalty but the Wolves were soon in front with tries from Sid Domic and Brent Grose.
Grose's effort came after Briers intercepted to send the Australian flier racing in from his own 20 metre line.
Leading 8-14 at the break Warrington soaked up plenty of Bronco's pressure and then added further tries through Ben Westwood and Ian Sibbit, before Appo added the icing on the cake. Briers rubbed salt in the wounds with a drop goal.
The Wolves showed their deterimination when they survived 10 minutes without Nat Wood, who had been sin binned in the 65th minute for taclking Jim Dimmock without the ball.
After the game a delighted Coach Paul Cullen ,said: "We beat them at their own game. We did exactly the same to them as they did to Hull the other week. "We tackled superbly and you couldn't notice when we were a man down. It is mission accomplished!"It was Warrington's biggest away victory since they won 12-40 at Huddersfield in August 1999.
FAILING to convert their opportunities cost Warrington dear as they were left still searching for their first win of the season at Wilderspool.
Missing their influential skipper Lee Briers with a shoulder injury, Warrington still had their chances with stand-in kicker Graham Appo showing great form with the boot as he landed five conversions.
If only he had managed to hang on to the ball when he had the line at his mercy and been able to hold onto a difficult pass with a clear run to the line, it could have been a memorable afternoon for the new crowd favourite.
The main difference between the sides was that Hull did take their chances to record their third Super League win of the season.
Former Warrington favourite Toa Kohe-Love punished his former club, setting up one try and scoring another and it is no great secret that New Zealand star would rather be plying his trade back in Warrington, after two seasons on Humberside.
With the scores locked at 14-14 at the break, with hooker Jon Clarke grabbing Warrington's try with a darting run the match was evenly balanced.
But despite being reduced to twelve men when Richard Fletcher was sin-binned it was the visitors who scored as Smith sent Kohe-Love over. Then full-back Steve Prescott, who was also in outstanding goal-kicking form scored the killer try but Jason Smith weighed in with a drop goal, followed by a late Prescott penalty.
After the match a disappointed head coach Paul Cullen said: "Our execution did not warrant a win.
"We established good field position and then simply did not execute. The limited amount of chances we presented to Hull they took and that was the difference."
The Wolves now face the difficult task of a trip to Bradford next weekend.
HERALDED as a "must win" match Warrington Coach Paul Cullen used last season's 50-10 defeat by Wakefield on the last day of last season as the pre-match build up.
Following Warrington's comprehensive victory, forgetting a second half blip when they allowed the visitors back into the game, Cullen said: "I have got every respect for Wakefield and one thing we spoke about many times in the build up to this game, was the humiliation we suffered at Belle Vue in the last game of last season.
"We were absolutely determined not to let that happen again.
"This Wakefield team is much better than the one that put 50 past us so I am delighted to come away with the victory."
Warrington, who led 22-6 early in the second half, were in total control until the visitors scored two tries in seven minutes.
But the Wolves stepped up a gear scoring 13 points in eleven minutes as Jon Clarke and Nick Fozzard crossed for tries with Lee Briers and Rob Smyth adding the conversions.
Briers also added a drop goal which made old boy Ian Knott's last minute try a late consolation for the visitors.
AFTER four consecutive defeats, something unheard of at Knowsley Road these days, someone was going to suffer and not surprisingly it was Warrington!
It has been an unhappy hunting ground for the Wolves since the launch of Super League as they have conceeded more than 50 points on each of their nine previous visits.
St Helens were in sparkling form as they routed Warrington with 10 tries to one - the Wolves solitary reply being Lee Penny's 100th career try in the 22nd minute - hardly an occasion to celebrate such a milestone.
Trailing 34-6 at the interval the match was over as a contest, particular as Saints scored within minutes of the re-start.
But to their credit the Wolves continued to battle and were unlucky not to increase their own score when Paul Noone was adjudged not to have got the ball down on crossing the line.
Head Coach Paul Cullen said: "We put the ball down four times in the first half and they scored four tries. We surrendered too much possession and paid the price.
"Saints showed us no mercy and now we have to turn our season back round by making sure we beat Widnes at Wilderspool on Saturday week."
WARRINGTON bounced back from their mauling at St Helens with an emphatic 34-6 victory over near neighbours Widnes in front of a crowd of more than 7,200.
It was the Vikings biggest post war defeat at Wilderspool and if skipper Lee Briers had not left his kicking boots at home the margin of victory could have been even greater.
It took just six minutes for the Wolves to breach the Widnes defence when man-of-the match Nat Wood sent centre Brent Grose over to make it 4-0.
Within three minutes the Wolves had extended their lead when second rower Jerome Guisset burst through to send winger Rob Smyth in at the corner. Briers converted from wide out to make it 10-0.
Widnes got their only try of the game after 13 minutes when Andy Hay raced onto a precision kick by Dean Lawford which was converted by Julian O'Neill.
But any chance of a Vikings fightback was snuffed out when a long pass by Briers split the defence wide open allowing Guisset to cross the line. Briers was on target to make it 16-6.
Graham Appo had a try disallowed before making amends when he went over in the corner to make it 20-6.
The Vikings didn't help their cause when Daniel France was sin binned for dissent and Warrington took full advantage of the extra man as centre Ian Sibbit went over just before the break to make it 24-6.
Within two minutes of the re-start the Wolves had extended their lead as Grose claimed his second try. Briers was wide with the conversion but later added a penalty to make it 30-6.
With the game won Warrington remained committed to defence adding just one more try through Paul Wood who burst through three would be tacklers to score. Briers was again off target.
It wasn't a pretty affair with a penalty count of 14-11 in Warrington's favour as both sides were constantly penalised for being-offside.
But the stop start affair probably saved Widnes from further embarrasment as Warrington could probably have amassed 50 plus points if Briers had been on top of his kicking game.
After the match a delighted head coach Paul Cullen said: "Mission accomplished! "We set out to get two points and that is exactly what we have done.
"We were still smarting from our defeat at St Helens and considered this a must win game!"
HEAD Coach Paul Cullen was delighted after seeing winger Graham Appo score his first hat-trick for the club as Warrington overwhelmed bottom of the league Halifax.
Commenting on Appo's performance Cullen said: "Appo has been unfortunate he hasn't scored in more games. He is a clever player and a good finisher.
"I am pleased with coming here, winning two valuable points and picking up no injuries."
After a bright start which saw the home team take a 2-0 lead with a Dane Dorahy penalty Warrington soon started to take control.
Mike Wainwright sent in scrum-half Nat Wood with Lee Briers adding the conversion to put the Wolves in front.
Then Paul Wood came straight off the subs bench to score making it 10-2.
Appo claimed his first after 26 minutes when Fax full-back Daryl Cardiss dropped Briers' towering kick to make it 16-2 at the break.
Ten minutes after the re-start Sid Domic scored and Briers converted to make it 22-2 and minutes later Wainwright had crossed the line from dummy half.
It was threatening to turn into a rout as warrington thought they had scored their third try in 10 minutes only for it to be ruled out for a forward pass.
The home team got their only try under the sticks from Cardiss but Warrington were soon back in control as Appo grabbed two tries in the last 15 minutes.
WARRINGTON were robbed of a famous victory as Wigan put the boot in during the dying seconds.
With just three minutes left on the clock the spirited Wolves were hanging on when they appeared to be unjustly penalised on the last tackle, allowing Wigan skipper Andy Farrell to level the scores with a penalty.
Then with just a minute left Warrington were again penalised allowing Wigan to set up the match winning drop-goal from Farrell just 30 seconds from the final hooter.
The victory was totally unjustified and left the Wolves players visibly gutted.
It was a sorry end to what had been a strong performance although Warrington were left to reflect on a couple of costly blunders, most notably, poor Lee Penny's fumble on his own try line which allowed Wigan back into a game they never looked like winning.
Warrington had started well, soaking up the Wigan pressure and took the lead when Sid Domic scored in the 18th minute after the young Wigan full-back Shaun Briscoe lost control of the ball over his own line. Lee Briers added the two to make it 0-6.
But seven minutes later the Warrington defence was caught flat-footed as Adrian Lam went over with Farrell's goal levelling the scores.
Back came Warrington and a Briers' kick was palmed back by Rob Smyth allowing Brent Grose to score. Briers landed a great conversion from wide out, to give the Wolves a deserved 6-12 half-time advantage.
After the re-start Wigan scored two tries in three minutes as Penny fumbled allowing his opposite number Briscoe to make amends for his earlier blunder.
Then poor tackling allowed Wigan to take advantage as Briscoe went over for his second try to put the home side 18-12 in front.
But back came Warrington as Briers tore through a huge gap to level the scores.
The Wolves captain then weighed in with two drop goals which looked to have set up what would have been a memorable night for the massed ranks of the "Barmy Army."
But it was not to be, although Warrington Coach Paul Cullen could take some resolve from his teams gutsy performance - as many Wigan fans, including past players, confessed after the game - "the best team lost!"
AFTER all their recent hard work Warrington returned to their old habits with a lack lustre performance against Castleford.
This was a vital match if Warrington were to keep their top six hopes alive - but they hardly got out of first gear against an eager Castleford outfit.
Head Coach Paul Cullen pulled no punches after the match, describing the Warrington performances as "ordinary" and stating that Castleford deserved to give them a "thrashing." He said: "Rugby League is a hard and cynical game and we got a slap in the face we throughly deserved."
Even an early try from Darren Burns which gave Warrington a 4-0 lead failed to provide the spark.
Warrington's performance was even more woeful, taking into consideration Castleford were injury ravaged and having to bring veteran prop Dean Sampson out of retirement, to make up numbers.
Sampson's enthusiam, even if it was only for 20 minutes, rubbed off on his team mates and he was also rewarded with a try any back would have been proud of.
A try by Lee Briers, who won the race to the ball after Nat Wood chipped through, just before the interval, failed to signal a Warrington fight back. Winger Rob Smyth claimed the Wolves third try but it was not enough on a very disappointing day at Wilderspool.
When Briers failed to find touch with a penalty late on, when they still had chance of snatching something from the game, it just about summed up Warrington's day!
WHILE Warrington's "barmy army" rejoiced at salvaging a point against Champions St Helens Head Coach Paul Cullen was left reflecting on the point which got away!
Cullen had clearly succeeded in firing up his troops following the lack lustre performance against Castleford - in fact the tackling was so fierce it appeared he had been feeding his players on raw meat.
But leading 18-10 at the break and scoring first in the second half it looked like Warrington were on course for only their second ever victory over St Helens in the Super League era.
Brent Grose had opened the scoring for Warrington after just three minutes after winger Anthony Stewart spilled the ball in a tough tackle from Lee Briers. Saints drew level through Mike Bennett but back came Warrington as Grose collected his second when the ball bounced kindly for ther Centre from a Briers kick.
Ex-Wolf Paul Sculthorpe cut the defecit to 12-10 before Warrington notched a third try in the 26th minute as Jon Clarke punched a hole in the defence.
When Jerome Guissett opened the scoring in the second half to make it 24-10 Warrington looked on course for a rare and memorable victory.
But even though they are going through difficult times St Helens are always dangerous when they throw the ball around.
They turned on the style with fast open rugby scoring four tries in a 17 minute blitz - alhtough two appeared to come from roward passes.
But their momentum was halted when a powerful tackle by Nick Fozzard left John Stankevitch being stretchered off with a broken leg.
Saints boss Ian Millward, who is not one to mince his words, was quick to say he saw nothing wrong in Fozzard's tackle.
Trailing 24-30 after the Saints revival Warrington were not to be denied a deserved point when full-back Lee Penny powered his way over behind the sticks allowing Briers a simple conversion.
Briers was then just wide with an attempted drop goal from half way which would have brought the house down if it had gone over.
But it was not to be although the performance showed warrington can compete with the best.
After the match Cullen said: "I am concerned we lost a point and that's not being cute or smart. However it is very encouraging to play so well against a side who were world champions not so long ago.
"We set out our stall not to be done by 60 points after being humbled and embarrassed at Knowsley Road on Easter Monday.
"Some of our guys should not have been on the field through injury and there were some exceptional efforts."Warrington Wolves were saddened by the news that life-long fan Dave Wood, 59 died after being taken to hospital in the second half of the match against St. Helens having suffered from a heart attack.
The club sends their condolences to his family and friends at this very difficult time.
There will be a minute's silence in tribute to Dave at the next home game against Bradford Bulls on Sunday 15th June, kick off 3.00pm.
WARRINGTON found themselves slipping alarmingly towards the wrong end of the table following a very disappointing defeat at Wakefield.
Trailing 10-0 after 32 minutes Warrington stepped up a gear with Lee Briers sending Rob Smyth on an unstoppable run followed by Brent Grose stretching his way over to give the visitors a surprise 10-12 half-time lead.
But the Wolves were unable to build on their fightback and were 'nilled' in the second half by a Wakefield outfit who displayed far more hunger.
After the match a disappointed Head Coach Paul Cullen said: "We came up against a side that was far more determined, more professional and more desperate for the win than we were.
"They completely knocked us out of our stride and you have to give them credit for that.
"Wakefield discovered our soft underbelly and the way that they aggressively played in offence and defence meant they deserved their victory.
"It was a bit rough and tough in there at times and our guys didn't like it."
Meanwhile his opposite number Shane McNally was pleased the way his side bounced back after being humiliated at Widnes the previous week.
Two early tries in the second period laid the platform for Wakefield to run away with the game, which if Warrington had won would have seen them enter the top six.
But defeat left them competing at the wrong end with Widnes, wakefield and Huddersfield.
Fortunately for Warrington and the others pointless Halifax seem doomed for the drop!
After such a disappointing performance the previous week at Wakefield, Warrington picked themselves up off the ropes and almost tackled the more powerful Bulls into submission.
They were just a couple of minutes away from a famous victory they thoroughly deserved, when referee Russell Smith blew for a technical penalty he could have blown for at any stage in the game against either side.
As a result the desperate Bulls were able to camp out on the Warrington line allowing Mike Forshaw to dummy his way over. Paul Deacon held his nerve to land a towering touchline conversion to level the scores at 20-20.
How could it happen? Warrington yet again denied a famous victory.
But it was to go from bad to worse.
From the re-start the title chasing Bulls, who have only lost two games all season, went for a 40-20 which would have given them head and feed at the scrum.
Young winger Dean Gaskell scampered back and made a desperate lunge to keep the ball in play. As a result he flicked it back into his in goal area allowing the chasing Scott Naylor to pounce for what must rank as the cruelest try of the season.
Deacon's missed conversion attempt was irrelevant as it proved to be the last kick of the game as the Wolves players were left totally dejected.
Robbed of Lee Briers just before the kick off with a ham string injury Head Coach Paul Cullen had to re-shuffle his cards but what a difference the drop-goal specialist and regular goal kicker could have made.
His stand-in Graham Appo, who had a top class game at full-back and finished off a sparkling try, missed a simple conversion attempt and was well wide with two drop goal attempts which could have broke Bradford's hearts.
But it was not to be Warrington's day.
After the match Cullen said: "It was a fantastic game and we turned in a very professional performance but it wasn't profesional enough.
"We put the ball down 10 times and Dean Gaskell was no more responsible for the result than anyone else who made a mistake.
"We couldn't put the final nail in but we proved we can compete with the top sides."
Even his opposite number Brian Noble admitted that the match winning try had been "freakish!"
"Warrington proved they are a very difficult side to beat at home but the win was reward for our effort and desire, although there is still plenty of improvement in us."
A last gasp try from full-back Graham Appo ensured Warrington a memorable victory in a thrill-a-minute derby at Widnes.
With the scores locked at 28-28 and Warrington on the back foot Appo was on hand to latch onto a wayward Julian O'Neill pass to race from inside his own half to score.
The victory came as a huge relief to the "barmy army" who have witnessed plenty of heartbreak this season, which looked set to be repeated after a whirlwind start.
The Wolves looked set to rattle up a cricket score as thery scored 16 points in as many minutes thanks to tries from Rob Smyth, Nathan Wood and an interception effort by Brent Grose. Lee Briers landed two conversions.
But Warrington couldn't maintain their intensity in the sweltering heat and appeared to run out of steam as Widnes hit back to trail bu just two points at the break with tries from substitute Phil Cantillon and Deon Bird. O'Neill landed both conversions and a penalty to make it 14-16 at the break.
When Widnes snatched the lead after 50 minutes with a Shane Millard effort, converted by O'Neill to make it 20-16 there looked to be only one winner. But Warrington hit back with Appo going over from acting half back to regain the lead. An O'Neill penalty levelled the scores.
Then Wolves substitute Gary Hulse was put in the clear to dart uner the sticks with almost his first touch of the ball and Briers added the two to make it 22-28. Briers was then wide with two drop goal attempts.
Back came Widnes as Lawford went over with just four minutes left on the clock to again level the scores to set up a grand stand visit.
Although Appo snatched victory with his race to the line Coach Paul Cullen may have something to say about the way he baited the trailing Widnes players, rather than improving the angle for Briers' conversion attempt which drifted wide.
The drama still wasn't over as Widnes had the line at their mercy in injury time but knocked on.
After the match Cullen priased the quality of the game. "It was an exceptional game which had everything - but Widnes almost made us pay as we should not have let a 16-0 lead slip.
"We were in control but then looked very ordinary for a while but never gave up."
IT was another nail biting finish as Warrington Wolves clung on for a dramatic victory over Huddersfield Giants.
Trailing 20-24 in the 71st minute the Wolves looked as though they could have been heading for a shock home defeat when up stepped man of the match Mark Hilton.
The veteran forward, celebrating the start of his testimonial season, powered through the Giants defence to score crucial try which was converted by Lee Briers to put the Wolves 26-25 in front.
Then Briers and Brent Grose combined to send winger Rob Smyth over for his second try of the game to give the Wolves valuable breathing space with Briers magnificient toughline conversion opening up an eight point gap.
But Huddersfield still managed to pull a try back and almost got another in injury time as Warrington were left hanging on for what Head Coach Paul Cullen described as a "massive two points."
It meant Warrington are already a point better off in the league than for the whole of last season and still have a chance of making the top six play offs.
Cullen praised Hilton for his performance saying: "I thought Mark worked exceptionally hard and was the best player on the field for a mile. I think he has done a little bit of work for one or two of his team mates.
"He thoroughly deserved his try and he deserves his Orgin call up on merit.
"We were a little short on effort and application but just had enough to come out with a win. We got the battle and the fight we expected from the Giants and I feel they are one of the most underated teams in the league." Warrington struggled in the centre of the park with play makers Briers and Nat Wood both looking as though they were carrying injuries.
AN inspired performance by Lee Briers was not enough to overcome league leaders Leeds at Headingley.
But Briers' inspirational display left one wondering why he has been omitted by the international selectors.
Woith the Wolves trailing 28-8 early in the second half Briers suddenly stepped up a gear scoring two inspirational tries in a four minute spell, converting both to bring Warrington right back into the game.
In fact it was Warrington who had the brighter start and it could have been a different result if winger Rob Smyth had not had a try disallowed in the 4th minute for a forward pass.
Warrington were also once again on the wrong end of some dubious refereeing decisions which influenced the outcome of the game and left Head Coach Paul Cullen bitterly disappointed.
He said: "I htought our performance was magnificent in very, very adverse conditions.
"The way we responded when the avalanche of decisions went against us speaks volumes for the character and skill of this side.
"The game changed on forward pass decisions. None of our guys have come up short today and they didn't seserve to be on the losing side.
"Lee was head and shoulders the best player on the field."
The way the travelling Warrington fans applauded the team at the end of the game, suggested they agreed with Cullen's sentiments.
ON the hottest day of the year Warrington Wolves were at their scorching best as they hammered London Broncos into submission with a whirlwind performance.
It took just 66 seconds for second rower Darren Burns to cut through the Broncos paper thin defence.
The opening try signalled an avalanche of fast attacking rugby as Warrington produced their best performance of the season againt their fellow top six contenders.
The stunning victory took Warrington into the top six and was their third win in four games. Half back Nat Wood was at his best as he carved up the Broncos and although he didn't get on the score sheet himself he made plenty of telling breaks and set up two tries.
With "mission completed" just before the break Wood was taken off to be rested as a precautionary measure as Head Coach Paul Cullen decided to protect his crown jewell for tougher assignments ahead.
Wood has certainly been a revelation this season after returning from his native Australia following minor knee surgery.
He was certainly missed in the second half as Warrington struggled to maintain their first half performance which saw a half-time score of 32-2. His half-back partner Lee Briers grabbed the man-of-the match award with his two tries and nine goals.
Burns added a second with warrington's other tries coming from Rob Smyth, twice, Jerome Guisett and Ian Sibbitt.
Cullen was clearly delighted with his team's performance, while London coach Tony Rae preferred to praise Warrington's "outstanding" performance, rather than examine his team's own short comings.
Now to continue with their top six push Warrington must do something they haven't managed to do all season - beat one of the five teams above them!
Words: Gary Skentelbery Photo: George Thornton
WARRINGTON edged themselves back into the top six race with a comprehensive 66-6 thrashing of basement club Halifax.
It took less than two minutes for hooker John Clarke to score as the Wolves showed no mercy against a hapless Halifax defence.
With star players Lee Briers and Sid Domic both missing it was Graham Appo who stole the limelight with a stunning display which brought him four tries and nine goals.
It just has to be hoped Warrington can hang on to this new fans favourite after already losing the popular Nick Fozzard to arch rivals St Helens.
Prior to the game Fozzard confirmed he had signed a three year deal with Saints.
Fozzard had to leave the field after 18 minutes with a facial injury which left a Halifax facing disciplinary action as the incident was placed on eport.
Warrington totally dominated the game and appeared to be able to score at will.
Others to get on the score sheet included Darren Burns twice, Brent Grose twice, Rob Smyth, Nat Wood and Gary Hulse as the Wolves ran riot.
Halifax's only score game in the 44th minute when Chris Birchall went over from what appeared to be a forward pass.
Warrington now face a make or break August if they want to compete in the end of season play offs, starting with Wigan at Wilderspool on Sunday, followed by tricky away trips to fellow top six contenders Castleford and London.Picture shows man-of-the-match Graham Appo scoring his 4th try and in full flight.
WARRINGTON suffeered another narrow defeat to arch rivals Wigan in a match they should and could have won.
Looking for revenge for the one point defeat at Wigan earlier in the season Warrington outplayed Wigan for much of the game but couldn't convert their possession into points.
They also missed golden opportunities to score as Ian Sibbit broke from his own half and was caught just short of the line and Lee Penny burst through with three players in support but failed to pass.
Then Ben Westwood appeared to dive over in the corner but was ruled to have gone into touch.
Wigan had just one chance and took it when substitute Gareth Hock took Terry Newton's pass to go over. Andy Farrell landed the conversion after Graham Appo had earlier given the Wolves a 2-0 lead with a penalty.
Warrington finally got a try in the 52nd minute when a towering 'bomb' by Darren Burns was collected by nat Wood who touched down. Appo added the two to make it 8-6.
Then Appo raced 50 yards to score under the posts and added the conversion to put the Wolves in command at 14-6.
But whether they lacked belief or simply ran out of steam, Warrington crumbled in the last 10 minutes allowing Wigan to score with two sucker punches to grab the spoils.
After the match Coach Paul Cullen said: "The defeat is a concern because we had the shape and structure sufficient to win.
"The vast majority of our players excelled themselves but we failed to hold our nerve and lacked the composure to capitalise on the chances we created."
But it was a winning return to Wilderspool for former Club captain Mike Gregory, who was in charge of his first game following the sacking of Stuart Raper.
He said: "I'll enjoy this success and it was an emotional occasion in my first match, especially at my old club."
WARRINGTON kept their top six hopes alive with a vital victory at Castleford.
Coach Paul Cullen was delighted with the victory which he said was founded on a tremendous display by the pack.
"I can not pay our forwards enough credit," he said. "I thought our defensive effort was absolutely breathtaking.
"In fact the effort from all our 17 players was first class. I counted only one clean break against the Warrington line in the full 80 minutes."
The victory was sweet revenge for a home defeat by the Tigers in May.
Although the home side scored first through winger Paul Mellor, Graham Appo levelled with two penalties.
Then two tries just before half time from Paul Wood and Nathan Wood, followed by one after the interval by Sid Domic put the Wolves in control.
Castleford rallied with tries from Andy Johnson and Wayne Godwin but Warrington made sure in the closing stages when Brent Grose went over in the corner and Appo held his nerve to land the goal.
Nat Wood added the final score with a drop goal.
COACH Paul Cullen was left bitterly disappointed after watching his team give London only their second home win of the season.
The defeat saw Warrington drop to eighth in the table as they were leap frogged by the Broncos and Widnes.
Cullen said: "We got what we deserved. We were indisciplined and impatient and paid the price.
"We have done ourselves no favours today. I honestly don't think we could play as badly again if we tried."
Warrington conceded far too many penalties and squandered possession.
It took the Broncos just three minutes to open the scoring through Nigel Roy, after being set up by Denis Moran who had just announced signing a new three year deal with the club.
Despite dominating the next 20 minutes they only added three Chris Thorman penalties.
The Wolves gave their travelling fans some hope after 31 minutes when Nat Wood jinked his way to the line after shaking off three tacklers.
But the Broncos added a 4th penalty just before half-time when Graham Appo was penalised and put on report for a high tackle.
The Broncos scored first in the second half when Jim Dymock sent Paul Sykes in at the corner but they were unable to kill off Warrington.
The home side endured sustained pressure but Warrington could only addd one more score from the influential Appo nine minutes from time.
But the Broncos made sure of a rare home win when Thorman added a drop goal five minutes from time.
WARRINGTON’s third victory in a row over Widnes in the Tetley’s Super League must have left coach Paul Cullen wondering why the Wolves are only one place above the Vikings, level on points.
Neither club can count on a place in the top six play-offs - the prize both are both intent on winning.
Warrington’s win was pretty convincing, even though Widnes made the early running.
Widnes prop Robert Relf forced his way over from a Shane Millard pass and Jules O’Neill converted before grabbing a pair of penalties, both awarded against Wolves forward Darren Burns.
It was only then that Warrington began to make an impression.
A try from Paul Wood got things moving and two minutes later, new signing Daryl Cardiss swept through a gap to score from a pass from Nathan Wood. Graham Appo converted to level the score at 10-10 at half-time.
Three minutes into the second half, Sid Domic latched on to a pass from Brent Grose to score and then Appo brushed aside a weak tackle from Andy Hay to make it two tries in two minutes.
Wood scored a superb try from a good pass from Appo and Cardiss converted.
In the closing stages Widnes began to make more of an impression and Stuart Spruce found a rare gap to score. O’Neill converted to narrow the gap to 10 points.
But Ben Westwood settled matters with a try in the corner.
The result left both clubs level on points with sixth placed Hull, with four rounds left before the play-offs.
After the game Paul Cullen said: “I believe the battle for the top six will go to the wire.”
He is right, of course. And neither Woves nor Vikings can be assured of being there at the finish.
WARRINGTON were desperately unlucky to come away from Leeds without a point - but coach Paul Cullen was upbeat in his assessment of the game.
Wolves, he said, had a new mental toughness which augured well for the future of the club.
"Gone are the days when Leeds are putting 50 points passed Warrington. It was an excellent performance from s and one we can feel very, very proud of.
"The guts and effort of all 17 of my players was remarkable and that gives me great hope ahead of our last three games."
In fact it was just a couple of mistakes in the closing stages of the game that let Leeds end a run of three games without a win.
Andrew Dunemann scored a late try after a Warrington defensive error - and Graham Appo missed a simple conversion five minutes from time.
But before that Wolves had given a good account of themselves. They had taken the lead through Ben Westwood after only six minutes and Leeds led by just four points at half-time. But after 47 minutes Danny McGuire scored a try to steady the home side's nerves.
Warrington came back with tries from Ben Westwood and Appo before Francis Cummins tried to put Leeds six points clear. Nathan Wood pulled a try back but Appo missed the conversion and with Dunemann's late try Leeds were able to claim a flattering victory.
By Sports staff
WARRINGTON made heavy weather of beating bottom of the league Halifax who equalled their club record of 25 successive defeats.
Already relegated, Halifax looked like the team battling for a top six spot as they took a shock 16-18 half-time lead.
In fact they held the lead until the 56th minute when Darren Burns scored his second try of the game and Graham Appo converted to make it 22-18.
The visitors then had Jaymes Chapman sin-binned for interference at the play-the-ball and the Wolves took full advantage as they scored three tries in seven minutes to seal victory.
Dean Gaskell, Martin Gleeson and Ben Westwood all touched down for the Wolves and Appo added all three conversions to give Warrington a flattering winning margin.
The expected avalanche of points for the Wolves looked like happening when full-back Lee Penny crossed for the 100th try of his Warrington career after just three minutes but Halifax kicked back with a spectacular 90m try by winger Rikki Sheriffe and he repeated the act four minutes later when he touched down Liam Finn's kick.
Finn added both conversions to give the visitors a shock 12-6 lead.
Warrington drew level midway through the first half through Westwood's first try of the game, which Appo converted but Halifax went in front again when Lee Finnerty touched down and Finn kicked his third goal of the first half.
The Wolves did pull a try back through Burns, although Halifax were good value for their 18-16 interval lead.
Warrington's late avalanche of points gave them a flattering scoreline.Pictures show Graham Appo with a defence splitting pass and Nat Wood held over the line.
Report and pictures by Gary Skentelbery
WARRINGTON Wolves signed off their final Super League game at Wilderspool in style, thrashing Wakefield and setting up a mouthwatering play-offs clash with Wigan at the JJB next Saturday.
With emotions running high in front of a sell out 9,261 crowd, Warrington responded to the occasion with some of their best rugby of the season.
Half-back Graham Appo, who looks set to sign a new contract with the club, was in electric form, scoring his third hat-trick of the season and landing a perfect 10 goals for a personal points tally of 32.
Although Appo stood out as the star man, it was a complete team performance as wakefield didn't just turn up to make the numbers. Warrington had to be at their tough tackling best to restrict the visitors to just two second half scores.
In the first half Warrington played near perfect rugby spurred on by a wild crowd rattling up 32 points without reply.
Super Sid Domic opened the scoring in the 8th minute after good work by Mike Wainwright and Dean Gaskell. Appo added the goal and then 10 minutes later scored his first try after being set up by centre Brent Grose.
Five minutes later Appo added his second after a great break by Ben Westwood and the supporting Grose.
On 37 minutes Nat Wood made a great break setting up a try for Paul Noone and then deep in injury time Westwood went over in the corner against his old club, with Appo again landing a fine touchline conversion.
Early in the second half Wakefield ensured they hadn't just turned up to make up the numbers as they got their first score. But as the visitors piled on the pressure it was Appo who came to the rescue with a stunning length of the field interception try, which he then converted.
On the hour Westwood snuffed out any threat of a Wakefield comeback as he collected his second try.
The visitors did attempt to spoil the party atmosphere with their second try but Appo then slotted over a penalty before Domic brought the house down and the 50 points up with a try deep in injury try. Appo made sure of his 100 per cent kicking record to crown a faultless performance and a personal points tally of 200 for the season.Pictures show the final team photo call at Wilderspool, the barmy army and mascot Wolfie, sponsored by warrington-worldwide.
Words: Gary Skentelbery Pictures: George Thornton
WARRINGTON Coach Paul Cullen has urged Wigan to give the full-time coaching job to his former team mate Mike Gregory after seeing his gutsy Wolves go down 25-12 in a thrilling play-off eliminator.
The Wolves rocked Wigan to their foundations in a pulsating first half which saw them take a 6-12 half time lead thanks to tries from Darren Burns and an 80 metres interception solo effort from Nat Wood.
But once the Warriors had overcome the handicap of two first half sin binnings and losing skipper Andy Farrell with a knee injury, they gradually took control to clinch a play-off semi-final with arch rivals St Helens.
After the match Cullen said: "I'd love to see Mike Gregory get the job. I think his contribution to the run-in form that Wigan have come into the play-offs deserves acknowledgement and full credit."
Meanwhile Gregory confessed that the scoreline flattered his team as Warrington knocked Wigan out of their stride in the first half.Picture shows Nat Wood flying for the line with his interception try and Ben Westwood who was halted by Kris Radlinski.
A complete round up of the Wolves' 2003 Super League campaign
Warrington 12 Bradford Bulls 38
Wolves pay
the penalty
by Gary Skentelbery
LEADING 12-4 after half an hour Warrington Wolves looked well capable of pulling off a shock Powergen Challenge Cup victory over Bradford Bulls at Wilderspool.
But a combination of poor refereeing decisions and injuries proved costly against one of the strongest teams in Super League.
After an exchange of penalties Darren Burns powered over to put the Wolves 8-2 in front following Lee Briers conversion.
But after losing winger Rob Smyth in the opening minutes through injury as he put his body on the line to stop the Bulls scoring and then losing full-back Lee Penny with a leg injury, it took its toll on the Wolves as the Bulls plugged away, aided by a number of favourable refereeing decisions.
The lively Robbie Paul eventually pulled the Bulls back into the game and when stand-in full-back Graham Appo was sin binned, Paul Deacon was able to slot over his 4th goal of the afternoon to level the scores 12-12 at the interval. Warrington's other points had come from the boot of Briers.
Starting the second half a man down it only took a couple of minutes for the visotrs to take advantage as Lesley Vainikolo powered his way over in the corner.
Refree Bob Connolly continued to frustrate the Wolves and Sid Domic was the next to be sin binned as he booted the ball away in frustration.
Before he was back on the pitch the Bulls had taken the game out of sight as Leon Pryce cut through the ineffective Appo followed by Vainikolo going over again in the corner.
Scott Naylor rubbed the final salt in the wounds as Deacon banged over his 7th goal of the afternoon.
Briers was the third Warrington player to feel the wrath of Connolly as he was despatched to the sin bin, meaning warrington played half an hour of the game reduced to 12 men - too much of a handicap against a team like the Bulls, who took advantage of the situation.
Warrington should not be disheartened by the final score line. Although Bradford are a stronger team the Wolves showed plenty of commitment and eventually paid the penalty for their frustrations at the poor refereeing decisions.
Huddersfield Giants 8 Warrington Wolves 20
Wolves win opener
By Sports staff
WARRINGTON Wolves survived a rugged battle against newly promoted Huddersfield to start Super League VIII with a vital away victory.
The Wolves dominated the first half leading 0-16 at the interval, thanks to two tries from Aussie signing Brent Grose.
Skipper Lee Briers weighed in with four conversions but in reality the lead should have been much greater, as stand-in full-back Graham Appo "bombed" two scoring chances, being held up over the line after a 40 yard break and then being penalised for a double movement.
Had the two scores counted Warrington would have been out of sight.
Instead they were forced to batten down the hatches in a second half slog, which didn't make a pretty spectacle.
The Giants changed their tactics and picked out Briers for some "rough" treatment with Darren Fleary spending 10 minutes in the sin bin after a late tackle and together with Stanley Gene, who also targetted Briers with a blow to the head. Fleary and Gene were both placed on report n will be lucky to escape without further punishment.
With Nick Fozzard and Darren Burns both missing in the second half through injury Warrington found it heavy going.
The Giants gave themselves hope when Brendan Costin chip kicked over for Hefia O'Hare to score wide out to make it 4-16.
A Briers penalty gave the Wolves some breathing space but midway through the second half Huddersfield narrowed the gap to just 10 points when winger Marcus St Hilaire scored in the corner.
The Wolves withstood a lot of pressure before Briers added the final score of the half with a penalty six minutes from time.
Head Coach Paul Cullen was pleased with the two points.
"We came here to do a job which was to go home with two points in the bag, which is something we achieved," he said.
It was Huddersfield's first home defeat in more than 12 months after going all of last season unbeaten at the McAlpine.
Warrington Wolves 22 Leeds Rhinos 32
Battling Wolves gift
game to Leeds
by Gary Skentelbery
WARRINGTON'S new found fighting spirit proved costly as they were reduced to 12 men just before the interval as Prop Nick Fozzard was given his marching orders for allegedly head butting Leeds prop Barrie McDermott.
Fozzard, with a point to prove against his former club, had earlier been placed on report for an alleged high tackle on Leeds skipper Kevin Sinfield.
It could have been a different story for the Wolves who for 20 minutes gave the visitors the run around, taking a 6-0 lead thanks to a Sid Domic try and Lee Briers penalty.
But Warrington "gifted" the game to Leeds with a number of avoidable incidents.
The Wolves could have been 8-0 up had Nat Wood allowed Briers the chance to take an easy penalty kick instead of opting to run the ball. It was Wood who was then penalised allowing Mark Calderwood to level the scores.
Dave Furner edged the visitors in front with his second goal and then Gary Connolly forced his way over in the 27th minute which Furner again goaled to put daylight between the teams.
Briers added a penalty but then the turning point in the game arrived as Fozzard surrendered possession allowing Matt Adamson to score for the visitors.
After awarding the try referee Steve Ganson gave Fozzard his marching orders, indicating that the prop had used his head on McDermott.
trailing 8-18 at the interval and down to 12 men the Wolves battled back bravely and were given some hope when stand-in full-back Graham Appo, scored the first of his two tries.
Briers conversion followed by a penalty made it 16-18 in the 46th minute.
Then hooker Mark Gleeson had a try disallowed for a knock on in back play.
After soaking up some presure Mike Wainwright "gifted" the ball to Leeds, knocking on near his own line and from the scrum centre Keith Senior charged over. Leeds then made the extra man count as Chev walker went over in the corner to make it 16-28.
Still Warrington battled back as Appo jinked his way past four defenders to score a spectacular solo effort.
Leeds then had a try disallowed before breaking Wolves hearts six minutes from time as a length of the field move saw Walker win the race to the corner to complete the scoring.
While disappointed by the manner of the defeat Head Coach Paul Cullen praised his players for their effort but pinpointed the two knock ons and the sending off as the incidents which turned the game.
London Broncos 8 Warrington Wolves 29
Wolves tipped
for top six!
by Gary Skentelbery
MOST peoples favourites for the relegation dog fight at the start of the season Warrington Wolves are now being tipped as top six contenders following their robust victory at London.
Superbly led by skipper Lee Briers, the Wolves recorded their second away victory of the season which took them to third in the table.
With Briers in inspirational form, in particular with his kicking game, the Wolves produced a stunning display of team work which snuffed out everything the Broncos could throw at them.
After watching the match former Great Britain star Phil Clarke, now a commentator for Sky Sports, said: "On this kind of showing I think Warrington have every chance of being a top six side this season."
It may be early days, but Warrington produced one of their best displays for a long time.
While they have looked good in patches during other games, they competed for the full 80, with forward Nick Fozzard constantly punching holes in the Broncos defence.
His break which led to Graham Appo's touchdown was top drawer stuff.
It was London who took the lead with a Tony Martin penalty but the Wolves were soon in front with tries from Sid Domic and Brent Grose.
Grose's effort came after Briers intercepted to send the Australian flier racing in from his own 20 metre line.
Leading 8-14 at the break Warrington soaked up plenty of Bronco's pressure and then added further tries through Ben Westwood and Ian Sibbit, before Appo added the icing on the cake. Briers rubbed salt in the wounds with a drop goal.
The Wolves showed their deterimination when they survived 10 minutes without Nat Wood, who had been sin binned in the 65th minute for taclking Jim Dimmock without the ball.
After the game a delighted Coach Paul Cullen ,said: "We beat them at their own game. We did exactly the same to them as they did to Hull the other week. "We tackled superbly and you couldn't notice when we were a man down. It is mission accomplished!"
Warrington Wolves 14 Hull 27
Wolves fail to
convert chances
by Gary Skentelbery
FAILING to convert their opportunities cost Warrington dear as they were left still searching for their first win of the season at Wilderspool.
Missing their influential skipper Lee Briers with a shoulder injury, Warrington still had their chances with stand-in kicker Graham Appo showing great form with the boot as he landed five conversions.
If only he had managed to hang on to the ball when he had the line at his mercy and been able to hold onto a difficult pass with a clear run to the line, it could have been a memorable afternoon for the new crowd favourite.
The main difference between the sides was that Hull did take their chances to record their third Super League win of the season.
Former Warrington favourite Toa Kohe-Love punished his former club, setting up one try and scoring another and it is no great secret that New Zealand star would rather be plying his trade back in Warrington, after two seasons on Humberside.
With the scores locked at 14-14 at the break, with hooker Jon Clarke grabbing Warrington's try with a darting run the match was evenly balanced.
But despite being reduced to twelve men when Richard Fletcher was sin-binned it was the visitors who scored as Smith sent Kohe-Love over. Then full-back Steve Prescott, who was also in outstanding goal-kicking form scored the killer try but Jason Smith weighed in with a drop goal, followed by a late Prescott penalty.
After the match a disappointed head coach Paul Cullen said: "Our execution did not warrant a win.
"We established good field position and then simply did not execute. The limited amount of chances we presented to Hull they took and that was the difference."
The Wolves now face the difficult task of a trip to Bradford next weekend.
Bradford Bulls 32 Warrington Wolves 8
Wolves blitzed by
whirlwind Bulls
By Sports staff
A WHIRLWIND start by Bradford Bulls saw them seal victory in a breathtaking 12 minute opening which saw them 20-0 up before Warrington even had a chance to touch the ball - other than to kick off and re-start!
After the match Warrington's Head Coach Paul Cullen said: "I don't think I have ever known a game in which one side didn't touch the ball for the first 15 minutes.
"Bradford were excellent. They had an almost perfect start and we didn't do all that much wrong."
But Cullen was also quick to praise the spirit of his own team, who restricted the Bulls to just one second half score.
"We showed plenty of character and I can't ask for anymore than that," he said.
Warrington did get on the score sheet themselves through Mark Hilton and Sid Domic but they had no answer to the power of Vainikolo, who plundered the try line twice for the Bulls who crossed for a total of six tries in front of a crowd of 15,540.
Warrington Wolves 35 Wakefield Wildcats 20
'Must Win' victory
for Wolves
HERALDED as a "must win" match Warrington Coach Paul Cullen used last season's 50-10 defeat by Wakefield on the last day of last season as the pre-match build up.
Following Warrington's comprehensive victory, forgetting a second half blip when they allowed the visitors back into the game, Cullen said: "I have got every respect for Wakefield and one thing we spoke about many times in the build up to this game, was the humiliation we suffered at Belle Vue in the last game of last season.
"We were absolutely determined not to let that happen again.
"This Wakefield team is much better than the one that put 50 past us so I am delighted to come away with the victory."
Warrington, who led 22-6 early in the second half, were in total control until the visitors scored two tries in seven minutes.
But the Wolves stepped up a gear scoring 13 points in eleven minutes as Jon Clarke and Nick Fozzard crossed for tries with Lee Briers and Rob Smyth adding the conversions.
Briers also added a drop goal which made old boy Ian Knott's last minute try a late consolation for the visitors.
St Helens 56 Warrington Wolves 6
Sizzling Saints
sink Wolves
AFTER four consecutive defeats, something unheard of at Knowsley Road these days, someone was going to suffer and not surprisingly it was Warrington!
It has been an unhappy hunting ground for the Wolves since the launch of Super League as they have conceeded more than 50 points on each of their nine previous visits.
St Helens were in sparkling form as they routed Warrington with 10 tries to one - the Wolves solitary reply being Lee Penny's 100th career try in the 22nd minute - hardly an occasion to celebrate such a milestone.
Trailing 34-6 at the interval the match was over as a contest, particular as Saints scored within minutes of the re-start.
But to their credit the Wolves continued to battle and were unlucky not to increase their own score when Paul Noone was adjudged not to have got the ball down on crossing the line.
Head Coach Paul Cullen said: "We put the ball down four times in the first half and they scored four tries. We surrendered too much possession and paid the price.
"Saints showed us no mercy and now we have to turn our season back round by making sure we beat Widnes at Wilderspool on Saturday week."
Warrington Wolves 34 Widnes Vikings 6
Wolves maul Vikings
WARRINGTON bounced back from their mauling at St Helens with an emphatic 34-6 victory over near neighbours Widnes in front of a crowd of more than 7,200.
It was the Vikings biggest post war defeat at Wilderspool and if skipper Lee Briers had not left his kicking boots at home the margin of victory could have been even greater.
It took just six minutes for the Wolves to breach the Widnes defence when man-of-the match Nat Wood sent centre Brent Grose over to make it 4-0.
Within three minutes the Wolves had extended their lead when second rower Jerome Guisset burst through to send winger Rob Smyth in at the corner. Briers converted from wide out to make it 10-0.
Widnes got their only try of the game after 13 minutes when Andy Hay raced onto a precision kick by Dean Lawford which was converted by Julian O'Neill.
But any chance of a Vikings fightback was snuffed out when a long pass by Briers split the defence wide open allowing Guisset to cross the line. Briers was on target to make it 16-6.
Graham Appo had a try disallowed before making amends when he went over in the corner to make it 20-6.
The Vikings didn't help their cause when Daniel France was sin binned for dissent and Warrington took full advantage of the extra man as centre Ian Sibbit went over just before the break to make it 24-6.
Within two minutes of the re-start the Wolves had extended their lead as Grose claimed his second try. Briers was wide with the conversion but later added a penalty to make it 30-6.
With the game won Warrington remained committed to defence adding just one more try through Paul Wood who burst through three would be tacklers to score. Briers was again off target.
It wasn't a pretty affair with a penalty count of 14-11 in Warrington's favour as both sides were constantly penalised for being-offside.
But the stop start affair probably saved Widnes from further embarrasment as Warrington could probably have amassed 50 plus points if Briers had been on top of his kicking game.
After the match a delighted head coach Paul Cullen said: "Mission accomplished! "We set out to get two points and that is exactly what we have done.
"We were still smarting from our defeat at St Helens and considered this a must win game!"
Halifax 8 Warrington 38
Cullen happy for
hat-trick hero
HEAD Coach Paul Cullen was delighted after seeing winger Graham Appo score his first hat-trick for the club as Warrington overwhelmed bottom of the league Halifax.
Commenting on Appo's performance Cullen said: "Appo has been unfortunate he hasn't scored in more games. He is a clever player and a good finisher.
"I am pleased with coming here, winning two valuable points and picking up no injuries."
After a bright start which saw the home team take a 2-0 lead with a Dane Dorahy penalty Warrington soon started to take control.
Mike Wainwright sent in scrum-half Nat Wood with Lee Briers adding the conversion to put the Wolves in front.
Then Paul Wood came straight off the subs bench to score making it 10-2.
Appo claimed his first after 26 minutes when Fax full-back Daryl Cardiss dropped Briers' towering kick to make it 16-2 at the break.
Ten minutes after the re-start Sid Domic scored and Briers converted to make it 22-2 and minutes later Wainwright had crossed the line from dummy half.
It was threatening to turn into a rout as warrington thought they had scored their third try in 10 minutes only for it to be ruled out for a forward pass.
The home team got their only try under the sticks from Cardiss but Warrington were soon back in control as Appo grabbed two tries in the last 15 minutes.
Wigan 21 Warrington 20
Best team lost!
by Gary Skentelbery
WARRINGTON were robbed of a famous victory as Wigan put the boot in during the dying seconds.
With just three minutes left on the clock the spirited Wolves were hanging on when they appeared to be unjustly penalised on the last tackle, allowing Wigan skipper Andy Farrell to level the scores with a penalty.
Then with just a minute left Warrington were again penalised allowing Wigan to set up the match winning drop-goal from Farrell just 30 seconds from the final hooter.
The victory was totally unjustified and left the Wolves players visibly gutted.
It was a sorry end to what had been a strong performance although Warrington were left to reflect on a couple of costly blunders, most notably, poor Lee Penny's fumble on his own try line which allowed Wigan back into a game they never looked like winning.
Warrington had started well, soaking up the Wigan pressure and took the lead when Sid Domic scored in the 18th minute after the young Wigan full-back Shaun Briscoe lost control of the ball over his own line. Lee Briers added the two to make it 0-6.
But seven minutes later the Warrington defence was caught flat-footed as Adrian Lam went over with Farrell's goal levelling the scores.
Back came Warrington and a Briers' kick was palmed back by Rob Smyth allowing Brent Grose to score. Briers landed a great conversion from wide out, to give the Wolves a deserved 6-12 half-time advantage.
After the re-start Wigan scored two tries in three minutes as Penny fumbled allowing his opposite number Briscoe to make amends for his earlier blunder.
Then poor tackling allowed Wigan to take advantage as Briscoe went over for his second try to put the home side 18-12 in front.
But back came Warrington as Briers tore through a huge gap to level the scores.
The Wolves captain then weighed in with two drop goals which looked to have set up what would have been a memorable night for the massed ranks of the "Barmy Army."
But it was not to be, although Warrington Coach Paul Cullen could take some resolve from his teams gutsy performance - as many Wigan fans, including past players, confessed after the game - "the best team lost!"
Warrington Wolves 16 Castleford 32
Wolves fail
to deliver
by Gary Skentelbery
AFTER all their recent hard work Warrington returned to their old habits with a lack lustre performance against Castleford.
This was a vital match if Warrington were to keep their top six hopes alive - but they hardly got out of first gear against an eager Castleford outfit.
Head Coach Paul Cullen pulled no punches after the match, describing the Warrington performances as "ordinary" and stating that Castleford deserved to give them a "thrashing." He said: "Rugby League is a hard and cynical game and we got a slap in the face we throughly deserved."
Even an early try from Darren Burns which gave Warrington a 4-0 lead failed to provide the spark.
Warrington's performance was even more woeful, taking into consideration Castleford were injury ravaged and having to bring veteran prop Dean Sampson out of retirement, to make up numbers.
Sampson's enthusiam, even if it was only for 20 minutes, rubbed off on his team mates and he was also rewarded with a try any back would have been proud of.
A try by Lee Briers, who won the race to the ball after Nat Wood chipped through, just before the interval, failed to signal a Warrington fight back. Winger Rob Smyth claimed the Wolves third try but it was not enough on a very disappointing day at Wilderspool.
When Briers failed to find touch with a penalty late on, when they still had chance of snatching something from the game, it just about summed up Warrington's day!
Warrington Wolves 30 St Helens 30
Wolves regain hunger
to salvage a point
by Gary Skentelbery
WHILE Warrington's "barmy army" rejoiced at salvaging a point against Champions St Helens Head Coach Paul Cullen was left reflecting on the point which got away!
Cullen had clearly succeeded in firing up his troops following the lack lustre performance against Castleford - in fact the tackling was so fierce it appeared he had been feeding his players on raw meat.
But leading 18-10 at the break and scoring first in the second half it looked like Warrington were on course for only their second ever victory over St Helens in the Super League era.
Brent Grose had opened the scoring for Warrington after just three minutes after winger Anthony Stewart spilled the ball in a tough tackle from Lee Briers. Saints drew level through Mike Bennett but back came Warrington as Grose collected his second when the ball bounced kindly for ther Centre from a Briers kick.
Ex-Wolf Paul Sculthorpe cut the defecit to 12-10 before Warrington notched a third try in the 26th minute as Jon Clarke punched a hole in the defence.
When Jerome Guissett opened the scoring in the second half to make it 24-10 Warrington looked on course for a rare and memorable victory.
But even though they are going through difficult times St Helens are always dangerous when they throw the ball around.
They turned on the style with fast open rugby scoring four tries in a 17 minute blitz - alhtough two appeared to come from roward passes.
But their momentum was halted when a powerful tackle by Nick Fozzard left John Stankevitch being stretchered off with a broken leg.
Saints boss Ian Millward, who is not one to mince his words, was quick to say he saw nothing wrong in Fozzard's tackle.
Trailing 24-30 after the Saints revival Warrington were not to be denied a deserved point when full-back Lee Penny powered his way over behind the sticks allowing Briers a simple conversion.
Briers was then just wide with an attempted drop goal from half way which would have brought the house down if it had gone over.
But it was not to be although the performance showed warrington can compete with the best.
After the match Cullen said: "I am concerned we lost a point and that's not being cute or smart. However it is very encouraging to play so well against a side who were world champions not so long ago.
"We set out our stall not to be done by 60 points after being humbled and embarrassed at Knowsley Road on Easter Monday.
"Some of our guys should not have been on the field through injury and there were some exceptional efforts."
The club sends their condolences to his family and friends at this very difficult time.
There will be a minute's silence in tribute to Dave at the next home game against Bradford Bulls on Sunday 15th June, kick off 3.00pm.
Wakefield Wildcats 32 Warrington 12
Wildcats claw
sorry Wolves
by Gary Skentelbery
WARRINGTON found themselves slipping alarmingly towards the wrong end of the table following a very disappointing defeat at Wakefield.
Trailing 10-0 after 32 minutes Warrington stepped up a gear with Lee Briers sending Rob Smyth on an unstoppable run followed by Brent Grose stretching his way over to give the visitors a surprise 10-12 half-time lead.
But the Wolves were unable to build on their fightback and were 'nilled' in the second half by a Wakefield outfit who displayed far more hunger.
After the match a disappointed Head Coach Paul Cullen said: "We came up against a side that was far more determined, more professional and more desperate for the win than we were.
"They completely knocked us out of our stride and you have to give them credit for that.
"Wakefield discovered our soft underbelly and the way that they aggressively played in offence and defence meant they deserved their victory.
"It was a bit rough and tough in there at times and our guys didn't like it."
Meanwhile his opposite number Shane McNally was pleased the way his side bounced back after being humiliated at Widnes the previous week.
Two early tries in the second period laid the platform for Wakefield to run away with the game, which if Warrington had won would have seen them enter the top six.
But defeat left them competing at the wrong end with Widnes, wakefield and Huddersfield.
Fortunately for Warrington and the others pointless Halifax seem doomed for the drop!
Warrington Wolves 20 Bradford Bulls 24
Will Wolves' bad
luck ever change?
by Gary Skentelbery
After such a disappointing performance the previous week at Wakefield, Warrington picked themselves up off the ropes and almost tackled the more powerful Bulls into submission.
They were just a couple of minutes away from a famous victory they thoroughly deserved, when referee Russell Smith blew for a technical penalty he could have blown for at any stage in the game against either side.
As a result the desperate Bulls were able to camp out on the Warrington line allowing Mike Forshaw to dummy his way over. Paul Deacon held his nerve to land a towering touchline conversion to level the scores at 20-20.
How could it happen? Warrington yet again denied a famous victory.
But it was to go from bad to worse.
From the re-start the title chasing Bulls, who have only lost two games all season, went for a 40-20 which would have given them head and feed at the scrum.
Young winger Dean Gaskell scampered back and made a desperate lunge to keep the ball in play. As a result he flicked it back into his in goal area allowing the chasing Scott Naylor to pounce for what must rank as the cruelest try of the season.
Deacon's missed conversion attempt was irrelevant as it proved to be the last kick of the game as the Wolves players were left totally dejected.
Robbed of Lee Briers just before the kick off with a ham string injury Head Coach Paul Cullen had to re-shuffle his cards but what a difference the drop-goal specialist and regular goal kicker could have made.
His stand-in Graham Appo, who had a top class game at full-back and finished off a sparkling try, missed a simple conversion attempt and was well wide with two drop goal attempts which could have broke Bradford's hearts.
But it was not to be Warrington's day.
After the match Cullen said: "It was a fantastic game and we turned in a very professional performance but it wasn't profesional enough.
"We put the ball down 10 times and Dean Gaskell was no more responsible for the result than anyone else who made a mistake.
"We couldn't put the final nail in but we proved we can compete with the top sides."
Even his opposite number Brian Noble admitted that the match winning try had been "freakish!"
"Warrington proved they are a very difficult side to beat at home but the win was reward for our effort and desire, although there is still plenty of improvement in us."
Widnes 28 Warrington 32
Appo snatches victory
in thrilling derby
A last gasp try from full-back Graham Appo ensured Warrington a memorable victory in a thrill-a-minute derby at Widnes.
With the scores locked at 28-28 and Warrington on the back foot Appo was on hand to latch onto a wayward Julian O'Neill pass to race from inside his own half to score.
The victory came as a huge relief to the "barmy army" who have witnessed plenty of heartbreak this season, which looked set to be repeated after a whirlwind start.
The Wolves looked set to rattle up a cricket score as thery scored 16 points in as many minutes thanks to tries from Rob Smyth, Nathan Wood and an interception effort by Brent Grose. Lee Briers landed two conversions.
But Warrington couldn't maintain their intensity in the sweltering heat and appeared to run out of steam as Widnes hit back to trail bu just two points at the break with tries from substitute Phil Cantillon and Deon Bird. O'Neill landed both conversions and a penalty to make it 14-16 at the break.
When Widnes snatched the lead after 50 minutes with a Shane Millard effort, converted by O'Neill to make it 20-16 there looked to be only one winner. But Warrington hit back with Appo going over from acting half back to regain the lead. An O'Neill penalty levelled the scores.
Then Wolves substitute Gary Hulse was put in the clear to dart uner the sticks with almost his first touch of the ball and Briers added the two to make it 22-28. Briers was then wide with two drop goal attempts.
Back came Widnes as Lawford went over with just four minutes left on the clock to again level the scores to set up a grand stand visit.
Although Appo snatched victory with his race to the line Coach Paul Cullen may have something to say about the way he baited the trailing Widnes players, rather than improving the angle for Briers' conversion attempt which drifted wide.
The drama still wasn't over as Widnes had the line at their mercy in injury time but knocked on.
After the match Cullen priased the quality of the game. "It was an exceptional game which had everything - but Widnes almost made us pay as we should not have let a 16-0 lead slip.
"We were in control but then looked very ordinary for a while but never gave up."
Warrington Wolves 32 Huddersfield Giants 28
Wolves cling on
to topple Giants
IT was another nail biting finish as Warrington Wolves clung on for a dramatic victory over Huddersfield Giants.
Trailing 20-24 in the 71st minute the Wolves looked as though they could have been heading for a shock home defeat when up stepped man of the match Mark Hilton.
The veteran forward, celebrating the start of his testimonial season, powered through the Giants defence to score crucial try which was converted by Lee Briers to put the Wolves 26-25 in front.
Then Briers and Brent Grose combined to send winger Rob Smyth over for his second try of the game to give the Wolves valuable breathing space with Briers magnificient toughline conversion opening up an eight point gap.
But Huddersfield still managed to pull a try back and almost got another in injury time as Warrington were left hanging on for what Head Coach Paul Cullen described as a "massive two points."
It meant Warrington are already a point better off in the league than for the whole of last season and still have a chance of making the top six play offs.
Cullen praised Hilton for his performance saying: "I thought Mark worked exceptionally hard and was the best player on the field for a mile. I think he has done a little bit of work for one or two of his team mates.
"He thoroughly deserved his try and he deserves his Orgin call up on merit.
"We were a little short on effort and application but just had enough to come out with a win. We got the battle and the fight we expected from the Giants and I feel they are one of the most underated teams in the league." Warrington struggled in the centre of the park with play makers Briers and Nat Wood both looking as though they were carrying injuries.
Leeds Rhinos 30 Warrington Wolves 20
Beaten but
not disgraced
AN inspired performance by Lee Briers was not enough to overcome league leaders Leeds at Headingley.
But Briers' inspirational display left one wondering why he has been omitted by the international selectors.
Woith the Wolves trailing 28-8 early in the second half Briers suddenly stepped up a gear scoring two inspirational tries in a four minute spell, converting both to bring Warrington right back into the game.
In fact it was Warrington who had the brighter start and it could have been a different result if winger Rob Smyth had not had a try disallowed in the 4th minute for a forward pass.
Warrington were also once again on the wrong end of some dubious refereeing decisions which influenced the outcome of the game and left Head Coach Paul Cullen bitterly disappointed.
He said: "I htought our performance was magnificent in very, very adverse conditions.
"The way we responded when the avalanche of decisions went against us speaks volumes for the character and skill of this side.
"The game changed on forward pass decisions. None of our guys have come up short today and they didn't seserve to be on the losing side.
"Lee was head and shoulders the best player on the field."
The way the travelling Warrington fans applauded the team at the end of the game, suggested they agreed with Cullen's sentiments.
Warrington 50 London Broncos 8
Broncos blitzed by
hungry Wolves
ON the hottest day of the year Warrington Wolves were at their scorching best as they hammered London Broncos into submission with a whirlwind performance.
It took just 66 seconds for second rower Darren Burns to cut through the Broncos paper thin defence.
The opening try signalled an avalanche of fast attacking rugby as Warrington produced their best performance of the season againt their fellow top six contenders.
The stunning victory took Warrington into the top six and was their third win in four games. Half back Nat Wood was at his best as he carved up the Broncos and although he didn't get on the score sheet himself he made plenty of telling breaks and set up two tries.
With "mission completed" just before the break Wood was taken off to be rested as a precautionary measure as Head Coach Paul Cullen decided to protect his crown jewell for tougher assignments ahead.
Wood has certainly been a revelation this season after returning from his native Australia following minor knee surgery.
He was certainly missed in the second half as Warrington struggled to maintain their first half performance which saw a half-time score of 32-2. His half-back partner Lee Briers grabbed the man-of-the match award with his two tries and nine goals.
Burns added a second with warrington's other tries coming from Rob Smyth, twice, Jerome Guisett and Ian Sibbitt.
Cullen was clearly delighted with his team's performance, while London coach Tony Rae preferred to praise Warrington's "outstanding" performance, rather than examine his team's own short comings.
Now to continue with their top six push Warrington must do something they haven't managed to do all season - beat one of the five teams above them!
Hull 38 Warrington 14
Wolves disappoint Cullen
by Gary Skentelbery
WARRINGTON Wolves Coach Paul Cullen was bitterly disappointed his team did not build on their recent good form as they went down 38-14 at Hull.
The defeat was a severe blow to Warrington's top six hopes as they continue to struggle to beat the top teams above them.
Even a Graham Appo try in the 25th minute which gave them a 2-8 lead, failed to inspire a side missing their inspirational skipper Lee Briers.
It appeared a crunch tackle on Hull's skipper Jason Smith, just two minutes after making his return from an 11 match absence, inspired Hull to greater things. Smith was left in a heap following a high looking tackle from Paul Noone, which saw him being placed on report.
Quick fire tries from Colin Best and Graeme Horne then put Hull into a match winning position.
Richard Fletcher added another while Paul Cooke was in inspirational form landing seven goals from nine attempts.
After the match Cullen admitted he was disappointed, although he had no complaints about the defeat.
"Hull deserved their win. The major difference was they exploited our errors better than we did theirs and that's a lesson for us to learn."
Meanwhile Hull boss Shaun McRae was delighted with his side's victory following their mauling at Widnes the previous week.
"I felt we struggled early on but the Smith incident did seem to pep us up and in the end this was a good victory for us.
"Warrington had been in good form and they are a hard side to beat and when they took an 8-2 lead I felt we had a few problems."
Warrington Wolves 66 Halifax 6
Wolves savage
sad Halifax
Words: Gary Skentelbery Photo: George Thornton
WARRINGTON edged themselves back into the top six race with a comprehensive 66-6 thrashing of basement club Halifax.
It took less than two minutes for hooker John Clarke to score as the Wolves showed no mercy against a hapless Halifax defence.
With star players Lee Briers and Sid Domic both missing it was Graham Appo who stole the limelight with a stunning display which brought him four tries and nine goals.
It just has to be hoped Warrington can hang on to this new fans favourite after already losing the popular Nick Fozzard to arch rivals St Helens.
Prior to the game Fozzard confirmed he had signed a three year deal with Saints.
Fozzard had to leave the field after 18 minutes with a facial injury which left a Halifax facing disciplinary action as the incident was placed on eport.
Warrington totally dominated the game and appeared to be able to score at will.
Others to get on the score sheet included Darren Burns twice, Brent Grose twice, Rob Smyth, Nat Wood and Gary Hulse as the Wolves ran riot.
Halifax's only score game in the 44th minute when Chris Birchall went over from what appeared to be a forward pass.
Warrington now face a make or break August if they want to compete in the end of season play offs, starting with Wigan at Wilderspool on Sunday, followed by tricky away trips to fellow top six contenders Castleford and London.
Warrington Wolves 16 Wigan Warriors 18
Snatching defeat from
jaws of victory!
WARRINGTON suffeered another narrow defeat to arch rivals Wigan in a match they should and could have won.
Looking for revenge for the one point defeat at Wigan earlier in the season Warrington outplayed Wigan for much of the game but couldn't convert their possession into points.
They also missed golden opportunities to score as Ian Sibbit broke from his own half and was caught just short of the line and Lee Penny burst through with three players in support but failed to pass.
Then Ben Westwood appeared to dive over in the corner but was ruled to have gone into touch.
Wigan had just one chance and took it when substitute Gareth Hock took Terry Newton's pass to go over. Andy Farrell landed the conversion after Graham Appo had earlier given the Wolves a 2-0 lead with a penalty.
Warrington finally got a try in the 52nd minute when a towering 'bomb' by Darren Burns was collected by nat Wood who touched down. Appo added the two to make it 8-6.
Then Appo raced 50 yards to score under the posts and added the conversion to put the Wolves in command at 14-6.
But whether they lacked belief or simply ran out of steam, Warrington crumbled in the last 10 minutes allowing Wigan to score with two sucker punches to grab the spoils.
After the match Coach Paul Cullen said: "The defeat is a concern because we had the shape and structure sufficient to win.
"The vast majority of our players excelled themselves but we failed to hold our nerve and lacked the composure to capitalise on the chances we created."
But it was a winning return to Wilderspool for former Club captain Mike Gregory, who was in charge of his first game following the sacking of Stuart Raper.
He said: "I'll enjoy this success and it was an emotional occasion in my first match, especially at my old club."
Castleford 16 Warrington 29
Forwards pave way
to vital victory
WARRINGTON kept their top six hopes alive with a vital victory at Castleford.
Coach Paul Cullen was delighted with the victory which he said was founded on a tremendous display by the pack.
"I can not pay our forwards enough credit," he said. "I thought our defensive effort was absolutely breathtaking.
"In fact the effort from all our 17 players was first class. I counted only one clean break against the Warrington line in the full 80 minutes."
The victory was sweet revenge for a home defeat by the Tigers in May.
Although the home side scored first through winger Paul Mellor, Graham Appo levelled with two penalties.
Then two tries just before half time from Paul Wood and Nathan Wood, followed by one after the interval by Sid Domic put the Wolves in control.
Castleford rallied with tries from Andy Johnson and Wayne Godwin but Warrington made sure in the closing stages when Brent Grose went over in the corner and Appo held his nerve to land the goal.
Nat Wood added the final score with a drop goal.
London Broncos 19 Warrington 12
Cullen bitterly
disappointed
COACH Paul Cullen was left bitterly disappointed after watching his team give London only their second home win of the season.
The defeat saw Warrington drop to eighth in the table as they were leap frogged by the Broncos and Widnes.
Cullen said: "We got what we deserved. We were indisciplined and impatient and paid the price.
"We have done ourselves no favours today. I honestly don't think we could play as badly again if we tried."
Warrington conceded far too many penalties and squandered possession.
It took the Broncos just three minutes to open the scoring through Nigel Roy, after being set up by Denis Moran who had just announced signing a new three year deal with the club.
Despite dominating the next 20 minutes they only added three Chris Thorman penalties.
The Wolves gave their travelling fans some hope after 31 minutes when Nat Wood jinked his way to the line after shaking off three tacklers.
But the Broncos added a 4th penalty just before half-time when Graham Appo was penalised and put on report for a high tackle.
The Broncos scored first in the second half when Jim Dymock sent Paul Sykes in at the corner but they were unable to kill off Warrington.
The home side endured sustained pressure but Warrington could only addd one more score from the influential Appo nine minutes from time.
But the Broncos made sure of a rare home win when Thorman added a drop goal five minutes from time.
Warrington 30 Widnes 16
Third win in a row -
but still level on points
WARRINGTON’s third victory in a row over Widnes in the Tetley’s Super League must have left coach Paul Cullen wondering why the Wolves are only one place above the Vikings, level on points.
Neither club can count on a place in the top six play-offs - the prize both are both intent on winning.
Warrington’s win was pretty convincing, even though Widnes made the early running.
Widnes prop Robert Relf forced his way over from a Shane Millard pass and Jules O’Neill converted before grabbing a pair of penalties, both awarded against Wolves forward Darren Burns.
It was only then that Warrington began to make an impression.
A try from Paul Wood got things moving and two minutes later, new signing Daryl Cardiss swept through a gap to score from a pass from Nathan Wood. Graham Appo converted to level the score at 10-10 at half-time.
Three minutes into the second half, Sid Domic latched on to a pass from Brent Grose to score and then Appo brushed aside a weak tackle from Andy Hay to make it two tries in two minutes.
Wood scored a superb try from a good pass from Appo and Cardiss converted.
In the closing stages Widnes began to make more of an impression and Stuart Spruce found a rare gap to score. O’Neill converted to narrow the gap to 10 points.
But Ben Westwood settled matters with a try in the corner.
The result left both clubs level on points with sixth placed Hull, with four rounds left before the play-offs.
After the game Paul Cullen said: “I believe the battle for the top six will go to the wire.”
He is right, of course. And neither Woves nor Vikings can be assured of being there at the finish.
Leeds 34, Warrington 26
Wolves desperately
unlucky at Leeds
WARRINGTON were desperately unlucky to come away from Leeds without a point - but coach Paul Cullen was upbeat in his assessment of the game.
Wolves, he said, had a new mental toughness which augured well for the future of the club.
"Gone are the days when Leeds are putting 50 points passed Warrington. It was an excellent performance from s and one we can feel very, very proud of.
"The guts and effort of all 17 of my players was remarkable and that gives me great hope ahead of our last three games."
In fact it was just a couple of mistakes in the closing stages of the game that let Leeds end a run of three games without a win.
Andrew Dunemann scored a late try after a Warrington defensive error - and Graham Appo missed a simple conversion five minutes from time.
But before that Wolves had given a good account of themselves. They had taken the lead through Ben Westwood after only six minutes and Leeds led by just four points at half-time. But after 47 minutes Danny McGuire scored a try to steady the home side's nerves.
Warrington came back with tries from Ben Westwood and Appo before Francis Cummins tried to put Leeds six points clear. Nathan Wood pulled a try back but Appo missed the conversion and with Dunemann's late try Leeds were able to claim a flattering victory.
Warrington Wolves 40 Halifax 18
Wolves lack bite
By Sports staff
WARRINGTON made heavy weather of beating bottom of the league Halifax who equalled their club record of 25 successive defeats.
Already relegated, Halifax looked like the team battling for a top six spot as they took a shock 16-18 half-time lead.
In fact they held the lead until the 56th minute when Darren Burns scored his second try of the game and Graham Appo converted to make it 22-18.
The visitors then had Jaymes Chapman sin-binned for interference at the play-the-ball and the Wolves took full advantage as they scored three tries in seven minutes to seal victory.
Dean Gaskell, Martin Gleeson and Ben Westwood all touched down for the Wolves and Appo added all three conversions to give Warrington a flattering winning margin.The expected avalanche of points for the Wolves looked like happening when full-back Lee Penny crossed for the 100th try of his Warrington career after just three minutes but Halifax kicked back with a spectacular 90m try by winger Rikki Sheriffe and he repeated the act four minutes later when he touched down Liam Finn's kick.
Finn added both conversions to give the visitors a shock 12-6 lead.
Warrington drew level midway through the first half through Westwood's first try of the game, which Appo converted but Halifax went in front again when Lee Finnerty touched down and Finn kicked his third goal of the first half.
The Wolves did pull a try back through Burns, although Halifax were good value for their 18-16 interval lead.
Warrington's late avalanche of points gave them a flattering scoreline.
Huddersfield Giants 12 Warrington Wolves 25
Massive victory in
firey encounter
By Sports staff
WARRINGTON kept their top six dream alive with a massive victory over Huddersfield Giants.
With the game vital to both teams there was no love lost as a total of six players were sin binned, two were placed on report and a near brawl erupted with a free for all.
But Warrington kept their cool to record a vital victory which kept their top six dream alive - although they are still relying on other results to go their way.
Mark Hilton was lucky not to be red carded as early as the third minute for a high shot on the Giant's full-back and was placed on report by referee Russell Smith.
Warrington took a lead they never let slip in the 8th minute with a Graham Appo penalty.
In fact it was the boot of Appo which was the main difference between the two teams as he banged over seven coversions, with both teams scoring two tries.
In the 10th minute Appo was try maker as his precision kicked bounced kindly between the sticks allowing full-back Daryl cardiss to score. Appo added the two.
The Giants rugged Aussie Ben Roarty was sin binned in the 17th minute for holding down and Appo extended the lead.
Three minutes later Paul Wood powered over for the Wolves, opening up a 14 point lead.
Minutes later a mass brawl erupted with Nat Wood and Ben Westwood from the Wolves and Jamie Bloem from the Giants, all being sin binned.
Minutes later it was 11 aside as Paul Reilley was sent to the bin and Appo landed yet another penalty.
Huddersfield threw themselves a lifeline three minutes before the interval when Jarrod O'Doherty breached the Wolves defence after young winger Dean Gaskell lost the ball following a crunching two man tackle which left him unable to continue.
In the closing seconds McNamara missed a vital penalty kick which would have narrowed the points difference to just eight.
Warrington kept their cool in the second half with some tremendous tackling and Appo banged over three more penalties and Nat Wood weighed in with a drop goal.
The Giants grabbed a late consolation try which was credited to full-back Jamie Bloem although it appeared to be Marcus St Hilaire who got the vital touch.
With man-of the match Appo off the field with a cut nose Daryl Cardiss landed a late penalty for the Wolves to complete the scoring on a memorable night for Warrington's travelling "barmy army" which numbered around 2,000.
Warrington Wolves 52 Wakefield Trinity Wildcats 12
Wolves sign off
in Grand style!
Report and pictures by Gary Skentelbery
WARRINGTON Wolves signed off their final Super League game at Wilderspool in style, thrashing Wakefield and setting up a mouthwatering play-offs clash with Wigan at the JJB next Saturday.
With emotions running high in front of a sell out 9,261 crowd, Warrington responded to the occasion with some of their best rugby of the season.
Half-back Graham Appo, who looks set to sign a new contract with the club, was in electric form, scoring his third hat-trick of the season and landing a perfect 10 goals for a personal points tally of 32.
Although Appo stood out as the star man, it was a complete team performance as wakefield didn't just turn up to make the numbers. Warrington had to be at their tough tackling best to restrict the visitors to just two second half scores.In the first half Warrington played near perfect rugby spurred on by a wild crowd rattling up 32 points without reply.
Super Sid Domic opened the scoring in the 8th minute after good work by Mike Wainwright and Dean Gaskell. Appo added the goal and then 10 minutes later scored his first try after being set up by centre Brent Grose.
Five minutes later Appo added his second after a great break by Ben Westwood and the supporting Grose.
On 37 minutes Nat Wood made a great break setting up a try for Paul Noone and then deep in injury time Westwood went over in the corner against his old club, with Appo again landing a fine touchline conversion.Early in the second half Wakefield ensured they hadn't just turned up to make up the numbers as they got their first score. But as the visitors piled on the pressure it was Appo who came to the rescue with a stunning length of the field interception try, which he then converted.
On the hour Westwood snuffed out any threat of a Wakefield comeback as he collected his second try.
The visitors did attempt to spoil the party atmosphere with their second try but Appo then slotted over a penalty before Domic brought the house down and the 50 points up with a try deep in injury try. Appo made sure of his 100 per cent kicking record to crown a faultless performance and a personal points tally of 200 for the season.
Wigan Warriors 25 Warrington Wolves 12
Give the job
to Gregory
Words: Gary Skentelbery Pictures: George Thornton
WARRINGTON Coach Paul Cullen has urged Wigan to give the full-time coaching job to his former team mate Mike Gregory after seeing his gutsy Wolves go down 25-12 in a thrilling play-off eliminator.
The Wolves rocked Wigan to their foundations in a pulsating first half which saw them take a 6-12 half time lead thanks to tries from Darren Burns and an 80 metres interception solo effort from Nat Wood.
But once the Warriors had overcome the handicap of two first half sin binnings and losing skipper Andy Farrell with a knee injury, they gradually took control to clinch a play-off semi-final with arch rivals St Helens.
After the match Cullen said: "I'd love to see Mike Gregory get the job. I think his contribution to the run-in form that Wigan have come into the play-offs deserves acknowledgement and full credit."
Meanwhile Gregory confessed that the scoreline flattered his team as Warrington knocked Wigan out of their stride in the first half.