Must do better!

By Gary Skentelbery

A CHORUS of boos ringing around the stadium showed what Warrington's loyal fans thought of their narrow victory over newly promoted Leigh Centurions.
With a sprinkling of former Warrington players in their ranks, including wingers Rob Smyth and John Wilshere and half back John Duffy and forward Matt Sturm, Leigh produced a spirited workmanlike performance, which saw them push the Wolves all the way.
Warrington got off to a perfect start when Jon Clarke burst through to score inside the first six minutes and Lee Briers added the conversion.
However, two tries in a four minute spell put the Centurions on top, much to the surprise of the majority of the 11,400 crowd.
Jason Kent grabbed the first with an 80-metre interception score following a sloppy pass from Wolves winger Henry Fa'fili and that was quickly followed up by a try for Rob Smyth's that owed much to Brent Grose's poor clearing kick.
Phil Jones slotted over both conversion attempts to put the visitors 14-6 up and although Martin Gleeson cut the deficit just before half-time with his third try in two starts for the club, Leigh found themselves with a four-point cushion at the interval.
But they soon saw their lead disappear after the re-start as Nat Wood scored following a clever kick by Briers who also converted to make it 16-14.
Leigh managed to level matters thanks to a Jones penalty, but tries from Clarke, his second of the game and Briers gave the Wolves a ten-point cushion.
But the visiotrs had the final say as Jones scored late on following another blunder by full-back Grose.
The Wolves were booed off at the end and Head Coach Paul Cullen has plenty of work to do off the pitch if Warrington are to seriously compete for a top six play off spot.

MATCH FACTS
Warrington (10) 26.
Tries: Clarke 2, M. Gleeson, N. Wood, Briers.
Goals: Briers 3.

Leigh (14) 22.
Tries: Kent, Smyth, Ferris.
Goals: Jones 5.
Att: 11,400

Wolves can't keep


Saints from the door!




Words by Gary Skentelbery Pictures: By George Thornton

WARRINGTON Wolves once again managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory as they were left stunned by a last gasp try from St Helens.
Leading 16-4 with less than 10 minutes remaining on the the clock Warrington somehow managed to throw away all their hard work as the visitors grabbed three late tries to stun the majority of the 12,000 crowd.
It was a last-second try from Keiron Cunningham which completed an amazing fightback by Saints as they secured an unlikely victory.
The Warrington fans had been counting down the last 10 seconds as Saints launched a towering kick which bounced off Darren Alberts head as he challenged for the ball, right into the hands of the gleeful Cunningham.
For once the video ref ruled in favour of the visitors to send Coach Ian Millward and his team into raptures.
It was a bitter end to the night for Warrington, in particular coach Paul Cullen who looked likely to celebrate his 42nd birthday by steering the Wolves to a rare victory over the Saints.
Saints thought they were in front within the first three minutes but Willie Talau's touchdown was ruled out as the video referee ruled Ade Gardner had pushed Henry Fa'afili as he waited for the ball to cross the deadball line.
The decision certainly did not please the Saints players who then saw Campbell award Fa'afili a try at the other end after he challenged Paul Wellens for a high kick.
Lee Briers kicked the conversion to add to his earlier penalty to give the hosts an eight-point advantage that they appeared likely to hang on to going into half-time.
But Saints capitalised on a chance just before the interval as two penalties put them close to the opposition's line and allowed Mick Higham to offload for James Graham to burst over.
The second half started off in similar fashion to the first as St Helens continued to struggle to produce the kind of attacking rugby they are renowned for. Briers' second successful penalty gave the home side a six-point cushion and they would have added to their lead had the video ref not disallowed Jon Clarke's effort for an earlier knock-on by former Saint Martin Gleeson.
The video ref was having a busy night as Maurie Fa'asavalu's celebrations at scoring were cut short when play was bought back for an earlier incident.
It appeared that the decision was to be the turning point in the contest as Warrington hit back with a try through Graham Appo that put them 12 points clear with just 10 minutes remaining.
But Saints showed their 'never say die spirit' in the closing stages as they managed to score a hat-trick of tries to maintain an amazing record that has seen them lose just once to the Wolves since the start of Super League.

Pictures show Martin Gleeson on the charge against his former club and warren Stevens looking to off load the ball.

Warrington (8) 16.
Tries: Fa'fili, Appo.
Goals: Briers 4.

St Helens (4) 18.
Tries: Graham, Albert, Higham, Cunningham.
Goals: Wellens.
Att: 12,098

Wolves bulldozed


by Rhinos!

By Gary Skentelbery

WARRINGTON Wolves could not be faulted for their effort against high-flying Leeds but still ended up on the end of a 38-6 defeat at Headingley.
Great Britain centre Keith Senior led the way for the Rhinos with a hat-trick as Leeds ran in seven tries against the Wolves, who have now won just once in five matches.
After a tight opening spell Mark Calderwood grabbed the first try after 14 minutes when he raced home down the right wing to score his ninth of the season.
But Warrington showed their fighting spirit in the opening half with Martin Gleeson's try putting them in touching distance.
Although Leeds went back in front through Senior's first of the night, Paul Cullen's troops would have had high hopes of inflicting a first defeat on Leeds as they went in trailing by just six points at the break.
But a solo effort by full back Richard Mathers five minutes after the interval appeared to take some of the life out of the visitors and opened the doors for the Rhinos to run riot.
Warrington's cause was not helped as they had three tries disallowed!
Sinfield was at the heart of another attack as his pass put in Senior on the left wing for his second.
Six minutes later and Leeds breached the Warrington defensive line again as Danny Ward got on the scoresheet as he crashed over from close range.
Senior completed his hat-trick with just over 11 minutes to play and Marcus Bai crossed in the closing stages to put the seal on another fine performance by the reigning champions.
Leeds coach Tony Smith said:"I thought we were outstanding. The opposition were very, very good and they did really well.
"We knew going into the game that they'd be a big threat and they threw a whole lot at us and made us work really hard.
"It was a real arm wrestle in that first half and they are the sort of games that you like to get through, because the game was in the balance in that first half."
Warrington coach Paul Cullen took heart from his side's first-half performance after they threatened to cause an upset, only to see three decent calls for tries not given.
Cullen said: "There is no doubt about it - we have given a very good account of ourselves for most of the game and it's gone away from us on three disallowed tries.
"The one just before half-time was crucial and the two after half-time were even more crucial. Leeds were more clinical after that and they are a very good defensive side and had to be tonight.
"We created more than enough chances to win it, but just couldn't finish them. I need to focus on what we are doing and I've got 23 very important games coming up now for the rest of the season on which to do that."

Leeds (12) 38.
Tries: Calderwood, Senior 3, Mathers, Ward, Bai.
Goals: Sinfield 5.

Warrington (6) 6.
Tries: M. Gleeson.
Goals: Briers.
Att: 15,637

Wolves hang on


for vital victory





Report by Gary Skentelbery pictures by George Thornton


WARRINGTON Wolves will have to vastly improve if they are going to have any chance of making an impression on the top six this year.
It took a battling defensive display to hold out fellow strugglers Huddersfield as Warrington were left clinging on for a desperate 14-8 victory.
But Warrington were guilty of surrendering possession far too easily and made life extremely difficult for themselves.
In fact Giants Coach John Sharp believed his side were the better team and deserved to win after having two "good" tries disallowed.
One bright spot for warrington was the debut of Scrum-half Chris Bridge, signed from the Bradford Bulls during the close season, who was quick to make an impact on his debut.
Bridge’s intelligent pass allowed Toa Koha-Love to score the opening try of the game after only five minutes, Lee Briers adding the conversion to give the Wolves a 6-0 lead.
When full-back Brent Grose produced a 50-yard opportunist effort to score to givce the Wolves a 12-2 lead, it should have been the start of something better.
But just before half-time Thorman slotted his second penalty of the game to reduce the Giants’ deficit to 12-4 at the break.
The Giants proceeded to dominate the opening 20 minutes of the half and managed to score their only try of the afternoon after 68 minutes when Stanley Gene collected Chris Nero’s pass and went over for the score.
Impressive defensive work from the Wolves extinguished any hope of a Giants comeback and Lee Briers eased warrington's jitters when he kicked a 76th minute penalty for a 14-8 lead.
Wolves coach Paul Cullen said his side’s strong defence paved the way for victory.
“Our defence was outstanding but it had to be because we were a little bit irresponsible with the ball which forced us on the back foot,” said Cullen.
“We had to dig out victory and our players ran themselves into the ground. Huddersfield are very good technically but we thoroughly deserved to win.”
But Giants coach John Sharp disagreed with Cullen’s analysis of the match believing that his team had performed well and were unfortunate to lose.
“I thought we were the better side and should have won – I was pleased with the performance,” said Sharp.
“I’m not going to talk about having two tries disallowed that my players thought were certain scores or losing two players to head-high shots."

Pictures show new signing Chris Bridge and Kohe-love touching down.

Warrington (12) 14
Tries: Koha-Love, Grose
Goals: Briers (3)
Team: Grose, Faa'fili, M. Gleeson, Kohe-Love, Gaskell, Briers, Bridge, Westwood, Hilton, M. Gleeson, Swann, Wainwright, Clarke. Replacements: Appo, Bracek, Lima, Stevens.

Huddersfield (4) 8
Tries: Gene
Goals: Thorman (2)
Team: Reilly, O'Hare, Evans, Gene, St Hilaire, Thorman, March, Jackson, Drew, Gannon, Nero, Smith, Jones. Replacements: Slicker, Morrison, Crabtree, White.
Att: 9,040

Cullen left seething


by crushing defeat
 
By Sports staff

Warrington coach Paul Cullen was left seething by the crushing defeat at Salford City Reds.
"We got exactly what we deserved," he said after the match. "We were completely outgunned both in offence and defence.
"We had no go-forward whatsoever and failed to break down Salford in any way, shape or form. We looked lame.
"What upsets me most is we didn't stand up and fight."
Stuart Littler was the hat-trick hero as Salford ended a three-game losing run.
Nathan McAvoy, David Hodgson, Luke Robinson and Warrington old boy Ian Sibbit also crossed the line for Karl Harrison's team.
Salford dominated from the start and Warrington only briefly threatened a comeback when Chris Bridge scored a try early in the second half.
The Reds scored 18 points in the first half, starting when McAvoy collected Robinson's fine long pass to go over in the corner, while Chris Charles landed a difficult conversion.
Andy Coley set up the second score with a powerful burst and Littler supported him to touch down under the posts, giving Charles an easier kick.
Warrington had made little impact until winger Henry Fa'afili scored their first try following a Jon Clarke kick.
Malcolm Alker and David Hodgson combined for the latter to score Salford's third try before the interval.
After Bridge's score, Lee Briers was held up over the line and then Salford took control.
Hodgson and Robinson sent Littler over for his second try and Alker's incisive kick then let Robinson in under the posts.
Coley set up Littler to complete his hat-trick and then Sibbitt added a seventh Salford try in the final seconds.

Salford (18) 42.
Tries: McAvoy, Littler 3, Hodgson, Robinson, Sibbit.
Goals: Charles 4, Dickens 2, Robinson.

Warrington (4) 10.
Tries: Faa'fili, Bridge. Goals: Briers.
Att: 6,004

Wolves sink sad Widnes


with nine try demolition

by Gary Skentelbery

WARRINGTON got back to winning ways with a nine try 44-12 demolition of arch rivals Widnes.
While easing their own early season relegation worries, the convincing manner of the defeat must have Widnes favourites for the drop with Leigh.
The Vikings only survived in Super League last season due to their two victories ovewr Warrington!
Stand in Loose forward Jon Clarke produced a man-of-the-match performance with a hat-trick of tries.
The margin of victory would have been greater but for the wayward kicking of the otherwise impressive Lee Briers, who only converted two of the first six tries.
Briers was among the tryscorers himself, while Mike Wainwright, Ben Westwood and Henry Fa-afili also took the opportunity to get themselves on the scoresheet.
It was Clarke who opened the scoring in the 8th minute, taking Briers' pass to touch down after Terry O'Connor knocked on.
But Widnes were briefly ahead when Aaron Moule went over and Stephen Myler converted before Wainwright had bundled his way over to restore the home side's lead.
A combination of Widnes mistakes and Warrington class then turned the match.
After Simon Finnigan lost the ball in the tackle, Westwood was rewarded for his persistence with his side's third try and the high-stepping Martin Gleeson soon strolled in for the fourth.
Matt Whitaker gave Widnes a lifeline after half-time with their second try, but Wolves were not on the back foot for long.
Briers pass cut the visitors' defence to shreds and Clarke, enjoying the space afforded to him on the flanks, scored a second try. His hat-trick came soon after from Westwood's pass and then Briers, so often the provider, turned scorer for his side's seventh score.
With Chris Bridge taking over the kicking, Briers concentrated on his creative duties and set up Fa'afili's brace with a pass and a kick to round off an impressive second half performance.
The victory clearly came as a great relief for Coach Paul Cullen who could be seen leaping from his seat and punching the air - something he rarely does!

Warrington (18) 44
Tries: Clarke 3, Wainwright, Westwood, M. Gleeson, Briers,
Faa'fili 2.
Goals: Briers 2, Bridge 2.

Widnes (8) 12.
Tries: Moule, Whitaker. Goals: Myler 2.
Att: 10,061

Gallant Wolves edged out


in cup thriller

by Gary Skentelbery

GALLANT Warrington produced one of their best performances of the season as they almost pulled off a major Powergen Challenge cup shock against favourites and reigning Super League and World club champions Leeds on their own turf. Half back Lee Briers produced some world class kicking but was also guilty of some poor options which ultimately cost the Wolves the game. Leeds dominated the early exchanges to build up a 10-0 lead but Warrington's never say die spirit and their exhaustive defensive work was at time awesome. But Leeds were always, dangerous particularly in open play and always had a slight edge over Warrington who played well above their Super League position. Rob Burrow opened the scoring after four minutes when Warrington winger Dean Gaskell’s mistake under the high ball allowed Chris McKenna to release him for the score. The home side looked to be cruising when Chris McKenna wrong footed Warrington full-back Brent Grose before crossing for a try to give the home side a 10-0 lead after quarter of an hour. But Briers got Warrington back in the game with an intelligent grubber kick that was collected by scrum-half Nathan Wood for a converted try that reduced the visitors’ deficit to 10-6. Warrington led for the first time after 35 minutes when the video referee ruled that Jon Clarke had kept control whilst grounding the ball between the posts under a heavy tackle. An immediate response was produced by Leeds just prior to half-time courtesy of Mark Calderwood as the Wolves were punished by Briers' failure to find touch with a poor clearance kick. Burrow was again influential, collecting a loose ball and breaking a tackle before releasing an inside pass for Calderwood to charge on to and score. Another Kevin Sinfield conversion gave Leeds a 16-12 half-time lead. Leeds started the second-half strongly and again produced two quick tries. Burrow collected his second try after 46 minutes, and then seven minutes later Chev Walker scooped up a chip ahead from the influential Burrow to score and give Leeds a 26-12 lead. Leeds should have been comfortable but they immediately let Warrington back into the game by failing to deal with a high kick that Nathan Wood collected athletically for a try under the posts. Warrington started to sense a shock victory was possible and another try after 64 minutes brought them within four points. Briers drew the Leeds defence before releasing Ben Westwood on a good angle for the stand in Propr forward to charge over from 15 metres to make the score 26-22. In the final quarter of an hour Leeds proved their quality with some strong defence as the tiring Warrington players searched in vain for another try. A frantic passage of play see Martin Gleeson break clear but they were unable to find a way through. But if Warrington can maintain this kind of form they will soon be moving up the table. Leeds: Mathers, Calderwood, Walker, Senior, Bai, Sinfield, Burrow, Bailey, Dunemann, Ward, Jones-Buchanan, McKenna, Ellis. Replacements: Botham, Poching, Scruton, McGuire. Tries: Burrow (2), McKenna, Calderwood, Walker Goals: Sinfield (3) Warrington: Grose, Faa'fili, M. Gleeson, Bridge, Gaskell, Briers, N. Wood, Hilton, M. Gleeson, Westwood, P. Wood, Wainwright, Clarke. Replacements: Leikvoll, Lima, Appo, Stevens. Tries: N.Wood (2), Clarke, Westwood Goals: Bridge (3)

Wolves hang on


to clinch victory!



report by Gary Skentelbery pictures by George Thornton

THE Halliwell Jones Stadium is no place for the faint hearted as Warrington hung on for a thrilling 35-32 victory over Bradford Bulls.
Leading 23-4 at the break and scoring first in the second half to make it 29-4 Bradford suddenly found their form and were pushing for victory in the closing stages.
But Warrington managed to hang on much to the relief of their long suffering fans who have witnessed more than their fair share of heart break in recent times, with last gasp defeats.
The victory saw Warrington join the Bulls in the group of five clubs in joint sixth place, adding their names to the list of genuine play-off contenders with this gutsy win.
One of Warrington's many star performers was Great Britain centre Martin Gleeson with a brace of tries but it was the pack who were the real heroes as they stood up to Bradford's bigger forwards and slugged it out.
Warrington appeared untouchable in the first half as they blitzed the Bulls with some sparkling rugby.
After the match a delighted Paul Cullen said: "The players have worked hard all week for that victory and I was proud of their effort. The knives have been in my back in recent weeks and I am just delighted for the boys."
First half tries from full back Brent Grose (2), Henry Fa'afili and Nat Wood put the Wolves in control. But Bradford rallied with a brace from Lesley Vainikolo and another try from Jamie Langley. Gleeson eased the Wolves nerves with his second try before Michael Withers and Langley ensured a grandstand finish to ensure no one left the ground early.

Pictures show try scorers Martin Gleeson and Brent Grose in action.

Warrington: Grose, Faa'fili, M. Gleeson, Kohe-Love, Appo, Briers, N. Wood, Leikvoll, M. Gleeson, Hilton, Westwood, Wainwright, Clarke. Replacements: Noone, P. Wood, Pickersgill, Lima.

Bradford: Withers, Reardon, Langley, L. Pryce, Vainikolo, Harris, Deacon, Vagana, Paul, Fielden, Peacock, Meyers, Radford. Replacements: K. Pryce, Lynch, Parker, Ferres.
Referee: Ian Smith (Oldham)

Warrington (23) 35
Tries: Gleeson 2, Grose 2, Faa'fili, Wood
Goals: Briers 5
Drops: Briers

Bradford (4) 32
Tries: Langley 2, Vainikolo 2, Withers, Meyers
Goals: Deacon 4

Aten: 10,605

Breathtaking!



report Gary Skentelbery pictures George Thornton

A last gasp try from Graham Appo snatched a thrilling victory for Warrington against Hull as the Wolves claimed their fourth straight Super League win - for the first time in five seasons.
But Warrington nearly snatched defeat from the jaws of victory after leading 30-12 early in the second half.
Kiwi winger Henry Fa'afili (Pictured) was man-of-the match as he recorded a hat-trick of tries as coach Paul Cullen picked up his first ever career win over Hull.
The visitors started the scoring after just two minutes when Shaun Briscoe waltzed over after slick handling.
But Warrington struck back with three tries to lead 12-6 midway through the first half although none of the conversions were made by Lee Briers who again left his kicking boots at home. Fa'afili grabbed two and Brent Grose ran nearly the full length of the pitch for his touchdown after a great off-load by Nat Wood. Warrington extended their lead when Ben Westwood went over, with Graham Appo finally landing a two-point conversion.
Hull responded through a Richard Whiting score to be 18-12 down at the interval.
After the break Warrington looked to have wrapped up the points when Appo charged over for his opening try and Fa'afili completed his treble.
But Hull launched a blistering fightback with three tries in five minutes, Stephen Kearney's converted try levelling the scores at 30-30.
An improbable win was on the cards for the visitors when Paul King charged his way over from close range with a quarter-of-an-hour left to play.
But back came Warrington as Nat Wood poked the ball through for Appo to land over the whitewash before Bridge sank the visitors with the extras.
Warrington coach Paul Cullen hailed his players and Hull's team for the thrilling 13-try encounter.
"All 34 players deserve congratulations because to play quality rugby in that heat was sensational.
"I didn't think at any time we had blown it. Hull are a genuine top-four team and to come back and play quality football like that is nothing short of remarkable." Meanwhile his opposite number John Kear said: "The game had everything but we gave them one try too many.
"It was a shame there had to be a winner but it was a great comeback by ourselves.
"It was a great advert for rugby league."

Warrington (18) 36.
Tries: Faa'fili 3, Grose, Westwood, Appo 2.
Goals: Appo, Bridge 3.

Hull (12) 34.
Tries: Briscoe, Eagar, Whiting, Cooke, Kearney, King.
Goals: Brough 2, Cooke 3.

Att: 10,353

Long puts the boot


in to slay Wolves!

by Gary Skentelbery

WARRINGTON yet again suffered last gasp heartbreak as they were edged out by a Sean Long drop goal in a thrilling clash at Knowsley Road.
With the hungry Wolves looking for their first ever Super League victory at Knowsley Road and a record breaking 5th consecutive victory, a shock looked on the cards until the closing stages.
The Wolves had matched saints blow for blow in a pulsating match which must be one of the best Super League games off all time.
Warrington were beaten by a last minute Saints try earlier in the season and had to endure more heartbreak after St Helens grabbed three points inside two minutes to settle the titanic contest.
Nat Wood's second try of the night looked to have earned the Wolves their first win at Knowsley Road in 14 visits, but they gave away a foolish late penalty, Long kicked the goal and five drives up the field later, the Great Britain scrum-half won the match.
The contest swung first one way and then the other with some brilliant handling and committed defence from both sides.
Keiron Cunnigham's bullet pass sent Long over for the first try after five minutes, but a wonderful width of the pitch move from Warrington levelled the scores three minutes later, Toa Kohe-Love touching down in the corner and Graham Appo adding the extras from the touchline.
Darren Albert was on hand to put Saints ahead again when Paul Sculthorpe's attempted 40-20 bounced infield and the winger was quickest to react.
But back came warrington as Appo intercepted and sprinted 60 metres before Brent Grose put Wood over to level the scores at 12-12 and after 24 minutes the Wolves went ahead for the first time when Ben Westwood powered over by the sticks from Jon Clarke's delayed pass.
With Saints rocking, Warrington decided to take two points for a penalty rather than go for another try and they paid the price in the last five minutes of the half.
Australian centre Jamie Lyon scored two quickfire tries - both on the fifth tackle - to send Saints in 24-20 ahead.
The second half offered up more of the same dramatic see-sawing action.
Moments after the restart Appo was denied a try for a foot in touch, but former Saints centre Martin Gleeson's magical sidestep set up Henry Fa'afili to score in the corner and Appo landed another touchline conversion to put Warrington ahead.
Back came Saints, when Micky Higham spotted a gap in the defence and steamed over on 54 minutes.
Fifteen minutes later Mark Gleeson made the break that looked to have settled the contest, offloading for Wood to score despite juggling the ball on the way to the line.
But all Warrington's efforts disappeared in the closing stafes as Chris Bridge took the wrong option kicking the ball to the opposition and then Long stepped in to settle the contest in dramatic style.
After the match Saints Coach Ian Millward conceded Warrington had been unlucky and had been the better team.
Wolves Coach Paul Cullen said he had been proud of his team's effort. "Last season we were close to matching Hull and Bradford and have beaten them this season. Now we are close to matching St Helens. We can only build on this and take spirit from a great performance."

St Helens (24) 31.
Tries: Long, Albert, Lyon 2, Higham.
Goals: Long 5.
Drop Goals: Long.

Warrington (20) 30.
Tries: Kohe-Love, N. Wood 2, Westwood, Faa'fili.
Goals: Appo 5.

Wolves put Wigan


to the sword



Report: Gary Skentelbery Pictures: George Thornton

IN yet another thrilling encounter at the Halliwell Jones Warrington put arch rivals Wigan to the sword with a thrilling 28-22 victory.
The Wolves overturned a 10-point deficit with just 20 minutes left on the clock to beat Wigan and move above the Warriors into 5th place in the engage Super League table.
Warrington scored two late tries from Danny Lima nine minutes from time and then with an interception try from Nat Wood.
With the seconds ticking down Jon Clarke fluffed a drop goal attempt and Wigan raced up field and thought they had scored a last gasp try from winger Brett Dallas - but referee Ashley Kleine, much to the relief of the Wolves fans, ruled it had been knocked on.
Warrington dominated the opening stages of the match despite the absence of skipper and play maker Lee Briers but it was the visitors who went ahead after five minutes, Martin Aspinwall scoring unopposed as the Warrington players waited for a whistle for a knock-on that never came.
Mike Wainwright arrived at pace to take a superb pass from Wood to level it for the Wolves midway through the half, but just three minutes later Danny Tickle charged over from dummy half to score.
But in a rollercoaster of a contest, Warrington levelled before the break when Lima followed suit, sneaking over from dummy half for the first of his two tries.
Tickle put Wigan ahead again after the break with two penalties and the lead was 10 points at the end of the third quarter when Kevin Brown sent Denis Moran charging over from close range.
But with Warrington growing in confidence by the week they hit back quickly through Logan Swann to cut the deficit to four points.
Suddenly it was Wigan's turn to wobble and with nine minutes left, Lima powered over from close range and Bridge added the extras to put the Wolves ahead.
Wigan had to gamble and Moran threw a speculative pass out wide which Wood seized on, sprinting clear from half way to settle a thrilling contest.
Bridge missed for the first time to leave the gap at just six points as Wigan almost grabbed a share of the spoils for yet more drama at the Halliwell Jones.
Warrington's Mark Gleeson was rewarded man-of-the match for his none stop running and awesome tackling.

Pictures show Nat Wood racing in for the winning try and Logan Swann on his way to the try line.

Wolves maul Bulls

by Gary Skentelbery

CHRIS Bridge returned to his former club and scored two tries and kicked eight goals as Warrington recorded their first league double over Bradford Bulls for 25 years!
Trailing 24-8 after 50 minutes and with Nat Wood joining the Wolves other recognised half-back Lee Briers on the sidelines, the 18-year-old Bridge took control.
Warrington's transformation was breathtaking as they cemented their top six aspirations.
In fact if they continue with their recent form they could soon be serious top form contenders.
The Bull didn't know what had hit them as Warrington staged a spectactular second half recovery which had their fans in raptures.
It was a bleak afternoon for Warrington old boy Iestyn Harris whena wayward pass was intercepted by winger henry Fa'afili who completed the scoring on a miserable afternoon for the Bulls.

Orford update

by Gary Skentelbery

MATT Orford, Melbourne Storm's talented half back looks set to stay in Australia despite a big money offer from Warrington Wolves.
Although the 26-year-old has previously been linked with a $700,000 (Aus) move to Warrington, Aussie Club Manly have now also been linked with the star.
Staying down under would keep Orford's dream alive of representing his home country on the international stage.
 Warrington Wolves Chief Executive Andy Gatcliffe refused to be drawn on whether the club was about to sign Orford, just saying: "The club is always looking to strengthen the squad with quality players on a worldwide basis." Orford (pictured) came third in the National Rugby League's player-of-the-year voting last season but is out of contract at the end of the current campaign.
Orford's agent says the English market, including Warrington, has expressed very, very strong interest in his services. Warrington are one of probably five clubs who are interested. Orford, who who make an ideal successor to Nat Wood, who is out of contract at the end of the season.
Warrington's Head Coach Paul Cullen recently returned from a scouting trip down under and is known to have spoken to a number of players and their agents.
Meanwhile Warrington have received a major boost with hooker Martin Gleeson agreeing a two year extension to his contract.
Gleeson says he is very happy at Warrington and sees his future at the club.

Wood to


the rescue!




report by Gary Skentelbery pictures by George Thornton

A Nathan Wood double helped secure a 38-30 victory over his former club Wakefield Trinity Wildcats in another thrilling clash at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
But Coach Paul Cullen must be left worrying after his side let slip a 24-12 half-time lead to be trailing 24-30 in the closing quarter.
Before Wood's intervention five minutes from time the Wolves were clinging to a two point lead having squandered their earlier 12 point advantage.
Wakefield scorched into a 10 point lead within ten minutes as hooker David March darted over from close range and then winger Semi Tadulala collected Jamie Rooney's bomb and touched down.
The Wolves were sparked into action - the response was emphatic as they ran in five tries to lead 24-12 at the interval.
New Zealand forward Logan Swann scored a brace while Martin Gleeson showed his pace with a 60 metre dash to the line.
Gleeson then showcased his creativity by releasing winger Henry Faa'fili for a try in the corner.
Then upstepped Brent Grose to score one of the best ever tries seen at the Halliwell Jones. The full-back fielded a kick near his own line and went on a mazy 90 metre run through the Wildcats defence to score a breathtaking try.
But after the break the Wildcats decided attack was the best form of defence, and three tries in the opening 14 minutes of the second half justified their change of approach. Colm Halpenny scored two minutes after the restart and was quickly followed over by Sam Obst. The Wildcats fightback was complete as Ben Jeffries touched down. Jamie Rooney added the conversion to put his side 30-24 ahead after 54 minutes.
But their lead was shortlived, Wood scored the first of his two tries to level things up at 30-30 before a Chris Bridge penalty edged the Wolves 32-30 ahead.
Wood then continued to provide the inspiration against his former club, his late score deciding a thrilling match.

Pictures show Brent Grose on his way to scoring his breathtaking try and Centre Martin Gleeson coming face to face with Warrington old boy Sid Domic.

Warrington (24) 38
Tries: Swann 2, M. Gleeson, Faa'fili, Grose, N. Wood 2
Goals: Bridge 5

Wakefield (12) 30
Tries: March, Tadulala, Halpenny, Obst , Jeffries
Goals: Rooney 5
Att: 10,013

A tale of


two halves!



report by Gary Skentelbery pictures by George Thornton

IT was certainly a tale of two halves as Warrington consolidated third spot in Super League.
In the first half a Leigh team brimming with confidence - and nine ex-Warrington players - gave the Wolves an almighty scare as they led 7-4 at the breaK.
But following a tough half-time team talk from Coach Paul Cullen, the Wolves moved up several gears in the second half, racing in with seven unanswered tries to record a 7-42 victory.
It took Warrington just two minutes to break the deadlock at The Coliseum as Nat Wood's perfect pass allowed Ben Westwood to score in the left corner.
Chris Bridge missed the conversion attempt, but the early signs all pointed at a runaway win for the visitors, despite the fact they were without skipper Lee Briers and influential centre Martin Gleeson.
 However, Leigh refused to roll over and grabbed a try of their own just five minutes later as prop Craig Stapleton burst through from close range.
Neil Turley added the extra two points to put the home side in front and a drop goal from the same player meant the Centurions held a three-point lead at the break.
But Warrington ran riot in the second half.
A splendid individual score from Brent Grose straight after the break gave the Wolves a lead they would not relinquish for the remainder of the contest as they showed just why they have become serious contenders for a place in the Grand Final.
Henry Fa'afili notched a quick fire double to take his tally for the season to 16 tries, to move joint top of the try scoring charts, as the Wolves moved well clear.
The New Zealand winger firstly picked off a Jon Duffy pass to score and then finished an excellent team move in the right corner. After Rob Jackson and Toa Kohe-Love were both sent to the sin-bin for an off-the-ball altercation, Wood pushed Warrington further ahead with a try that Bridge converted.
Two tries in the space of three minutes put the result beyond doubt as hooker Jon Clarke and Bridge both touched down.
A late breakaway effort from substitute Graham Appo put the icing on the cake for Warrington, with Bridge adding his fifth successful conversion.

Pictures show Logan Swann on the charge and Henry Fa'afili with his intercpetion try.

Leigh (7) 7.
Tries: Stapleton.
Goals: Turley.
Drop Goals: Turley.

Warrington (4) 42.
Tries: Westwood, Grose, Fa'afili 2, N. Wood, Clarke, Bridge, Appo.
Goals: Bridge 5.
Att: 7,249

Wolves storm


past Salford



report by Gary Skentelbery pictures by George Thornton

WARRINGTON Wolves overcame monsoon conditions as they avenged their shock Good Friday defeat at Salford by scoring nine tries, to thrash the City Reds 48-14 at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
The victory moved Warrington back up to third position in the engage Super League.
Man of the match Ben Westwood (pictured) was the star - the centre who has been a revelation in the pack, collected a hat-trick of tries as the Wolves pulled away in the final 20 minutes.
It took Warrington just four minutes to open the scoring when Lee Briers released Logan Swann for a try.
But despite constant pressure the Wolves were unable to breach the Salford defence again in the opening 15 minutes and it came as no surprise when Luke Robinson created a try for Mark Shipway before youngster Tim Hartley also scored to give the visitors a 8-6 lead after 30 minutes.
Their lead did not last long as a torrential downpour colled down the players and fans! A handling error from David Hodgson allowed Toa Kohe-Love to pounce and restore order for the Wolves.
Another mistake from the Reds, this time from Mark Shipway, allowed the influential Briers to create a try for Martin Gleeson and give the home side a 16-8 half-time cushion.
After the break, the Reds responded immediately. Luke Robinson sent up a high kick from which Andy Coley brushed off Briers and released Cliff Beverley for a try.
With the match in the balance at 16-14, the Wolves stepped up the pace of their game. Gleeson's powerful tackle forced Hodgson to lose the ball in contact and the turnover allowed Westwood to go over for his first try of the afternoon.
This broke the visitor's resistance - Westwood scored again shortly afterwards and with Chris Bridge adding the conversion it put the Wolves out of sight at 28-14.
Jon Clarke set up Swann's second of the afternoon before Westwood completed his hat-trick 10 minutes from time.
Further scores from Kohe-Love and Gleeson completed the romp and gave the Wolves their sixth straight engage Super League victory.

Warrington (16) 48.
Tries: Swann 2, Kohe-Love 2, M. Gleeson 2, Westwood 3.
Goals: Bridge 4, Briers 2.

Salford (8) 14.
Tries: Shipway, Hartley, Beverley.
Goals: Charles.
Att: 10,925

Pictures show Logan Swann offloading to Henry Fa'afili and Ben Westwood scoring one of his three tries.

Briers drops in for


dramatic victory



report by Gary Skentelbery pictures by George Thornton

INJURED skipper Lee Briers came off the bench to land a late drop goal as Warrington snatched a dramatic victory at arch-rivals Widnes.
Briers, who missed most of the second half with a thigh strain, booted the one-pointer to hand the Wolves their seventh consecutive win and plunge the vikings into desperate trouble at the foot of the table.
Warrington went in 14-8 up at the break thanks to tries from Jon Clarke, Martin Gleeson and Danny Lima, and seemed to be cruising when Nathan Wood and Graham Appo crossed after the break.
But Julian O'Neill and a second try of the match from Gray Viane tied the scores to set up a thrilling finale before Briers nailed the drop from 25-yards out. He had fluffed an earlier attempt.
Warrington started on fire as Clarke scored the try of the game in the opening minute, finishing off a move that started on the left involving Brent Grose, Henry Fa'Afili and Gleeson.
Gleeson was then held up with the line at his mercy and Warrington allowed the Vikings back into the game.
An O'Neill penalty reduced the arrears and by the 14th minute the hosts were in front when Andrew Emilio went over in the corner with O'Neill adding the extras.
However, Vikings centre Jon Whittle missed a great chance to claim his side's second try when he knocked on with the line beckoning, and he was made to pay when Briers sent Gleeson over at the other end moments later.
Briers sent over his second goal before Lima had time to hand the visitors a half-time lead with the interval beckoning.
But Widnes were determined not to lie down and winger Viane immediately narrowed the deficit to two points.
Warrington soon regained their composure though, and Wood capitalised on some slack defending before substitute Appo pounced on Wood's grubber kick on 57 minutes to extend the lead further still.
The Wolves eased off and Viane breezed over with the Vikings seemingly going nowhere and amazingly the hosts were level when Warrington failed to deal with Owen Craigie's kick, allowing O'Neill to ground the ball.
He also added the extras but Briers had the last laugh with his drop goal, although the Vikings still nearly managed a last gasp score after kicking through with winger Dean Gaskell racing across from his left wing to save the day!

Pictures show Mark Hilton powering passed Terry O'Connor and Nat Wood looking for a gap. More pictures can be seen on the Wolves picture gallery.

Widnes (8) 24.
Tries: Emelio, Viane 2, Finnigan.
Goals: J. O'Neill 4.

Warrington (14) 25.
Tries: Clarke, M. Gleeson, Lima, N. Wood, Appo.
Goals: Briers, Noone.
Drop Goals: Briers.
Att: 9,825

All good things


come to an end!

by Gary Skentelbery

ALL good things come to an end and the wheels really came off for Warrington at the JJB - as they were seeking their first ever win at the ground and their eighth straight win.
The Wolves had escaped by the skin of their teeth at Widnes the previous week, but there was no great escape at Wigan as they squandered numerous scoring chances.
The home fans finally found something to cheer as Wigan won on home soil for only the second time in three months - and it was the Warrington fans who were walking to the exits early.
Wigan transformed themselves from relegation candidates into Grand Final hopefuls with a topsy-turvey victory.
The Wolves looked to be in command as full-back Brent Grose ran the full length of the field to score under the posts but moments later Dennis Moran pounced on his own low kick to hit back.
Centre Martin Gleeson should have scored in the corner after quarter of an hour, but the video referee showed the ball was clearly fumbled. Then just before the half-hour Warrington regained the initiative when Toa Kohe-Love went over and Chris Bridge kicked a drop-goal on the hooter to send them into the interval 11-4 up.
The game turned eight minutes after the break when Wigan's Chris Melling scored after a fantastic steal from Harrison Hansen and the home side went ahead soon after through Brett Dallas.
Warrington hit back, replying immediately with a wonderful Chris Bridge solo effort, but Wayne Godwin put Wigan back in front thanks to a contentious video decision.
Liam Colborn put the game out sight as Warrington fell apart, plucking Danny Orr's raking cross-field kick out of the air leaving winger Dean Gaskell grasping at thin air, and then Terry Newton touched down late on to rub salt in the wounds.

Wigan (4) 36.
Tries: Moran, Melling, Dallas, Godwin, Colbon, Newton.
Goals: Tickle 6.

Warrington (11) 17.
Tries: Grose, Kohe-Love, Bridge.
Goals: Bridge 2.
Drop Goals: Bridge.

Wolves too tough


for Broncos!

by Gary Skentelbery

WARRINGTON moved back into third place in the Super League following a hard-fought victory over fellow top six contenders London Broncos.
Coach Paul Cullen was delighted with the victory saying his side had shown mental and physical toughness to overcome a good Broncos team.
Leading scorer Henry Fa'afili crossed twice for the Wolves taking to his tally for the season to 18, and there were also tries for Martin Gleeson, Dean Gaskell and Brent Grose.
Nick Bradley-Qalilawa and Lee Hopkins responded with tries for the Broncos - who remain sixth in the table despite the defeat.
The Wolves avenged their opening day defeat in London and took the lead on 12 minutes when Gleeson pounced on his own through kick to score.
Both sides then spurned chances to score and Paul Sykes pulled off a try-saving tackle on on opposite number Grose, but could not prevent Gaskell crossing for his first try of the campaign five minutes before the interval after good work by Nat Wood and Ben Westwood.
London kept themselves within two points at the break when Bradley-Qalilawa scored his 17th try of the campaign, although Sykes missed the opportunity to level the scores deep into stoppage time.
London lost Sykes for 10 minutes after he was sin-binned for holding down Graham Appo, but the 12-man Broncos drew level when Rob Purdham landed a 40-metre penalty on 52 minutes.
But Fa'afili crossed for his 17th try of the season to take the Wolves into the lead with Chris Bridge adding the extras, before Grose extended the advantage with a sparkling try 10 minutes from time.
Lee Hopkins burrowed his way over in the closing moments with Jon Clarke in the sin-bin, but with the seconds ticking down Fa'afili grabbed his second touchdown to secure the points for the Wolves.

Warrington (8) 26.
Tries: M. Gleeson, Gaskell, Fa'afili 2, Grose.
Goals: Bridge 3.

London (6) 14.
Tries: Bradley-Qalilawa, Hopkins.
Goals: Sykes 2, Purdham.
Att: 10,146

Wolves slain by


rampant Rhinos!



report by Gary Skentelbery pictures by George Thornton

THE gulf in class between Warrington and table topping Leeds was cruelly exposed at the Halliwell Jones.
Warrington could not contain the rampant Rhinos who clearly had more power, pace and skill as they put the Wolves to the sword.
The Wolves preparartions were not helped by the last second loss of young half back Chris Bridge who went over on his ankle in the warm up - but in reality his presence would have done little to alter the course of the game - although Coach Paul Cullen was again disappointed his team failed to stick to their kicking game plan.
After game a bitterly disappointed Cullen said: ""What was billed as a heavyweight contest was nothing more than a sparring match!
"I am bitterly disappointed with our kicking game, which was absolutely non-existent. If you turn the ball over on the last tackle against a very good Leeds side you are going to be punished. Our kicking game needs to be 100% better than it was today.
"We were awful in the first 10 minutes when we never got a decent kick in and spent far too much time running backwards."
Meanwhile it was Leeds' half-back Rob Burrow who played a starring role as he scored one of the visitors' eight tries and produced a near-perfect kicking display as his side became only the second team - after Saints - to beat Warrington on their own pitch this season.
The champions were made to work hard but the pressure took its toll as the Wolves wilted in the second half.
Leeds held only a slender 18-12 lead at the interval, but they ran away with it after the break adding five tries to those scored by Chev Walker (2) and Matt Diskin in the opening period.
There was a suspicion of a forward pass from Richard Mathers in the build-up to Walker's first try in the third minute, but referee Steve Ganson made himself pretty unpopular with the home fans.
Burrow added the extras to give his side a 6-0 lead but Graham Appo, on kicking duties for Warrington because of Lee Briers' troublesome thigh injury, kicked a penalty to bring the gap back to four points.
Warrington then took the lead as they enjoyed their best spell of the match. Brent Grose darted through a gap in the Leeds defence to touch down and Appo added the two points.
But Leeds were quickly back on the offensive and thought they had scored through Willie Poching, but Ganson ruled it out for a knock-on in the build-up.
They did not have to wait long, however, to restore their lead as Walker's 20-yard burst was stopped just short of the posts, only for Diskin to power over the line on the next play.
Warrington then lost the ball at their own scrum to present Leeds with a third try, Mark Calderwood playing in Walker to score in the corner, and Burrow converted again to put his side 18-8 ahead.
Warrington needed to find a route back into the game before the interval, and they did so when Leeds conceded back-to-back penalties in front of their own posts allowing Logan Swann to stretch over.
Leeds stepped up a gear after the break and they got their reward in the 47th minute, when Burrow nipped in for a fine individual try, which he once again converted.
He was again involved as Leeds claimed a fifth try, helping the ball out wide for Keith Senior to touch down, and although Briers cleverly played in Henry Fa'afili for a try , Leeds again hit back quickly as Marcus Bai intercepted Swann's kick and sprinted 100 yards to score.
Burrow continued his flawless kicking to put Leeds 36-16 ahead before a flurry of late tries. Calderwood and Fa'afili exchanged quick scores, before Bai, who announced this week that he is to leave Leeds, beat the hooter with the Rhinos' eighth try.
For once Burrow missed his kick, but his 18-point haul had given Leeds a comfortable victory and Warrington clear in their own minds that they are going to have to vastly improve if they are going to make a serious assault on the play offs.

Pictures show Martin Gleeson and Nat Wood taking on the Leeds defence.

Wolves out gunned


by red hot Saints

by Gary Skentelbery

WARRINGTON had no answer to the extra power and pace of a St Helens outfit eager to bounce back from their shock Challenge Cup exit.
The Wolves could not turn possession into points in a disappointing half which saw the visitors capitalise on their opportunities.
Saints scored three unanswered tries to take a 18-0 interval lead and although Warrington narrowed the gap to just eight points with two quick fire tries, Saints just slipped into overdrive.
The visitors were ahead within five minutes courtesy of a Mike Bennett try. Sean Long engineered an opening with an inside pass to allow Bennett to cross under the posts.
St Helens held the Wolves out for long periods and Warrington may have been better converting some early penalty chances instead of running the ball.
Warrington were down to 12 men after Jon Clarke was sin binned for delaying a play-of-the-ball, when James Graham went in unopposed for the visitors.
After 35 minutes Long capped an influential first-half display with his 11th try of the season as he took advantage of a break from Jamie Lyon to sneak over in the right corner to give St Helens an 18-0 advantage at the interval.
Paul Cullen's team talk appeared to work wonders asWarrington improved markedly in the opening 15 minutes of the second-half and were rewarded with tries for Martin Gleeson and Paul Noone. Gleeson scored his first try against his former employers after Logan Swann had drawn the Saints defence and then passed one handed to Gleeson who charged over.
But any hopes of a comeback were extinguished when St Helens regained control of possession and produced a two-try burst.
Ade Gardner rounded off a flowing 90-metre passing move that was started by Paul Wellens deep inside his own half after the ball passed through several pairs of hands as Saints used their flair to offload the ball in the tackle.
Paul Wellens rounded off the scoring in the 70th minute after an intricate passing move and Paul Sculthorpe converted to round off a fine evening with the boot with his 5th conversion and extend the margin of victory to 30-10.

Warrington (0) 10
Tries: M. Gleeson, Noone
Goals: Bridge

St Helens (18) 30 Tries: Bennett, Graham, Long, Gardner, Wellens
Goals: Sculthorpe (5)
Att: 12,762

Wolves humbled


by Giants

by Gary Skentelbery

WARRINGTON are going to need more than super star Andrew Johns to boost their play off ambitions following this shocking performance at Huddersfield.
Warrington were completely humbled by the Giants, who are making a last gasp bid to make the top six.
The game was almost over as a contest in the opening 10 minutes as the home team raced into a 16-0 lead, while Warrington looked as though they were still on the coach.
The signing of Johns seems to have done little to inspire Warrington as the players failed to gell as a team and showed little spirit.
Late tries from Nat Wood and Chris Bridge only made the scoreline look a little more respectable but in reality they were completeley outclassed, leaving a stoney faced Coach Paul Cullen looking less than happy.
In the first half all they could muster was a solo effort by Great Britain Centre Martin Gleeson - but later in the game he looked well below par when he was out paced over three quarters of the pitch by the Giants second rower Chris Nero on his way to the try line.
Warrington's other try came from Logan Swann.
On this showing Warrington will do well to finish 4th, let alone third and with the Bradford Bulls hot on their heels, Johns is going to face a massive task lifting the side.
A disappointed Cullen said after the game: "That desire to win the game wasn't there. I was very, very disappointed with our defence and we sent them those early signals by giving three tries away.
"The bottom line is that those signals were very clear and Huddersfield made some decent yards on us with those tries early on.
"We have now got eight days to prepare for what is still a very big derby against Widnes at the Halton Stadium.
"The vast majority of that work will be about refining the desire to win the collision. I'm very disappointed that our defence and our contact was again very soft from the kick-off."
The current form book suggests Warrington could indeed end up 5th and face a tricky trip to Odsal in the first round of the play offs.

Wolves send


Widnes down




report by Gary Skentelbery pictures by George Thornton

WARRINGTON got their play off hopes back on track with a convincing 16-60 demolition of near neighbours Widnes - condemning the Vikings to relegation.
With skipper lee Briers back in the fold Warrington raced in for 11 tries in a one-sided affair at the Halton Stadium. Henry Fa'afili and Toa Kohe Love both grabbed a brace as they made sure the Vikings would be relegated alongside Leigh.
The writing was on the wall for Widnes as early as the second minute as the fit-again Briers' spiralling kick was claimed by Fa'afili on the right flank to score in the corner.
Adam Hughes levelled matters with a try for the home side and they looked capable of causing problems for Warrington with recent signing Keiran Kerr in impressive form.
But the Wolves managed to withstand the pressure and hit back with two tries in the space of five minutes as Ben Westwood and substitute Danny Lima both touched down.
Two further scores before the break ensured the game as over as a contest as Widnes struggled to cope when a man light after Simon Finnigan was sent to the sin bin for a late challenge on Briers.
Mark Gleeson made the most of his own slip to wrongfoot the home defence and score, and that was soon followed up by Kohe-Love's first of the afternoon.
With the game already gone, the Vikings fell apart at the start of the second 40 minutes.
Brent Grose collected a pass behind his own line to gallop the length of the field to get the first of three Warrington scores in a 10-minute spell after the break.
Fa'afili then accepted a pass from Martin Gleeson to complete his double and the Great Britain centre then got on the scoresheet himself when he barged his way over from close range.
Paul Wood and teenager Chris Riley, with his first senior try, also crossed to take the Wolves try count into double figures, with Chris Bridge converting both on his way to a personal haul of 16 points.
Kohe-Love's second of the afternoon owed much to an error by Widnes, although the home team did manage a late rally with efforts from Kerr and Finnigan.
Widnes (4) 16.
Tries: Hughes, Kerr, Finnigan.
Goals: Myler 2.

Warrington (26) 60.
Tries: Fa'afili 2, Westwood, Lima, M. Gleeson, Kohe-Love 2, Grose, M. Gleeson, P. Wood, Riley.
Goals: Bridge 8.
Att: 7,878

Pictures show Nat Wood and Toa Kohe-Love in action.

Nat sinks Salford

by Gary Skentelbery

WARRINGTON moved back back into fourth spot but were far from convincing as they struggled to overcome third from bottom Salford.
If it had'nt been for lively scrum-half Nat Wood, who has already been shown the exit door at the end of the season, the Wolves may well have lost this battle.
Wood was inspirational and will leave Head Coach Paul Cullen with a selection headache with the imminent arrival of Andrew Johns from Australia.
Warrington are now above Hull with just two rounds of the regular season to go, but they were made to battle by a Salford side with nothing to play for but professional pride.
The Reds led 16-12 at half-time before Warrington - and in particular man of the match Wood - took charge.
The visitors raced into a 12-0 lead after only 16 minutes, centre Anthony Stewart scoring the first try after Wolves captain Lee Briers tried to intercept Cliff Beverley's pass but was caught out of the defensive line. Charles slotted the conversion and then added the goal to former Warrington forward Ian Sibbit's try.
But Warrington hit back as Wood's smart inside pass sent Ben Westwood crashing over, with Chris Bridge adding the extras. Back came Salford as Gareth Haggerty's break set up the chance for Stuart Littler to cross.
It was Wood who hauled Warrington back into the game with a length-of-the-field break to narrow the gap to 16-12 at the interval.
Warrington levelled the scores after 47 minutes with Martin Gleeson raced over and went ahead for the first time on the hour when Gleeson's pass sent Bridge over.
A mistake by David Hodgson gifted Wolves skipper Briers the Wolves' fifth try six minutes from time to make it 26-16, but the Reds still had one burst of defiance left in them.Karl Fitzpatrick went over for their fourth try three minutes from time, with Chris Charles landing the conversion, to set up a nerve jangling finale.
But Warrington were not to be denied and closed out the match when Chris Leikvoll charged over from close range for his first try of the season.
There was relief as much as delight at the hooter, but this result keeps them on course for a crucial home game in the first round of the play-offs.
Now Cullen has the difficult task of moving match winner Nat Wood from his favoured scrum-half slot to make way for Johns.

Warrington (12) 32.
Tries: Westwood, N. Wood, M. Gleeson, Bridge, Briers, Leikvoll.
Goals: Bridge 4.

Salford (16) 22.
Tries: Stewart, Sibbit, Littler, Fitzpatrick.
Goals: Charles 3.

Att: 9,619

Dream debut


for Johns

by Gary Skentelbery

AUSSIE legend Andrew Johns made a sensational Super League debut for Warrington with a man-of-the-match performance, kicking five goals and a drop goal to help sink Champions Leeds at the Halliwell Jones.
A full house turned out to see the man rated as the best player in the world and he didn't let the Wolves faithful down with a stunning display as Warrington honed in on the play-offs.
The 31-year-old scrum-half, reputed to be on at least £10,000 a match for his short-term stint in Super League, was full value for the money as he played the full 80 minutes just four days after stepping off a plane from Sydney, with a leg injury!
Johns (Pictured) showed why Warrington were prepared to gamble on the super star as he displayed hi full bag of tricks and inspired his new team-mates to new heights as they claimed the points to temporarily move into third place.
Johns could hardly have made a better start as his opposite number Rob Burrow fumbled the ball from his spiralling kick-off and, from the scrum, the Australian provided quick ball for stand-off Lee Briers to combine with Martin Gleeson to get winger Henry Fa'afili over for his 23rd try of the season after just 69 seconds.
The reliable Johns then displayed pin-point accuracy to land the conversion from the touchline for a 6-0 lead.
Leeds tried to spoil the party when they drew level after full-back Richie Mathers dummied his way over after eight minutes and he reached the line a second time six minutes later only to be turned on his back.
The Wolves soaked up the pressure and after Johns had edged them back in front with a 22nd-minute penalty, they scored again when Great Britain centre Martin Gleeson easily went past the inexperienced Lee Smith to touch down.
Johns' third goal from as many attempts made it 14-6 and it was going according to the script when full-back Brent Grose took a pass from the scrum-half and handed off Kiwi second-rower Ali Lauitiiti to score the Wolves' third try five minutes before the break.
Johns was off target for the first time with the goalkick and the Rhinos struck back either side of half-time to cut the deficit to just two points.
In first-half injury time, half-back Danny McGuire fended off Paul Noone to send fellow substitute Diskin over and then Lauitiiti created an opening for winger Marcus Bai.
Sinfield missed for the first time with the boot and the Rhinos suffered a blow when Lauitiiti limped off.
Warrington increased their lead after 48 minutes when Johns split the Leeds defence with a superb sidestep past Danny Ward and Swann was in support to claim the try.
Johns then added a penalty after Bai had been adjudged offside after making an interception and put over a drop goal before converting Nathan Wood's last-minute solo try.
It was an emotional send off for Nat who was playing his last league game at the Halliwell Jones.
On this showing Johns could certainly help inspire Warrington all the way to the Grand Final.

Warrington (18) 33.
Tries: Fa'afili, M. Gleeson, Grose, Swann, N. Wood.
Goals: Johns 6.
Drop Goals: Johns.

Leeds (12) 16.
Tries: Mathers, Diskin, Bai.
Goals: Sinfield 2.
Att: 13,024

Pictures show Andrew Johns in action and Nat Wood being chaired off by Brent Grose and Toa Kohe Love. Pictures: Neil Ashurst pandbpictures.com

Wolves land


home tie

by Gary Skentelbery

WARRINGTON achieved their best ever Super League finish with a battling 16-30 victory at Hull.
The Wolves grabbed an all important play off visit as they climbed to third in the Super League.
Warrington had a dream start after soaking up some early Hull pressure as Logan Swann rolled over two quick tries before man-of-the match Brent Grose added a third.
But after his dream debut last week Andrew Johns had a quieter game although he still put in some telling passes and was solid in defence.
Steven Kearney went over for Hull just before the break and a fightback saw Nathan Blacklock add a second after Warrington were reduced to 12 men following the sin binning of Chris Bridge for a professional foul.
But Warrington rallied with their Johns inspired spirit and a Toa Kohe-Love brace against his former club stretched their lead as a second Blacklock score was too late for Hull.
Warrington were awesome in defence as they soaked up a barrage of attacks by the home side playing their first game at home since lifting the Challenge Cup.
All eyes will now be on the Saints Bradford clash, as a Saints victory would ensure Warrington finish third and a chance of two home play-off games.

Hull: 16 (6)
Tries: Kearney, Blacklock (2)
Goals: Cooke 2

Warrington 30 (16)
Tries: Swann (2), Grose, Kohe-Love (2)
Goals: Johns (5)

Att: 15,300

ENGAGE SUPERLEAGUE FINAL PLACINGS

             P  W  D L  F    A   Pts  
1 St Helens  28 23 1 4 1028 537  47 
2 Leeds      28 22 0 6 1152 505  44 
3 Bradford   28 18 1 9 1038 684  37 
4 WARRINGTON 28 18 0 10 792 702  36 
5 Hull       28 15 2 11 756 670  32 
6 London     28 13 2 13 800 718  26 
7 Wigan      28 14 0 14 698 718  26 
8 Huddersfld 28 12 0 16 742 791  24 
9 Salford    28 11 0 17 549 732  22 
10 Wakefield 28 10 0 18 716 999  20 
11* Widnes   28 6 1 21  598 1048 13 
12* Leigh    28 2 1 25  445 1210  5 

End of a dream

by Gary Skentelbery

WARRINGTON's dream of a first ever Grand Final appearance lay in tatters as underdogs Hull bounced back in style from last week's defeat, out scoring the Wolves by seven tries to one.
The gamble of flying Aussie Superstar Andrew Johns, who inevitably scored Warrington's only points thanks to a super individual effort when his side were already 18 points behind, failed to pay off.
The ambitious Wolves threw everything but the kitchen sink at the visitors in the opening quarter but couldn't break down a resolute defence.
Crucial passes also went to ground and it was totally against the run of play as Man of the match Nathan Blacklock ran-in three unanswered first-half tries.
Warrington showed all the flair before the break but broke down time after time with the line in sight.
Blacklock's first try came firmly against the run of play, with centre Richard Whiting setting up the position with a break out of defence and providing the final pass after neat work from Paul Cooke and Stephen Kearney.
The fact Whiting appeared to be offside when he intercepted Nat Wood's pass 10 metres out from his own line showed little was going Warrington's way.
They dominated possession and field position and created a series of half-chances but their handling let them down at crucial times.
Even Johns was not immune to their catalogue of errors.
Blacklock's other tries were both gifts as the Wolves continued to force the passes and fumble the ball at crucial times.
He pounced when his opposite number Chris Bridge dropped Richard Horne's high kick and then raced 50 metres unopposed after Johns' pass to Paul Noone went to ground.
But Warrington had their moments too, with Bridge and fellow winger Henry Fa'afili both having tries ruled out by the video referee for touching the whitewash.
It was a similar story in the second half, with Warrington pounding their opponents' line but Hull defending heroically.
At one time the visitors were forced to defend three successive sets of six tackles but the thin blue line held.
It was only when Hull were down to 12 men, following the 55th-minute sin-binning of stand-off Horne for a professional foul, that Warrington managed to finally breach their otherwise watertight defence.
Inevitably it was Johns who did the damage, tearing himself out of tackles to force his way over after 62 minutes and his conversion brought Warrington back to 6-18.
But Hull put the issue beyond doubt with four further tries in the last 12 minutes as Warrington crumbled.
Yeaman was put through a gap by Cooke's pinpoint pass and sent substitute Chris Chester over.
He then dummied his way over himself while Whiting and winger Gareth Raynor also grabbed tries and Brough took his goal tally to six from eight attempts to give the visitors a flattering margin of victory.
After the match a disappointed Wolves Coach Paul Cullen said: ""Play-off games are about taking opportunities and we haven't done that tonight.
"That literally has taken the whole momentum out of the club.
"To be through the Hull line as often as we were in the first half and not to come up with any scores puts the game beyond you. I have to complement the Hull defence, especially for that period in the second half when we threw everything at them and they held out.
"It's not just special players that win games it's special efforts and ours wasn't special enough. There were some really tough calls against us early in the game and we didn't have enough within us to handle that and come back and get some scores."