Wolves ease pressure

by Gary Skentelbery

WARRINGTON Wolves eased the pressure on Head Coach Paul Cullen with a no nonsense 31-12 victory over fellow strugglers Wakefield Trinity Wildcats.
In a scrappy first half Warrington led at the interval 12-6 thanks to tries from hooker/half back Jon Clarke and Prop Chris Leikvoll, who impressed in the pack.
A brace of tries from young winger Chris Riley plus one for full-back Brent Grose and a Lee Briers drop-goal, who weighed in with five conversions from six attempts completed the scoring, as the wildcats could only muster a late consolation.
While there was nothing spectacular about the the victory it ended a run of four consecutive defeats.
Ben Westwood collected the man of the match award against his former club following a workmanlike performance, leaving the filed in the final minutes to a standing ovation.
Stll missing keys players like Stuart Reardon, Martin Gleeson, Chris Bridge and Vinnie Anderson, the victory must have been a welcome relief for under fire Coach Paul Cullen who had his last game in charge alongside assistant Paul Darbyshire, who has left to take up a three year deal at Munster Rugby Union Club with immediate effect.
Meanwhile I understand Cullen's own contractural situation is still under review, although a victory at Catalans next week could secure him a one year extension.

Warrington (12) 31.
Tries: Clarke, Leikvoll, Riley 2, Grose. Goals: Briers 5.
Drop Goals: Briers.

Wakefield (6) 12.
Tries: Catic, Pryce. Goals: Ferres 2.
Att: 10,324