A HAT-TRICK of tries from young winger Kevin Penny helped Warrington Wolves secure a 60-24 victory over Wakefield Trinity Wildcats.
But it certainly wasn't all one way traffic in a "sloppy" first half when the Wolves were guilty of letting in some easy tries.
Against tougher opposition it could have been a different story but to be fair Warrington tightened their defence in the second half and also produced some dazzling attacking rugby.
Man of the match Michael Monaghan and fellow Aussie Matt King were instrumental in much of Warrington's good play, with King helping Penny a cross the try line and scoring two himself.
The Wolves ran in a total of 11 tries with Chris Hicks coverting eight.
 King, Jon Clarke, Chris Riley,Monaghan, Simon Grix and Penny all touched down
 to help the Wolves establish a 34-18 interval lead against the Challenge Cup semi-finalists.
But after King had gone over for a walk in try in the opening minutes the Wildcats hit-back with two kick tries to actually lead 6-12 after 10 minutes.
But once Warrington got back in front there was no looking back.
Second half tries from King, Martin Gleeson and Chris Riley, supplemented by a
 Penny brace to complete his personal treble, completed the scoring.
His final try in the last minute was a classic 90 metre effort.
After the match Head Coach Jimmy Lowes said he had been pleased with the attacking rugby but realised there was still work to do on defence.
"The boys are still working on a few new things and some of them didn't come off. We know we have to carry on working on our defence but the boys couldn't be faulted for effort."


Exclusive interview with Wolves' Head Coach


Jimmy Lowes

Presenter Gary Skentelbery Production James Balme

EXCLUSIVE interview with Warrington Wolves Head Coach James 'Jimmy' Lowes on Paul Rauhihi's contract talks, Kev Penny's "showboating," the 60-24 victory over Wakefield, the visit of his former club Bradford Bulls and his taste in socks!

Exclusive video interview with Wolves' prop


Paul Rauhihi

Presenter Gary Skentelbery Production James Balme

Exclusive interview with Warrington Wolves' Prop Paul Rauhihi on his new contract talks and his belief that great times are only just around the corner for the current team.

Reds to play in Warrington again

THE Halliwell Jones Stadium will once again be the home of Liverpool FC Reserves for their 2008/09 season.
Warrington Wolves have announced a deal that will bring the reds back to Warrington for another Barclays Premier Reserve League North campaign.
 Gary Ablett’s men will be hoping to repeat last season’s successes of winning the league by an impressive 13 points and capturing the national title, beating Aston Villa in the final at Anfield.
Their presence in Warrington was also a big hit as they drew average crowds of nearly 4,000 and even recorded 10,546 through the turnstiles for the visit of Manchester United in February.
Wolves’ Director of Commercial Development, Dave Hutchinson, said: “We are very pleased to be hosting first class reserve football for a second year. We can continue to provide the town with year round sport, of a very high standard.
“Last season I believe we offered great value for money and fans were able to see famous players and managers from the world of football, that otherwise they may not get the chance to see.”
The reserves will kick off their campaign in Warrington with a mouth-watering “mini” Merseyside derby against Everton on October 14.
Ticket information and pricing will be announced by the club in due course.


Gleeson leaves with immediate effect
 

UTILITY player Mark Gleeson has left Warrington with immediate effect to join Halifax after failing to agree a new contract.
He has been released from the final three of months of his contract. Gleeson joined the club in 1999 from Ince St Williams ARLFC and apart from a brief hiatus in Australia in 2002 spent 9 years with the Wolves.
Mark made his debut as a 42nd minute substitute on 25 August 2000 in a 32 -16 victory over London Broncos at The Valley, Charlton. He went on to make 45 appearances plus a further 108 as a substitute, scoring 15 tries. Warrington Wolves would like to thank Mark for his contribution to the club and wish him well in his future.
He was a big factor in older brother Martin joining Warrington from St Helens. Martin has been linked with a move to Australia next season where he grew up as a teenager.
Gleeson caused some last minute controversy after initially agreeing to join Featherstone Rovers, but then switching to Halifax at the last minute.
Meanwhile Head Coach Jimmy Lowes has announced his 19 man squad as he prepares to face his former club Bradford Bulls at the Halliwell Jones on Friday night, in the televised Sky game, kick off 8pm.
 Kiwi Louis Anderson has been cleared to play after being found to have no case to answer after being placed on report against Wakefield Trinity. Young Prop Andy Bracek is back in the frame.
Team from: 2. Chris Hicks 3. Martin Gleeson 4.Matt King 5.Kevin Penny 6.Lee Briers 7.Michael Monaghan 8.Adrian Morley (c) 9.Jon Clarke 10. Paul Rauhihi 11. Louis Anderson 12. Ben Westwood 13. Vinnie Anderson 15. Rob Parker 19.Simon Grix 20. Chris Riley 21. Andrew Bracek 22. Ben Harrison 23. Mike Cooper 26. Matty Blythe