THE Challenge Cup is heading back to Warrington for the first time since 1974 after the Wolves completed a magnificent 16-25 victory over Huddersfield Giants at Wembley.
Warrington started the match as favourites and soon showed their 25,000 fans why. The game was only 69 seconds old when Richie Mathers charged over under the posts and after consultation with the video referee the try was awarded.
Further tries came from Michael Monaghan and Chris Hicks as the Wolves went on the rampage. Giants replied through Shaun Lunt but had two tries ruled out.
Brett Hodgson closed the gap to 18-10 before the end of a frantic first half. 
A try from Vinnie Anderson looked to have put Warrington out of reach and although a try from David Hodgson gave the Giants some hope, Lee Briers’ late drop-goal sealed Warrington’s win.
Matt King had a try denied by the video referee or Wolves’ victory would have been bigger.
The game was played at a frantic pace and at times this seemed to affect Wolves more than Giants. But in the end, Warrington’s sheer class shone through.
Monaghan, who has been a revelation since switching to hooker, collected the Lance Todd Trophy for a man-of-the match performance, only the third Australian to ever receive the honour.
TEAMS:
Huddersfield: B Hodgson (capt); Cudjoe, Lolesi, Whatuira, D Hodgson; Brown, Robinson; Mason, Moore, Griffin, Fulton, Wild, Faiumu.
Subs: Crabtree, Jackson, Lunt, Aspinwall.
Warrington: Mathers; Riley, King, Bridge, Hicks; V Anderson, Briers; Morley (capt), Monaghan, Carvell, L Anderson, Westwood, Harrison.
Subs: Cooper, Johnson, Higham, McCarthy.
Referee: Steve Ganson (St Helens). ATTEN: 76,000
Pictures show the team celebrating winning the Carnegie Challenge Cup, Coach Tony Smith and Skipper Adrian Morley with the cup and Warrington’s longest serving player Lee Briers. Below the “barmy army” in full voice.
The stage is now set for a triumphant return to Warrington tomorrow (Sunday) with a parade in the open top bus from the Halliwell Stadium to the Town Hall starting at 4pm.
The Mayor, Coun Brian Axcell, will officially welcome the team at the Town Hall along with Wolves’ chairman Lord Doug Hoyle, head of coaching and rugby Tony Smith, skipper Adrian Morley and Lee Briers, the longest serving member of the current team.
Wolves players and their families, coaching staff and club directors will then join the Mayor and Mayoress and other distinguished guests for a civic reception in the Town Hall.
3 Comments
Well done Warrington – what a day – just got home and all I can say is you did the town proud.
It was awesome. Lets hope this is the start of the good times at long last.
Great match! Am a Sydney resident. Watched it on Channel Nine around 1 am in Sydney Australia. Didn’t know anything about the teams but recognised some australian players. Loved the pace of play and the venue. Congrats to the winning team. Hope our grand final will be just as exciting. We love league over here.
Great day out, my first time at Wembley and what a fantastic match. The second half went so fast it was like watching Rugby League in fast forward. Well done to all staff and players involved a real team effort. What a season’s turn around.