Wolves go top of Super League

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WARRINGTON Wolves went top of Super League with a record breaking 68-16 demolition of Salford City Reds at the Murrayfield Magic Weekend as man-of-the-match Richie Myler (pictured above) helped put his former club to the sword.
The Wolves created a new scoring record for the Magic Weekend as they put Salford to the sword with a stunning display as they crossed for a total of 12 tries to go top of the table on points difference, at the half-way point of the season.
As the Wolves had to re-shuffle with full-back Richie Mathers withdrawing to be with his wife Sasha for the birth of their first child, a baby daughter named Blossom, it had little impact on the team as Chris Riley filled in at the back with youngter Rhys Williams coming in on the wing.
It took less than two minutes for Warrington to breach the Salford defence as the impressive Michael Monaghan went over from dummy half, with Ben Westwood adding the extras to make it 6-0.
Four minutes later Warrington were in double figures as Chris Hicks went over in the corner after collecting a precision kick by Lee Briers. Westwood cooly slotted over a superb touchline conversion to make it 12-0.
Salford hit back briefly and were rewarded on 11 minutes when Stefan Ratchford went over in the corner and Daniel Holdsworth landed a towering touchline effort to make it 12-6.
But that was as close as Salford got as Warrington hit back on 19 minutes when Chris Hicks did well to squeeze in at the corner after a sweeping move involving Briers, Riley and Chris Bridge. Westwood couldn’t repeat his earlier touchline effort.
Warrington continued to dominate and within three minutes were on the scoresheet again as Myler’s chip kick was well collected by Ryan Atkins to touch down, with Westwood adding the extras to make it 22-6.
Four minutes later it was the turn of youngster Williams to celebrate his last minute call up as he raced in at the corner after good work by Atkins. Westwood missed the conversion but the Wolves were in total control at 26-6.
Salford had some respite on 32 minutes when Matty Smith pierced the Warrington defence and Holdsworth was on target to make it 26-12.
But Warrington went up a gear scoring two more tries before the break as Lee Briers stretched over to score with finger tip control, quickly followed by Riley who finished off a free flowing move for his 15th try of the season. Westwood converted both to put the game out of Salford’s reach by the break at 38-12.
Warrington started the second half where they left off, as a precision kick by Briers was touched down by Vinnie Anderson, goaled by Westwood.
Warrington chalked up the half century on 53 minutes when a great Bridge off-load sent Myler under the sticks, with Briers adding the extras with Westwood resting on the sidelines.
Monaghan ensured all the backs got on the scoresheet as he sent Bridge powering under the sticks, with the centre adding the extras with Briers withdrawn from the action, making it 56-12.
There was no letting up from the relentless Wolves who kept the ball alive at every opportunity.
Salford didn’t help their cause by giving a way needless penalties and coughing up possession as Myler punished his former club with his second try on 69 minutes. Bridge added the extras to make it 62-12.
Still Warrington pushed for more with David Solomona going over after 75 minutes following an inch perfect pass from Monaghan, with Bridge again adding the extras to make it 68-12.
But it was Salford who had the final say on the scoreboard as Ratchford kicked ahead to score in the corner to give the weary Red Devils some late consolation.
After the game a delighted Tony Smith, who had the luxury of resting Matt King and Paul Wood for next week’s Challenge Cup showdown at Huddersfield, said: “We are happy with what we are doing at the moment and we had a very good game today.
“We came here well armed after a tough game against Salford earlier in the season and everything went to plan.”

Salford: Fitzpatrick, Tyrer, Ratchford, Talau, Gibson, M. Smith, Holdsworth, Sibbit, Alker, Boyle, Littler, Adamson, Swain.
Replacements: J. Smith, Sidlow, Leuluai, Spencer.

Warrington: Riley, Hicks, Bridge, Atkins, Williams, Briers, Myler, Morley, Monaghan, Harrison, L. Anderson, Westwood, Grix.
Replacements: Cooper, V. Anderson, Solomona, McCarthy.

Referee: James Child (Dewsbury)


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Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.

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