WARRINGTON Wolves’ defensive frailities were again exposed as they cemented second spot with a 54-30 “entertaining” victory over Castleford Tigers at the Haillwell Jones.
While Warrington played some exciting attacking rugby, running in nine tries, they were guilty of some sloppy defending, as the visitors ran in six tries.
If it hadn’t been for the excellent goal-kicking from stand-in goal kicker Ben Westwood, who landed a 100 per cent nine out of nine conversions, including a couple of tough toughline efforts, the scoreline could have been a lot closer.
The Wolves also benefitted from some 50-50 decisions with one of their nine tries clearly a yard forward.
Head of Coaching Tony Smith took the decision to rest Lee Briers and Ben Harrison as the squad was boosted by the return of utility back Jon Clarke, who was back in action after nearly a year out.
Warrington got off to the best possible start as a sweeping move saw David Solomona off-load beautifully around the tackler to send Ryan Atkins racing clear, with the centre feeding Chris Riley for an exciting try within the first two minutes. Westwood, as he would each time, landed the extras.
But Castleford hit back quickly as Warrington surrendered possession and then were stretched out wide as Kirk Dixon went in at the corner. Westerman was wide with the conversion.
Castleford had much of the possesion during the next 10 minutes but it was Warrington who scored against the run of play on 20 minutes as Michael Monaghan kicked through for Richie Myler to win the race to the ball. Westwood’s conversion made it 12-4.
This signalled near one way traffic as five minutes later Skipper Adrian Morley sold a dummy to power over, followed by a precision kick from Myler setting up Atkins on 30 minutes.
Then just before the interval a superb break by Monaghan sent the supporting Myler under the sticks to give Warrington a commanding 30-4 half-time advantage.
Castleford hit back after the interval as Randy Chase sent Westerman over and he converted his own try to make it 30-10.
Within three minutes Warrington responded as Richie Mathers finished off a superb move to score with Westwood’s conversion making it 36-10.
Clarke returned to the action after his lengthy lay off as Monaghan went off for a well earned rest and Warrington extended their lead on 54 minutes when Chris Hicks went in at the corner from a pass, which looked at least a yard forward. Westwood’s conversion made it 42-10 and Warrington should have been well out of sight.
But a loose carry by Hicks on 57 minutes allowed the Tigers to regain possession as Michael Waiwright went in at the corner, as the Wolves’ defence was once again stretched.
Two minutes later more great work by Chase sent Westerman in at the corner, as he then struck the upright with a touchline conversion, making it 42-24.
Ten minutes from time a great off-load by Atkins sent Solomona powering over for a popular try and then the returning Monaghan’s kick sent Myler over for his hat-trick on 75 minutes, with Westwood’s conversion making it 54-24.
But the Tigers had the final say on the scoreboard as Solomona lost possession in front of his own sticks with Steve Snitch going over from the resulting set and Westerman adding the extras.
Warrington will have to improve their defence if they are going to have any chance at Wigan next Friday.
Wolves Prop Paul Wood had to be helped from the pitch with a leg injury and was on crutches after the game but his injury is not as bad as first feared and he hopes to be fit to face his home town club Wigan on Friday.
After the game Head of Coaching Tony Smith said he was pleased with the “entertainment value” of the game and thought it was a “step up” from the victory at Crusaders. He was particularly pleased with the form of Richie Myler, who he said “got better and better” the longer the game went on.
Pictures show try scorers Richie Myler and Chris Riley and goal kicking Ben Westwood.
For more pictures from the game CLICK HERE
Warrington: Mathers, Hicks, King, Atkins, Riley, Grix, Myler, Morley, Monaghan, Carvell, L. Anderson, Westwood, Solomona.
Replacements: Clarke, Wood, Cooper, V. Anderson.
Castleford: McGoldrick, Dixon, Ferres, Thompson, Wainwright, Widders, Chase, Huby, Hudson, Jackson, Snitch, Clayton, Westerman.
Replacements: Sargent, Jones, Milner, Walker.
Referee: Phil Bentham
Atten: 10, 577
