Wolves dramatic
fight back
by Gary Skentelbery
WARRINGTON Wolves staged a tremendous second half-fight back to clinch a dramatic winning start to Super League Seven.
The Wolves looked dead and buried as they trailed Halifax Blue Sox 0-16 at the break.
They surrendered far too much possession as the visitors raced in for three tries without reply.
But Performance Director Steve Anderson clearly read the riot act at the interval as the Wolves looked like a different team.
It took just three minutes of the new half for Warrington to breach the Halifax defence after Lee Briers had found touch with a 40-20 kick to give his side head and feed.
From the scrum skipper Matt Rodwell worked a move to race in unopposed behind the sticks. With Briers lying outstretched receiving treatment Rob Smyth added the two to make it 6-16.
The Wolves looked meaner and sharper and were soon back in the game as Sid Domic broke clear to feed the supporting Smyth who went in for a classic wingers try down the touchline. Briers landed a great conversion to make it 12-16.
But the visitors hit back as Darryl Cardiss grabbed his second try of the afternoon and Karl Hammond added the two to make it 12-22.
But the Wolves stuck to their task and with the clock ticking away Dean Busby broke and fed the supporting Rodwell who went over for his second try. Briers made no mistake to close the gap to just four points.
The impressive Dale Cardoza gave the Wolves the lead for the first time in the 72nd minute after a strong run and Briers added the conversion to make it 24-22.
Halifax mounted a concerted effort and had the Wolves pegged on their own line for 18 consecutive tackles but the defence held firm.
In the final minute Centre David Kidwell intercepted on half way to clinch a memorable victory.
- Pictures show Club Mascot Wolfie receiving his squad shirt from sponor Gary Skentelbery, Managing Editor of warrington-worldwide.
