Wolves taste defeat

WARRINGTON Wolves completed their preparations for the new Super League season with a disappointing 18-24 defeat to Wigan in Jon Clarke’s testimonial game at the Halliwell Jones Stadium last night.
Coach Tony Smith clearly used the game as an experimental outing as the Wolves were left chasing the game throughout.
Sam Tomkins, Liam Farrell, Thomas Leuluai and Chris Tuson all crossed for the Warriors, who led 12-0 and 24-6 witht he reigning Champions in control throughout.
Wigan stand-off Paul Deacon was forced off after only thee minutes following a heavy challenge but he returned midway through the first-half.
Tomkins was on as cover and swiftly pounced on a loose ball to score after six minutes, before adding the extras.
Warrington thought they had their first try through new signing Joel Monaghan but it was ruled out for offside, and they missed another chance on 25 minutes when the ball fell loose with the try-line in sight.
Two minutes later Wigan had doubled their lead, George Carmont taking a high kick from the returning Deacon before offloading for Farrell to cross next to the posts.
Deacon’s conversion made it 12-0 and although David Solomona lost the ball as he tried to ground it for a score on 32 minutes, Wolves finally crossed through Lee Briers just before the break.
Leuluai sneaked through a gap to touch down 13 minutes into the second half and five minutes later Tuson got through the Wolves defence after good work from Josh Charnley, putting the game beyong the hosts.
Warrington did grab a second try 12 minutes from the hooter, Rhys Williams capitalising on some slack defending and Brett Hodgson adding the extras from wide out.
Debutant Logan Tomkins joined brothers Sam and Joel on the field for the first time in the final 10 minutes but it was Wolves who had the final say, Jon Clarke crossing with Ben Westwood adding the extras to make the scoreline more respectable.