WARRINGTON Wolves continued their defence of the Tetley’s Challenge Cup
with a convincing 52-6 victory over Salford City Reds at the Halliwell Jones Stadium to cruise into
the next round.
Warrington soaked up some early pressure as the visitors started brightly but the defence held firm and after 10 minutes a penalty gave good field position as Chris Hill powered over the line dragging would be tacklers with him. Hodgson added the conversion to make it 6-0.
Two minutes later Warrington doubled their lead as quick hands saw Joel Monghan in at the corner with Hodgson converting from the touchline to make it 12-0.
Warrington were now in full flow and went over again as Hodgson kicked through and regathered to score before adding the extras to make it 18-0.
Salford were guilty of giving away penalties and were duly punished when Stefan Ratchford dummied his way over the line against his former club. Hodgson was again on target to make it 24-0 at the break.
The game was as good as over in ther 44th minute when Salford lost possession with Mickey Higham dummying his way over with Hodgson’s conversion making it 30-0.
With the game in the bag Lee Briers (pictured right) came off the bench to huge cheers and within four minutes supporters were cheering a great individual try from the veteran half back. Hodgson was again on target making it 36-0.
Ratchford grabbed his second try on 55 minutes after a perfect grubber kick by Hodgson who landed yet another successful conversion to make it 42-0.
Salford got a consolation try through Broughton which was converted by Gaskell but Warrington were soon back on the front foot as more good work by Briers, with a smart grubber kick sent Monaghan over for his second try on 69 minutes.
Hodgson failed to convert for the first time making it 46-6.
Four minutes from time more Wolves pressure saw Paul Wood go under the sticks and with Hodgson off the pitch Briers landed the extras to complete the scoring.
Mickey Higham looks to off load
Ben Westwood takes on Salford’s Sneyd
Lee Briers back in the groove
Welcome back – Garreth Carvell congratulates Briers
Team mates celebrate with Briers
Wolves:
Hodgson, C Riley, Atkins, Grix, J Monaghan, Ratchford, Myler, Wood, Higham, Hill Waterhouse, Westwood, Cooper.
Subs: Briers, Carvell, Currie, G Riley.
Salford:
Sneyd, Gibson, Gleeson, Gaskell, Broughton, McGoldrick, Fages, Griffin, Godwin, Walne, Ashurst, Dixon, Wild.
Subs Emmitt, Foran, James, Nero
