Flying winger Penny helps Wolves into Challenge Cup semi-final

TWO quick tries from Warrington’s winger Kevin Penny, including a spectactular flying effort in the corner, helped see off spirited Championship outfit Leigh Centurions as the Wolves reached another Challenge Cup Semi-Final with a 34-24 victory at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

Trailing 12-14 at the break the Wolves looked to be on their way towards a Challenge Cup upset as they were outplayed by the spirited Chamionship side for much of the first half.

But two quick tries from Penny in the opening three minutes of the second half lifted spirits as Warrington took control of a highly entertaining game.

Warrington started the game well and opened the scoring on eight minutes when Chris Hill slipped a lovely ball to fellow Prop Ashton Sims who went over behind the sticks, providing Gareth O’Brien with the simplest of conversions to make it 6-0.

But on 11 minutes the scores were level as Leigh’s lively Ryan Brierly kicked through for winger Greg Worthington to touch down unopposed. Martyn Ridyard added the extras.

On 18 minutes Warrington were back in front as Ben Harrison performed a one on one ball steal on Bob Beswick and as the ball came loose O’Brien scooped up the ball and fed Ben Currie who used his pace to outstrip the cover and slide over in the corner. O’Brien landed a superb conversion to make it 12-6.

Back came Leigh as Brierly showed a clean pair of heels picking up a loose ball after O’Brien had spilled his own high kick, to score out wide. Ridyard was wide with the conversion attempt.

On 30 minutes giant Prop Moimoi had a try disallowed for the visitors for a double movement and then Penny had an effort chalked off following a forward pass from Stefan Ratchford.

Just before the break Leigh took the lead with a stunning try after Liam Kay broke down the wing and then kicked through for McNally to score. Ridyard was just wide with the conversion but underdogs Leigh were ahead 12-14 at the break.

Warrington suffered a setback with James Laithwaite stretchered off with what appeared to be a dislocated ankle after falling back on his leg in a tackle.

After the break Warrington came out fired up with Penny striking twice in the opening three minutes.

The first came from the kick off as Brad Dwyer, on for Daryl Clark who had taken a knock in the first half, showed great pace to break down the middle before feeding Ratchford who went on a mazy run, before sending Penny in for a walk in try at the corner. O’Brien was again on target with another fine conversion to make it 18-14.

Two minutes later and Penny was back over in the corner – but this time in style, with a spectacular flying dive over the corner post, touching down one handed in true acrobatic style – a try which rivalled a similar effort by Gene Ormsby earlier in the season at Salford. O’Brien was wide this time but the Wolves looked in control at 22-14.

O’Brien then found himself in the sin bin for a professional foul after stopping a certain try by tackling a player off the ball.

But Leigh failed to take advantage of their extra man and it was Warrington who scored again on 56 minutes when a clever kick by Dwer was touched down by George King, for his first try in 13 first team appearances. Ben Westwood added the conversion while O’Brien was still off the pitch.

Leigh rallied on 65 minutes when Brierly touched down following an early kick on the second tackle and Ridyard added the extras to make it 28-20.

But when Currie side stepped his way over for his second try on 69 minutes following a Leigh knock on and O’Brien added the extras Tom Armstrong’s late effort was nothing more than consolation for the gallent visitors.

After the match Wolves boss Tony Smith praised “spirited” Leigh.

“All credit to them. They came up with what they are capable of. They are a dangerous and exciting team to watch.”

 

Warrington Wolves: Ratchford; Ormsby, Laithwaite, Atkins, Penny; O’Brien, Myler; Hill, Clark, Sims, Westwood, Currie, Harrison.
Replacements: Dwyer, Asotasi, Philbin, King.

Leigh Centurions: McNally; Pownall, Worthington, Armstrong, Kay; Ridyard, Brierley; Wilkes, Beswick, Hock, Dixon, Goulden, Emmitt.
Replacements: Higson, Hopkins, Moimoi, Spencer.