Warrington Wolves end final heartbreak with thrilling Wembley victory

Pictures Eddie Whitham

WARRINGTON Wolves ended their final heartbreak defeating neighbours St Helens 18-4 in a thrilling Challenge Cup final at Wembley.

The day started well for Warrington as Great Sankey Year Seven boys were crowned Champion Schools winners defeating Standish 10-8.

With Blake Austin confirmed as missing out through injury, Ben Currie was named at half-back and there was no fairytale final appearance for veteran Bennie Westwood, who missed out on the final cut along with Harvey Livett.

3: Early scare for Warrington as Theo Fages kicks in goal and Morgan Knowles appears to win the race for the ball but no try given. Surprise that referee Robert Hicks doesn’t go to the big screen.

23: Another chance for St Helens, this time they go to the big screen and ruled out as a knock on by Taia in the lead up to the try. Another big let off for Warrington.

26: First blood for Warrington as Joe Philbin burst through a gap to touch down near the sticks as the Wolves took advantage of a second set of six. Ratchford adds the extras to make it 6-0.

With the next attack Warrington get into their stride as Daryl Clark is held up just short of the line.

31: Saints starting to wobble as full-back Coote drops a high ball when under no pressure. Warrington take full advantage as Ben Murdoch-Masila scores after being put over by Jack Hughes. Great conversion from Ratchford who calmly slots it over to make it 12-0.

38: Saints awarded a penalty in front of the sticks and run the ball but the Wolves hold their line to lead 12-0 at the break.

Great start to the second half with a good break by Bryson Goodwin followed by another mistake by St Helens.

43: From the next set Goodwin held just short and then Tom Lineham forces his way over but ruled out by the video referee.

44: Wolves knock on, Saints take advantage and Tommy Makinson goes in at the corner but fabulous tackle by Goodwin sees the try ruled out by the video referee.

55: Saints turning the screw as Wolves struggle to clear their lines.

56: Saints record their first points as Fages dummied his way over but Coote sliced a relatively simple conversion wide making it 12-4.

71: Back to back fumbles by Saints puts Warrington on the front foot as Daryl Clark darts over to score on his 150th appearance for the club! Patton adds the extras to make it 18-4 and Saints needing three scores in seven minutes!

Daryl Clark (pictured below) announced as only the third hooker to be named man of the match to collect the Lance Todd Trophy.

Victory saw Head Coach Steve Price third time lucky after losing at Wembley and Old Trafford last year during his first season in charge.

A delighted Price who said he was “extremely proud” of his team celebrated at the final hooter by throwing a big bucket of water over his head!

Wire : Josh Charnley, Daryl Clark, Jason Clark, Mike Cooper, Ben Currie, Bryson Goodwin, Chris Hill, Jack Hughes, Toby King, Tom Lineham, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Declan Patton, Stefan Ratchford.

Interchanges: Sitaleki Akauola, Joe Philbin, Matt Davis, Jake Mamo,

St Helens: Lomax, Makinson, Naiqama, Percival, Grace, Fages, Richardson, Walmsley, Roby, Thompson, Taia, McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Knowles, Peyroux, Bentley, Coote.

Interchanges: Paulo, McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Amor, Ashworth.

Fans on their crusade to Wembley

You love to see it!! 😀😀 pic.twitter.com/lKpLneOgVI

— Warrington Wolves (@WarringtonRLFC) August 24, 2019

🏁 FULL TIME with @ResultingIT

WE’VE DONE IT!! CHALLENGE CUP FINAL WINNERS!!!! 🏆😀 pic.twitter.com/Y8ZlqgkGwB

— Warrington Wolves (@WarringtonRLFC) August 24, 2019