WARRINGTON Wolves held off a second half fightback to return to winning ways with a 30-26 win over Huddersfield Giants on a hot Saturday evening at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
The Wolves looked to be in total control as they led 24-10 early in the second half but tries for the Giants by Kevin Naiqama and Theo Fages, both converted by Olly Russell, cut that lead to just two points at 24-22.
The Wolves steadied the ship with a Matt Dufty try and Stefan Ratchford conversion to give the home side a valuable eight-point cushion midway through the second half.
But Huddersfield set up a frantic finale when Tui Lolohea crossed with seven minutes remaining which Russell converted but the Wolves managed to hold on for a nervy success.
Warrington’s other tries came from Josh Thewlis, George Williams, Danny Walker and Sam Kasiano while Ratchford finished with five goals.
Huddersfield’s other points came from tries by Jake Bibby and Leroy Cudjoe while Russell finished with three conversions.
The win ends a shaky spell for Daryl Powell’s men who had suffered back-to-back defeats to Leigh and Hull FC and also seen star Australian signing Josh Maguire hit with a 12-match ban for unacceptable language.
Both sides made three changes after their Magic Weekend defeats in Newcastle with Thewlis, Matty Russell and Kasiano coming in for the Wolves in place of Josh Drinkwater, Greg Minikin and Joe Philbin.
Jake Connor was the surprise absentee from the Giants line-up along with Matty English and Joe Greenwood, while Will Pryce returned to the side with Olly Wilson and Russell.
The home side were quickest out of the blocks in the sweltering conditions and were ahead after just four minutes when Walker’s short pass allowed Kasiano to crash over from close range and Ratchford converted.
But the Giants’ response was almost immediate as some slick handling allowed Bibby to dive over in the corner.
Wolves winger Thewlis then brought the crowd to its feet with a sensational 90-metre try as he broke from close to his own line and stepped inside full-back Will Pryce to race clear.
And it got better for the Wolves when Williams touched down and with Ratchford on target with both conversions the home side were in control at 18-4.
But Huddersfield kept themselves in the contest with a Cudjoe try and Russell conversion to cut the arears to eight points at 18-10 at half time.
Warrington again started the half the better and four minutes after the restart increased their advantage when Ben Currie broke clear and the supporting Walker collected the pass to score and Ratchford converted.
But Huddersfield’s quick double by Naiqama and Fages set up a thrilling finish that saw the Wolves just hang on for victory.
Warrington: Dufty; Thewlis, Wrench, Ratchford, Ashton; Mata’utia, Williams; Dudson, Walker, Vaughan, Currie, Harrison, Kasiano. Interchanges: Clark, Bullock, Russell, Green.
Huddersfield: Pryce; Senior, Marsters, Naiqama, Bibby; Russell, Fages; Hill, Peats, Wilson, Cudjoe, McQueen, Yates. Interchanges: Milner, Ikahihifo, Rushton, Lolohea.
𝐉𝐨𝐛 𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐞 😀 pic.twitter.com/W3lERZ5Q49
— Warrington Wolves (@WarringtonRLFC) June 10, 2023
Another try for @WarringtonRLFC 🥧
Danny Walker extends their lead live on @SkySportsRL Arena 😃#SuperLeague #SLWarHud pic.twitter.com/mGXxtQ7k6E
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) June 10, 2023
WOW, @JoshThewlis_1 🔥
Serious pace from the @WarringtonRLFC winger 😮💨#SuperLeague #SLWarHud pic.twitter.com/O5wtNyu2pF
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) June 10, 2023
