Near 7,000 crowd show support for Joe Philbin testimonial as Warrington Wolves taste defeat

A near 7,000 crowd turned out to show their support for Joe Philbin as Warrington Wolves went down 12-28 to an impressive Leigh Leopards at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

It took the visitors just three minutes to open the scoring as ex-Wire Josh Charnley went over for the opening try, converted by Zak Hardaker, to make it 0-6.

On 19 minutes Connor Wrench, who had made a try-saving tackle was then sent to the sin bin for a high shot and while he was off Leigh doubled their lead with a try and conversion from Hardaker.

Warrington hit back on 31 minutes with a try for Jimmy Harrison who forced his way over with Josh Thewlis on kicking duties and converting to make it 6-12 which was the score at the break.

Warrington Wolves boss Sam Burgess rung the changes at the interval and on 51 minutes Leigh extended their lead with a try by Matt Moylan and four minutes later they were over again via Umyla Hanley, with Ed Chamberlain converting to make it 6-22.

On 63 minutes Warrington got back on the scoreboard when a pinpoint kick from Sam Powell was touched down in the corner by Frank Sergent with Leon Hayes adding a touchline conversion to make it 12-22.
On 73 minutes it was Brad Dwyer’s turn to be in the sin bin for a high shot and while he was off Leigh completed the scoring in the final minute through Tom Nisbet with Ben Nakubuwai converting.

After the game, Joe Philbin thanked the Wire fans for their support saying it was good to get the Halliwell Jones Stadium rocking again.
“Unfortunately we didn’t get the win, but it was good learning lessons for two weeks time in the Super League against Catalan.
“Thank you for your support – we will need you in the year.”