WARRINGTON Wolves shrugged off a number of absences with a fine 34-8 win over Leeds Rhinos at Headingley.
Talisman Paul Vaughan was missing through suspension, and fellow forwards Joe Philbin and Zane Tetevano were sidelined through the concussions they suffered in the home defeat to Catalans last weekend, while centres Toby King and Roderick Tai were also absent.
But after holding off a Leeds fightback, Warrington pulled clear in the final quarter and Josh Thewlis’ late interception try put icing on the cake.
There was no repeat of the slow start that saw the Wolves trail 18-0 early on against Catalans last week, though they did fall behind when Harry Newman put the hosts in front.
Tries from Joe Bullock, George Williams and Matty Nicholson put Sam Burgess’ side in command at 16-4 up at half time.
Leeds rallied at the start of the second half and within three minutes of the restart, grabbed their second try through Luis Roberts.
The key moment in the match came on 50 minutes, when Paul Momirovski’s scramble after a loose ball and touch down was ruled a double movement by the video referee at a time where Leeds seemed to have momentum amidst a building atmosphere.
Warrington Wolves managed to swing the pendulum the other way though, Matt Dufty’s smart kick and chase forcing a drop out, and then a Williams’ high kick also forced a repeat set.
Eventually the pressure told, Danny Walker finding his way over the line for a try from close range and that appeared to break the Rhinos’ resolve.
Lachlan Fitzgibbon went close to scoring, with great defence soon winning the ball back, and from that field position Dufty found his way to the line on the right to make sure of the points.
Leeds: Miller, Roberts, Newman, Momirovski, Handley, Croft, Frawley, Oledzki, Ackers, Holroyd, McDonnell, Martin, Smith. Subs: Lisone, McCormack, O’Connor, Goudemand.
Tries: Newman, Roberts.
Warrington Wolves: Dufty, Thewlis, Wrench, Ratchford, Ashton, Williams, Hayes, Harrison, Walker, Crowther, Nicholson, Fitzgibbon, Currie. Subs: Powell, Bullock, Holroyd, Wood.
Tries: Nicholson, Williams, Bullock, Walker, Dufty, Thewlis. Goals: Ratchford 5.
Photos: @WarringtonRLFC
George Williams powering through to tip the scales in @WarringtonRLFC's favour 🫡#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/jhSlsnhCfH
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) April 5, 2024
.@WarringtonRLFC are wonderful 🤩@JoshThewlis_1 with the interception two minutes from time to cement a strong win on the road for the Wolves 💪#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/cbfJHY1pAp
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) April 5, 2024
