Pictures Eddie Whitham
WARRINGTON Wolves won back the Wire faithful despite going down 10-12 to arch-rivals St Helens in a thrilling encounter at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
In one of the best games of the season, Warrington tore up the form book and pushed the league leaders all the way, with young winger Connor Wrench almost pulling off a famous victory as he burst clear in the final minute, only to be thwarted with a wayward pass under pressure.
But the players were cheered off the pitch by the home fans who were delighted to see the team getting back to their best after some recent woeful results.
Few gave the Wolves much of a chance against the reigning champions and league leaders, who brought a large following to the Halliwell Jones.
But after trailing 4-12 at the break, the Wolves kept Saints pointless in the second half, a rare feat, while they got within two points following a try by Geroge Williams after a great break from Gareth Widdop who had one of his best games for the Wire at full-back, scoring the opening try.
Meanwhile, Tommy Makinson celebrated victory on his 250th Betfred Super League appearance as the Saints just managed to hang on to victory.
Alex Walmsley’s try in bizarre circumstances after Saints won a scrum against the head and Makinson’s 14th of the season helped St Helens into a 12-4 lead after Widdop’s opener for the hosts.
Williams’ converted try gave the Wolves hope of snatching a memorable win, but they could not unlock the reigning champions’ defence again – with the impressive Connor Wrench left to wonder what might have been as he was just caught while breaking away in the closing stages.
Proud of the lads tonight and an incredible atmosphere by you the fans 🐺👏 pic.twitter.com/tCJk4hkiD4
— Warrington Wolves (@WarringtonRLFC) May 19, 2022
How about that game 😳
Wrench with a fantastic break, only denied by a brilliant Makinson cover tackle to win it for @Saints1890 🙌#SuperLeague #SLWarStH pic.twitter.com/Ai5LVzidAF
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) May 19, 2022
Fantastic line from Widdop to setup Williams 🔥
Wolves back within 2 live on @SkySportsRL#SuperLeague #SLWarStH pic.twitter.com/oW9LZJGTEq
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) May 19, 2022
TRY from Walmsley!
Warrington Wolves 4-4 St Helens 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Xr1VrywIu5
— Sky Sports Rugby League (@SkySportsRL) May 19, 2022
Lovely cut out ball from Peter Mata'utia 👏
Widdop gives the Wolves the lead live on @SkySportsRL Arena#SuperLeague #SLWarStH pic.twitter.com/CEaPMHhBLs
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) May 19, 2022