Warrington (24) 46
Tries: King 2, Grix, Westwood 2, Monaghan, Hicks, Solomona Goals: Bridge 7

Crusaders (12) 12
Tries: Bryant, Withers Goals: Witt 2

Matt King scored two tries and was named man of the match

Warrington scored 40 unanswered points to ease past Crusaders and climb to second in Super League.

After Mark Bryant's early score was cancelled out by Matt King, Lincoln Withers crossed the line to give the visitors a 12-6 advantage.

But Chris Bridge and King touched down to give the Wolves a lead that they did not relinquish.

From 24-12 up at half-time, the home side added four more tries, with Bridge kicking seven goals.

It was expected that Crusaders would be watched by new signing Gareth Thomas, but the former Wales rugby union international was not there to see his new team-mates take an early lead.

But Warrington, inspired by King, rallied to notch their fourth win in five Super League outings this season.

The Australian benefited from Bridge's burst for the Wolves' first score and, after Simon Grix forced over to level the game at 12-12, King was again fed by Bridge to give Warrington the lead for the first time.

Ben Westwood crossed the line either side of half-time, the first after more good work from King, to effectively end the match as a contest.

Gareth Raynor touched down in the corner for Crusaders, but his effort was ruled out for a forward pass before Michael Monaghan, Chris Hicks and David Solomona went over to complete the rout for Warrington.

Warrington boss Tony Smith:
"Matt King was terrific both offensively and defensively. He bombed three or four chances and was still sensational. That shows how good he is.

"He's in rampaging form but has been playing strong all year.

"He caused problems wherever he popped up and a few opponents will be going home with Matt King headaches.

Crusaders coach Brian Noble:
"We conceded a couple of soft tries before half-time and their quality came through in the second half.

"We tried to play as individuals and that is never a successful formula.

"Warrington's offloads in the first half troubled us and we had to use a lot more energy.

Warrington: Riley, Hicks, Bridge, Atkins, King, Grix, Monaghan, Morley, Higham, Carvell, L. Anderson, Westwood, Harrison.
Replacements: Wood, Solomona, V. Anderson, Williams.

Crusaders: Kear, Youngquest, Dyer, Mellars, Raynor, Lupton, Witt, O'Hara, Withers, Bryant, Chan, Hauraki, Trimarchi.
Replacements: Winternstein, Peek, Thackray, White.

Referee: J Child (Dewsbury)

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