BBC Sportrugbyleague

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Related BBC sites

Page last updated at 21:44 GMT, Friday, 11 March 2011

Wakefield Trinity Wildcats 6-22 Warrington Wolves

Wakefield (0) 6
Tries: Griffin Goals: Griffin
Warrington (10) 22
Tries: Riley, Bridge, Atkins, Myler
Goals: Westwood 3


Wakefield v Warrington

Warrington eased to their fourth successive victory as they climbed to the top of Super League.

First-half tries from winger Chris Riley and full-back Chris Bridge earned a 10-0 half-time lead for the visitors.

And, although bottom club Wakefield proved spirited opposition, they could not prevent a third straight defeat.

Ryan Atkins and Richie Myler both got in on the act, Ben Westwood landing three out of four kicks, Josh Griffin's converted try proving a consolation.

Tony Smith's men move above Huddersfield and Castleford - who could regain top spot if they overcome Catalan Dragons tomorrow.

Warrington took control right from the first whistle - and the only surprise was that it took them as long as six minutes to score.

Richie Myler hoisted a high lob, Wakefield's debutant winger Greg Johnson made a hash of it and the ball spilled over the line for Riley to pounce.

It was Riley's sixth try in his last four Super League meetings with Wakefield. And, just six minutes later, Warrington scored again.

Full-back Bridge, in for the injured Brett Hodgson, marked his return to the side after three games out injured, by jinking his way through. And Westwood, who had missed the first conversion, this time succeeded to make it 10-0.

My word Warrington can defend. That will make them real contenders for the Super League title this year

Wakefield coach John Kear

Wakefield rallied, getting right back into the contest as they prevented Warrington adding any further score before the break, also going close themselves through hooker Julien Rinaldi.

But, within six minutes of the restart, the visitors had two men over out wide on the left.

England international centre Atkins trotted in for what will surely be the easiest try he scores this season, stand-in kicker Westwood superbly adding the extras from close to the touchline to make it 16-0.

And the Wolves effectively closed the door on the Wildcats when the in-form Myler eased his way through for his fourth try in as many games, Westwood again improving.

Wakefield finally got on the scoresheet when winger Griffin charged down Lee Briers' kick and won the race to the line, adding the extras himself from the touchline.

But, for all their commendable efforts, it was always a case of damage limitation for John Kear's men, who lost forward Frankie Mariano, taken to hospital for an x-ray on a worrying arm injury.


Warrington coach Tony Smith:

"There were a couple of aspects that we have been better on but overall I thought our commitment to one another was fantastic.

"We were defensively outstanding and, aside from their try on a charge down from a kick, I can't remember us being broken.

"I know they pressed our line a few times and on the back of a few penalties but, if they keep showing good commitment to one another like that, they'll be in good stead."

Wakefield coach John Kear:

"I thought our effort was absolutely outstanding and defensively we certainly took steps forward.

"We asked some questions in attack but Warrington's defence was awesome. They have added a steely resolve to their play.

"We nullified a bit of their creativity, put them under pressure and forced some errors, but my word they can defend and that will make them real contenders for the Super League title this year."


Wakefield: Murphy; G Johnson, Griffin, Dean, George; Hyde, Lee; Korkidas, Rinaldi, P Johnson, Mariano, Morrison, Howarth.
Replacements: Gledhill, Wildie, Amor, Henderson.

Warrington: Bridge; Riley, Blythe, Atkins, Evans; Briers, Myler; Carvell, Higham, Wood, Westwood, Grix, Harrison.
Replacements: Solomona, Mitchell, McCarthy, Clarke.

Referee: Richard Silverwood (Dewsbury).

Attendance: 5,072.



Print Sponsor


see also
Bradford 40-18 Wakefield
06 Mar 11 |  My Club
Warrington 40-24 Leeds
05 Mar 11 |  My Club
Wakefield 18-36 Warrington
15 Aug 10 |  My Club


related bbc links:

related internet links:
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites