Wolves hold of Vikings

By Chris Lord
July 3 2005

Warrington Wolves hold of local rivals Widnes Vikings in a thrilling derby, winning by 25-24 to extend the clubs winning run to 7.

Lee Briers landed a late drop-goal to hand impressive Warrington their seventh consecutive engage Super League victory by 25-24 and plunge arch-rivals Widnes into trouble at the foot of the table.

The Wolves had emerged as the league’s surprise package this season but they needed all their determination to see off the Vikings who had been eager to avenge their humiliating Challenge Cup defeat to Toulouse last week.

After a tight first half Warrington seemed likely to cruise to the win thanks to tries by Nathan Wood and Graham Appo but they were startled when scores by Gray Viane and Julian O’Neill brought the sides level going into the closing stages.

But Briers was on hand to knock over the all-important kick in the 75th minute to give Paul Cullen’s side yet another triumph.

The clash got off to an explosive start when Warrington scored the game’s first try in the opening minute - and what a score it was.

A left-field move involving Brent Grose, Henry Fa’Afili and Martin Gleeson was eventually finished off by Jon Clarke in the right-hand corner.

An O’Neill penalty reduced the arrears and by the 14th minute Widnes were in front thanks to an Andrew Emelio four-pointer in the corner. O’Neill converted.

Both sides were making silly mistakes in the face of some punishing tackling by O’Neill with a simple penalty from 30 yards out to accept his team’s lead.

Vikings centre Jon Whittle missed a great chance to claim his side’s second try when he knocked on with the try-line beckoning, a miss that was compounded as Briers sent Gleeson over in the corner at the other end moments later.

Briers kicked his second conversion to leave the scores tied at 8-8 but giant Australian Danny Lima then barged over from close range on half-time to send the Wolves into the break ahead.

A terrific start to the second period by Widnes saw them reduce the deficit to two points thanks to a try by robust winger Viane.

But Warrington regained their composure and, after Gleeson had centred the defence with a powerful run, Nathan Wood was on hand to size up his marker and dive over.

The Vikings were not being forced on to the back foot as the visitors’ pack began to dominate and it was no surprise to see them extend their advantage in the 57th minute.

Wood put in a delighted grubber kick which was expertly grouted by flying substitute Appo. Paul Moone converted to make it 24-12.

With Widnes huffing and puffing there looked no way back for the hosts but Viane breezed over into the Wolves defence stretch to set up a grandstand finale.

Amazingly the Vikings then drew level when an incisive Owen Craigie kick was poorly dealt with, allowing O’Neill to pick up the bobbling ball and ground with ease.

O’Neill added the extras to make it 24-24 but Briers had the last word, nailing a 25-yard drop-goal to give Warrington the win.

Widnes (8) 24.
Tries: Emelio, Viane 2, Finnigan. Goals: J. O'Neill 4.

Warrington (14) 25.
Tries: Clarke, M. Gleeson, Lima, N. Wood, Appo. Goals: Briers, Noone. Drop Goals: Briers.

Widnes: Holmes, Emelio, Whittle, Fa-alogo, Viane, Craigie, J. O’Neill, O’Connor, Smith, Stankevitch, Cassidy, Frame, Finnigan.

Replacements: J. O’Neill, Mills, Myler, Whitaker.

Warrington: Grose, Fa’afili, M. Gleeson, Kohe-Love, Gaskell, Briers, N. Wood, Leikvoll, Clarke, Hilton, Swann, Noone, Westwood.

Replacements: P. Wood, Lima, Appo, M. Gleeson.

Referee: Ian Smith (Oldham)

Att: 9,825