Warrington v Southport

Warrington got back to winning ways on Saturday at Walton Lea Road with their biggest win for 3 years.  The game was over as a contest by half time.  At that stage Warrington led by 28pts-0 with their best display of flowing rugby this season to date.  To their credit Southport rallied in the second half when it would have been easier for them simply to fold and consequently the home team got a much needed reminder that no team in this League are a soft touch and they will need to be at their best for a full eighty minutes if they are to gain the promotion they are chasing.

Mark Tickle at full back was Warrington’s star performer.  Given the goalkicking duties for the first time he was successful with three kicks out of seven but it was his mesmerizing run from the half way line in the first half that produced a wonderful individual try that set his performance apart.  An early Tickle penalty gave Warrington the lead after ten minutes and shortly after Steve Mahony, making his first appearance of the season, crossed wide out after some slick handling in the backs. At this stage Warrington were dominating all aspects of the game and it was no surprise that before half time both Eddie Fields and Andy Allen scored spectacular individual tries with Tickle adding a further penalty and conversion.

The second half brought about a spirited revival from the visitors.  An early penalty goal gave them encouragement and they gradually got to terms with Warrington and started to compete on an equal basis.  A string of penalties by Warrington and a number of handling errors which crept into their game meant Warrington were not able to get the scoreboard rolling.  Just before the close of the game Pete Cannon darted over for his first try in Warrington colours and give the home team well deserved League points.

This Saturday Warrington entertain Hoylake in the 2nd Round of the RFU National Cup.  Hoylake who play a level higher than Warrington have not got off to the best of starts this season and Warrington will hope they can exploit this to progress further in the competition.

Areas to work on in training this week will focus on better ball retention in contact area and also concentration at all times in all areas on the pitch.

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