Warrington made to work hard for victory over New Brighton

Warrington welcomed New Brighton RFC to Walton Lea on Sunday in round 11 of the junior colts league.

Warrington had won the reverse fixture in September and were confident of being able to maintain their 100% home record.

From the off it was Warrington who dominated possession and territory but it was clear that New Brighton were greatly improved from the last encounter. The Wirral outfit were robust in defence and also showed that they had pace out wide.

It was deep into the first half that the deadlock was finally broken when a clever cross field kick from Thompson was collected well by winger Wilson who scored in the corner. Thompson converted well to make the score 7-0 to Warrington.

New Brighton continued to press strongly and with their committed and well drilled pack caused the home team some major problems. Eventually the pressure told and Warrington conceded a penalty in front of their posts, New Brighton converted to make the half time score 7 3.

The second half saw a similar pattern evolve with Warrington dominating territory but unable to capitalise on the opportunities they created. A split ball in the New Brighton 22 was pounce upon by the away sides winger, he opened his legs and sprinted the full length of the field and beat the Warrington cover defence to score a superb individual effort in the corner. The conversion was missed and the scored moved to 7-8.

Stung into action Warrington were able to apply pressure to the New Brighton defence and eventually centre Brazendale was able to crash over the white wash. Thompson converted to make the score 14 8.

With an injection of new legs Warrington were able to maintain pressure on New Brighton and score a third and decisive try. A scrum, five metres short of the away teams line allowed Warrington to move the ball swiftly through the three quarters and it was Brazendale who once again crossed to score his eighth of the season. The conversion was missed and the score moved to 19 8.

Throughout the game New Brighton proved stiff and uncompromising and without some of their key players missing, may well have won the day. Indeed it was they who had the last say of the game when once again a mistake from Warrington was seized upon. New Brighton posses some real pace out wide and they were able to sprint clear to score another superb individual effort.

The conversion was missed and the referee blew for the end of the game. Final score Warrington 19 New Brighton 13.

The game was played in a great spirit and both teams contributed well. Warrington will need to learn to be more patient and if New Brighton continue their improvement, they will become a real force.