Birkenhead Park Junior Colts 3 Warrington Junior Colts 24

Warrington junior colts built on their early season form with a strong showing against a committed Birkenhead Park outfit.

In near perfect conditions Warrington scored early through fly half Tom Arnold who finished off a sweeping backs move with debutant Damon Rauhihi making good ground and showing the huge potential that he clearly possesses. The remainder of the first half was a largely frustrating affair for the visitors as they continually found themselves penalised for technical offences at the breakdown. Birkenhead worked hard to capitalise on Warrington’s ill discipline and slotted a penalty from in front of the posts.

Birkenhead had a prolonged and sustained period of possession as Warrington continued to frustrate the referee and hand over possession when in promising positions. Nothing could fault the Warrington defence however, with openside flanker Henry Jeffers leading the way in a ferocious display of tackling. With the half seemingly drawing to a close at 5 3, Birkenhead had a penalty with what would have been the last kick of the game. Unfortunately their penalty kick failed to make touch and instead landed in the arms of scrum half Josh Riley. He dummied and attacked the Park blind side, beat 2 players and handed off another to put in second rower Nick Pennington for his debut try for the club. Arnold slotted a fine conversion from out wide.

The Warrington half time team talk centred much around the need to improve the discipline and stop the needless penalties. Changes were made and attitudes improved.

Warrington once again started the stronger of the two teams and with a much improved penalty count started to dominate possession. It was the backs who once again proved the undoing of a spirited Park defence with Rauhihi powering through to score Warrington’s third try. Arnold failed to convert from wide out.

With the lead extended Warrington were able to ring the changes and the whole squad of 22 were able to contribute and get much needed match time. Special mention to Harland on the wing, Jackson at prop and replacement second rows, Moore and Lynch who all added something to the team performance.

A penalty to Warrington just inside the Park half saw the quick thinking Riley, once again launch a counter attack. The move consisted of quick hands and excellent support play with the tireless Jeffers rounding off a fine team try.

Once again Park refused to lie down and Warrington had to weather a sustained onslaught from the home teams forwards. Weather it they did however and despite some strong and skilful attacking play Park were unable to score their much deserved try.

In the end Warrington were deserved winners, however it should be said that Park were committed and brave to the end.