Revenge Is Sweet As Warrington Overwhelm League Leaders

Having been trounced 46-0 by Bowdon in November, Warrington’s third string showed how far they have developed by gaining a 36-3 revenge in this return fixture. Although they can’t overhaul the league leaders, they can still claim the second promotion place, especially if they beat second-placed Firwood Waterloo, whom they play at home in the penultimate game of the season.

Warrington opened the scoring within five minutes of the kick-off, when full back Charlie McIlroy introduced himself into the line to split the defence and touch down in the corner. The lead was increased when Shaun McDermott showed off his, by now, familiar Lee Briers impersonation and found Paul MacKay with a pinpoint cross-field kick which allowed the veteran winger to stroll over. Matt Drinkwater converted.

Bowdon scored their only points with a penalty before prop Steve Tickle, showing uncharacteristic speed, charged down an attempted clearance on the opposition line. Ben Hockenhull snapped up the loose ball and skipped over. Drinkwater converted to make the half time score 19-3.

Shaun McDermott repeated his crossfield kicking expertise early in the second half and this time the lucky recipient was Charlie McIlroy, who took full advantage to score his second try. Drinkwater converted. The forwards then got onto the score sheet through the ample physique of Christian White who bullied over before the scoring was completed by two Drinkwater penalties.

“This was one of the most satisfying wins of the season,” said Skipper Shaun McDermott. “We also suffered a heavy defeat by Waterloo back in September, so we are really looking forward to getting the kind of revenge we enjoyed today when we play them at home, in what will be our biggest test”