Warrington met Burnage in the John Burgess Lancashire Cup on Saturday 5th September 2026. It was the first meeting between the two clubs since 18th January 2020.

On a bright afternoon, Warrington kicked off and Burnage fielded the ball cleanly, making ground upfield. However, stern defence forced a turnover, and the ball was moved quickly through the backs. An overlap was created and Harrison Turner ran strongly in for a well-worked try. JP Hudson converted with only three minutes gone. 7-0

Burnage's response was swift. They gained possession inside the Warrington 22 and, after a series of powerful carries, moved the ball wide for a converted try. 7-7

Warrington were next to score. Good tackling in the Burnage half forced a turnover, and controlled passing through the backs allowed Sean Callander, returning to the club, to go over for a try. 12-7

Warrington continued to attack, but Burnage put in some forceful hits and carried strongly whenever they had possession. Warrington created another good attacking position and Burnage were caught offside. Hudson stepped up and kicked a straightforward penalty. 15-7

Burnage made their presence felt with strong running, particularly from their forwards. Warrington were made to pay for conceding penalties, which put them under sustained pressure. A lineout well inside the Warrington 22 was overthrown, and a good clearance kick by Hudson relieved the pressure. Burnage came back again, forcing Warrington to defend resolutely, but their determination eventually brought a try. 15-12

Warrington continued to defend strongly, while Burnage's frustrations resulted in a yellow card. With the clock ticking towards half-time and Burnage attacking once more, a long pass towards the wing was intercepted by Tom McEniff, who ran in unopposed from 80 metres to score beneath the posts. Hudson added the conversion.

Half-time: 22-12

Warrington started the second half strongly, forcing Burnage to concede a penalty for not releasing in the tackle. Hudson made no mistake with the kick. 25-12

Burnage stepped up the pressure and Warrington again conceded field position through penalties. The visitors capitalised with another try. 25-17

Warrington continued to play open rugby and saw their efforts rewarded with another Hudson penalty.
28-17

Burnage then enjoyed a purple patch. First, they scored through their forwards after being camped on the Warrington line. A few minutes later, the Warrington defence was finally breached by a jinking run that resulted in a converted try beneath the posts. Warrington broke up field but lost possession in the tackle. Burnage regained the ball and drove play back towards the Warrington line. Excellent defence initially held them up, but eventually another try came, followed by a successful conversion, giving Burnage the lead for the first time. 28-36

Warrington responded strongly, forcing a five-metre scrum. Up to that point the scrums had been fairly even, but with the try line in sight they forced a reset and secured possession. The ball was moved quickly along the backline and Hudson produced a lovely pass to centre Ryan Newton, who cut inside his marker to score. 33-36

With five minutes remaining, Burnage continued to push for another score and advanced to halfway. However, a pass intended for the waiting winger was intercepted by McEniff, who beat the desperate cover defence to score out wide. A superb conversion from Hudson followed. 40-36

Warrington saw out the final minutes of the game to earn a creditable victory against opponents they will meet again in the league this coming season.

FT 40-36

Led by captain Harry Kellett, Warrington produced a committed team performance, with every player contributing. They will know that similar efforts will be required when they return to life in North 2 West for the forthcoming league campaign.

Team:-
1) T.Green *, 2) H Turner *, 3) S.Bennett *, 4) W.Morgan *, 5) Harry Kellett (c) *,
6) J.Evans *, 7) S.Callander *, 8) D.Fleming *, 9) O.Hudson *, 10) JP.Hudson *,
11) L.Turner *, 12) Achie Kellett *, 13) R.Newton , 14) T.McEniff * 15) W.Uttley *

Bench: - 1) Andy Kellett, 2) J.Baker *, 3) S.Whalley *, 4 J.Lightfoot *, 5) K.Cherrett
*Indicates home grown players

Referee: - John Pemberton (Manchester & District Referees Society)

Report by Geoff Perks WRUFC

Next Game :- Pre Season Fixture

Wirral XV v Warrington XV Saturday 12th September 2026 KO 15:00 (3pm)

Next Cup Game :-

Aldwinians v Warrington Saturday 19th September 2026 KO 15:00 (3pm)

First League Game: - North 2 West

Warrington v Manchester Saturday 26th September 2026 KO 15:00 (3pm)