In the previous meeting between these sides at Stockton Lane in February, the conditions favoured the visitors. This time, the dry, still conditions of a perfect autumn afternoon were ideally suited to Warrington’s expansive running rugby and proved decisive in the outcome. Neither side altered their basic approach, with the visitors once again using the rolling maul to great effect while Warrington remained committed to their attacking running game.

After ten minutes, Warrington’s flair in the backs saw JP Hudson glide unopposed through the centre before feeding Tom McEniff. The winger’s elusive running narrowly failed to take him over the line, but support quickly arrived to maintain the pressure. Hudson reaped the rewards two minutes later, crossing wide on the left before adding the conversion. 7-0
Although Warrington cleared the restart, the visitors secured the ensuing line-out, drove forward with their trademark rolling maul, and then moved the ball wide for a well-worked try. 7-7

Twenty minutes in, a McEniff interception proved crucial as Wilmslow threatened inside the Warrington 22. Full-back Will Uttley, in support, kicked deep into the Wilmslow corner, and man of the match Danny Fleming, making his 300th appearance for the club, finished off the move after several phases, Hudson kicking the conversion. Once again, however, Warrington’s lead proved short-lived. Winning a penalty just 10 metres from the Warrington line, Wilmslow opted for a scrum and powered over beneath the posts. 14-14

As half-time approached, Wilmslow launched another attack through their rolling maul. Warrington resisted bravely just five metres out but conceded a penalty in the process. Wilmslow again chose the scrum, but this time Warrington won against the head to relieve the pressure. Unfortunately, repeated infringements soon put them back under strain, and with five minutes remaining, Wilmslow forced their way over from close range to take the lead. 14-19

In the final play of the half, Warrington adopted the rolling maul themselves, driving to the Wilmslow line. However, despite a prolonged period of close-range pressure, they were unable to breach a resilient defence before the referee brought the half to an end.

Half-Time: Warrington 14-19 Wilmslow

Five minutes into the second half, Wilmslow extended their advantage. A powerful rolling maul gained the visitors 30 metres and provided a platform for attack, drawing Warrington’s defence infield and creating space out wide for the winger to score. 14-24

From the restart, Uttley gathered the ball and produced a magnificent break, carrying play all the way back to the Wilmslow line before Warrington were penalised as they looked to continue the attack. The visitors survived that immediate threat, but ten minutes later an astute kick from centre Archie Kellett was chased down by Hudson, who claimed his second try of the afternoon. 19-24

Another excellent break from the restart, this time by Fleming, carried Warrington deep into the Wilmslow 22. Quick recycling and slick handling then moved the ball to Uttley, who crossed wide on the left. Hudson edged Warrington back in front with an outstanding touchline conversion. 26-24

Whether the narrow lead galvanised Warrington, demoralised Wilmslow, or both, the home side dominated the next fifteen minutes. Winger Jude Lightfoot was denied by a last-ditch intervention from his opposite number, while Jonny Evans was brought down just two metres short after Harry Kellett burst through the middle.

The pressure eventually told with ten minutes remaining. Centre Ryan Newton, helped by the good work of prop George Reay, crossed for Warrington’s fifth try. Hudson added another excellent conversion to stretch the lead to 33-24.

Another score looked likely when back-rower Steve Antrobus and scrum-half Jack Whittaker combined cleverly in a tight space to release winger Max Caldwell, but the final pass was adjudged forward.

Wilmslow, however, were far from finished. Echoing the closing stages of the previous week's match against Widnes, they crossed under the posts with the final play of the game to secure two valuable bonus points. Indeed, it could easily have been more, as only two minutes earlier they had missed what appeared to be a straightforward penalty from 15 metres out. Warrington certainly enjoyed a slice of good fortune on this occasion.

Final Score: Warrington 33-31 Wilmslow

Summary: Warrington held on for a deserved 33-31 victory. Hudson's 18-point contribution and Danny Fleming's outstanding performance in his 300th appearance were key factors in a thrilling contest.

Team:
1) G.Reay, 2) S.Bennett *, 3) J.Lloyd, 4) Harry Kellett (c) *, 5) D.Fleming *, 6) Andy Kellett *,
7) J.Evans *, 8) S.Callander *, 9) J.Whittaker *, 10) JP.Hudson *,
11) M.Caldwell *, 12) Archie Kellett *, 13) R.Newton , 14) T.McEniff *, 15) W.Uttley *
Replacements:
16) T.Green *, 17) J.Lightfoot *, 18) S.Antrobus *
* Indicates home-grown players.

Referee: Grant Armstrong (Manchester & District Referees Society)

Report by Roy Potts, WRUFC

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