Warrington 10 Blackburn 23

In a game of missed opportunities, Warrington eventually succumbed to the power of the Blackburn pack. They now find themselves down to 7th in the table but the competitiveness of this league is shown by the fact that a mere two points separates them from third-placed Firwodd Waterloo.

Warrington had to wait five minutes for their first touch of the ball but when it came it was exploited. A scintillating break from Kieran Hughes took play deep inside Blackburn territory and a penalty was forced. Warrington elected to kick for touch and from the line-out the ball fizzed across the field and Tom Arnold appeared to have finished off but unfortunately, he dropped the ball over the line.

Minutes later, Warrington’s other winger, Nathan Beesley, touched down in the corner but the referee disallowed the try much to the disbelief of the spectators on the spot. Ominously, the heavyweight Blackburn pack now started to achieve dominance, especially in the set scrums and strong driving eventually earned them a penalty, which they kicked to take the lead. Warrington had a chance to equalize but Ben Hockenhull’s trusty boot was for once off target. An exciting run from Nathan Beesley should have brought a try but Kieran Hughes was held up over the line.

A tackle-busting run from prop Christian white, featuring an outrageous dummy, once again took Warrington within striking distance but again Ben Hockenhull was unable to convert a penalty into points. The Blackburn pack the regained control and after ten phases on the Warrington line they bustled over for a try. Ben Hockenhull eventually recovered his kicking prowess and slotted over a penalty but Blackburn replied with a penalty of their own on the stroke of half time.

Blackburn’s pack maintained their dominance in the second period and eventually won good ball which they released to their backs and their left winger scored in the corner. It was again the pack which provided the visitors’ third try with a push-over effort, which was converted.

With ten minutes to go, Warrington needed to score three times to win and they finally managed to crack the resolute Blackburn defence when Max Caldwell put in a well-judged kick which was picked up by Nathan Beesley, who scored in the corner. Ironically, Ben Hockenhull converted from the touchline. But it was too little, too late and Warrington could only rue their missed first half chances.

“We were out-muscled today,” was the verdict of coach Andy Roberts. “However, we were probably our own worst enemy with our inability to finish. Hopefully, we can vent our frustration on Manchester next week.”