Warrington just miss out with last minute penalty

Warrington 22 Altrincham-Kersal 25

After a slow and lacklustre start, when they allowed Altrincham to score17 unanswered points, Warrington came back strongly in the second half but were denied a worthy draw by a penalty from the visitors in the closing seconds.

In the unfamiliar surroundings of their new base at Monk Sports Club, the developing Warrington squad were slow to get to grips with their heavier, more experienced opponents. Although they managed some early promising attacks, it was the opposition who scored first when they drove over for a converted try.

Warrington were then forced into defensive mode and Altrincham eventually broke the deadlock and the ball flashed along the line to give them an unconverted score in the corner. The Altrincham lead was soon increased when their full back fielded a Warrington clearance kick and the backs combined to provide their left winger with his second try. The difficult conversion was missed but Warrington were now 17 points adrift and the signs were ominous.

Shortly before half-time, Warrington seemed to recover their attacking mojo and a good break from the aggressive Alex Stewart gave them good position in Altrincham territory. Although a subsequent penalty was wide, Warrington continued their momentum and a lovely break from Jonny Evans saw the ever-industrious back row throw out a perfect pass to Max Caldwell and the winger showed his finishing talent to cross in the corner and make the score 5-17 at turn-around.

After an evenly-contested opening ten minutes in the second period, it was Altrincham who scored next to make the score 5-22. However, although they were once again 17 points adrift, Warrington now started to show their true grit and determination. Stalwart defence kept the opposition out and Warrington’s sterling efforts were eventually rewarded when young Ollie Hudson picked up a loose ball in his own 22 and out paced the cover over 80 yards to score under the posts. Darren Norman converted.

Ten minutes later, Warrington then broke from their own 22 and although a creative grubber kick from Ben Dixon was charged down, Warrington were awarded a penalty and Darren Norman reduced to deficit to just seven points. In the closing quarter, Warrington put together the best flowing rugby of the match, when a series of deft off-loads created an excellent try for Darren Norman and the full back converted his try to level the scores.

In the closing minutes Warrington’s defence was awesome as they defended five consecutive five yard scrums but eventually Altrincham closed off the game when they were awarded a penalty in the closing seconds and the successful kick gave them victory in a game which Warrington were unlucky to lose.

“It seems that the reports of our death have been greatly exaggerated,” mused coach Andy Roberts. “We are still very much a work in progress but the indomitable spirit shown by the lads today shows me that this squad can get even better.”

PS. Danny Griff would like his dad to give him a ring!