They say that a week is a long time in rugby. The truth of this well-worn maxim was forcibly rammed home to Warrington when, just a week after clinically and expertly putting Kendal to the sword in a nearly flawless display, they travelled to Cumbria to be soundly beaten in Carlisle. That they took the field missing five key players could be put forward as an excuse. That guts and tenacity are no substitute for avoirdupois, especially in the front row, could also be offered in mitigation. However, on a perfect day for open rugby, Warrington had no answer to Carlisle’s forward power and the pace and handling of the Carlisle backs.

The home side wasted no time in setting out their stall. They quickly took control of the set scrums against Warrington’s makeshift front row and their rule of the line-outs ensured that Warrington were starved of possession. The visitors started to use what little ball they had and a well-judged kick from Tom Wood was unlucky not to show dividends. But when Carlisle forced a set scrum in the Warrington 22, they flashed the ball across their back line and their pacey right winger scored under the posts. The try was converted.

Warrington replied when Pat Roberts punished a Carlisle error with a well-struck penalty, after a strong run from Duncan Rickard but Carlisle soon replied in kind with a penalty of their own. Warrington then went into attack mode only to see a promising move foiled when a Carlisle centre intercepted a stray pass and ran 60 yards to touch down. Warrington managed a second Roberts penalty and were unlucky not to score on the stroke of half time when Tom Wood was held up inches short.

Warrington began the second half in something approaching their true form. The forwards showed greater patience in going through the phases and there was strong running from Zak Lythgoe, Danny Flemming and Ashley Rockey, who was outstanding throughout. The pressure was eventually converted into points when Kieran Hughes bustled over from short range.

Carlisle quickly responded with a second penalty before putting the result out of Warrington’s reach when they elected to take the scrum rather than a penalty kick and shunted Warrington’s seven man pack over the line. The try was converted. Although beaten, Warrington were certainly not bowed and could have scored through yet another strong break from Ashley Rockey. Eventually, Warrington gained just reward for their sterling efforts when Kieron Hughes found space on his wing, chipped over the cover and recovered the ball before scuttling over.

“It’s always a hard trip to Cumbria,” said coach Darren Abram. “Today was particularly hard but I was proud of the way the lads stuck to it against all the odds. We just can’t wait for the return fixture.”