In conditions perfect for running rugby Warrington’s second XV provided a well-balanced blend of up your jumper rugby to soften defences and generally more open play to deliver the try. Warrington began to predominate early with middle rower Lewis Mercer using his considerable bulk to good effect. Fellow middle rower Jack Barker nearly opened the scoring in the seventh minute with the line open before him but the referee stopped the play for an injury. Barker was not to be denied, however, as five minutes later he finished off a succession of drives from the Warrington pack with a well-deserved touch down. Captain Andy Almond converted.

From the restart, however, as the Warrington back division attacked, the visitors intercepted on half way with a free run to the line for their first try. 7-5

With twenty minutes gone, determined running from back rower Austin Carr opened the Trafford MV defence and Almond was the conduit for a try by centre Luke Turner. Almond converted. 14-5

The big guns of Mercer and the ever willing Hamblett continued to pose problems for Trafford but so did the not so big but equally effective armaments of prop Jack Sigley and back rower Andy Kellett.

Trafford, however, began to get themselves back into the game making good use of the rolling maul both from line-outs and loose play which gained them 30-40 metres on a number of occasions with Warrington slow to organise an effective counter. With ten minutes of the half remaining, Trafford missed a chance of a try when the last pass to their winger went astray for a Warrington line-out just 5m out.

Warrington then weathered a period of pressure on their line before a 50m dash from Will Morgan at No8 put the boot on the other foot. A succession of forward drives and quick recycling gave stand-off Christian Johnson the room for Warrington’s third try on the stroke of half time.

HT 19-5

Just two minutes into the second half Morgan was again in action as he picked up as scrum half from the back of a ruck and muscled his way over from 20m out, Almond converted.

Trafford MV responded immediately, however, with a neat try under the posts when an inside pass to their centre opened a huge gap in the Warrington defence. They somehow contrived to miss the conversion but this was the last time the visitors really troubled the Warrington defence. 26-10.

Warrington’s superior fitness and cohesion began to show and ten minutes later Morgan, again deputising at scrum half, made a half break to allow a try for Almond in support, he converted his own try. 33-10

With this now substantial cushion, Warrington gained in confidence. Quick recycling and accurate passing gave the Warrington backs space which, from confident distribution by stand-off Johnson, they used to good effect. Turner Eastwood and Turner Smith combinations were particularly effective and led to two more tries in quick succession for Turner. 43-10

Centre Will Smith, not content with a major role in Turner’s third try, proceeded to add his own name to the scoresheet five minutes later taking a deft off load from Carr before going over, Almond converted. 50-10

A final try from winger Joe Hamilton on his debut completed Warrington’s tally.

FT 55-10

The 2nd Team complete their season away to Tyldesley 2nd XV on the 26th April 2025 KO 3pm.

Report by Roy Potts WRUFC