2nd XV
Matches
Sat 07 Sep 2019  ·  Division 1
Chester 3
20
38
Warrington RUFC
2nd XV
Warrington 2nd Team Impressive in Opening Game

Warrington 2nd Team Impressive in Opening Game

David Jervis8 Sep 2019 - 21:42
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Great Combination of youth and experience

Chester 3rd XV 20 Warrington 2nd XV 38

Warrington’s second team began their new campaign with an excellent win over Chester. An awesome first half saw them cruise into a 24-8 first half lead and although they allowed the opposition to creep within four points in the second half, mainly due to injuries to key players, they recovered well to score two further late tries.

It didn’t take long for Warrington to get the scoreboard ticking when Luke Turner made ground before Mark Tickle picked up a loose turnover and fed Ryan Eastwood and the leggy second row showed great pace to gallop over from 40 yards. Two minutes later, a testing kick from Matt Rockey was followed up by the speedy Warrington backs and the resultant pressure saw the ball find its way to Craig Byrne who drew three tacklers before the ball flashed across the line to Luke Turner, who crossed in the corner. Andy Almond converted.

Although Chester were ruling the lines through their lanky number 8, Warrington were winning the turnovers and a Chester penalty was soon answered when Matt Rockey dummied his way over and Andy Almond’s conversion made the score 19-3. The lead was increased when the ball was recycled after a signature Craig Byrne bullocking run and a beautiful missed pass from Matt Rockey saw Luke Turner cross n the corner. Chester showed good hands to score their first try shortly before half time and the sides turned around with Warrington leading 24-8.

The home side showed new commitment at the start of the second half when their forwards combined to drive over and the game seemed in the balance when Warrington lost three key players through injury. First, Mark Tickle went off with a hip abductor problem, then industrious scrum half Tim Murphy had to retire with a shoulder injury and finally their iconic skipper Craig Byrne limped off with an inconsequential blister on his heel. Chester immediately took advantage when their number 8 outpaced the Warrington defence to touch down under the posts and allow an easy conversion which took the to four points of the Warrington score.

The home side could have gone into the lead but for a knock on with the line open but Alec Marland eventually settled Warrington nerves when he muscled over from six inches, although this was soon claimed to be 20 yards. Andy Almond converted. The win was soon sealed when the forwards drove well in the Chester red zone before releasing the ball which flashed across the line to Luke Turner who touched down once again, much to the delight of his heavily bandaged father. Andy Almond converted magnificently from the touchline and the game was over.

A still-limping Craig Byrne was enthusiastic in his praise for his team’s performance. “This was an excellent result, from a side which combines experience and youth. It looks like a good season in front of us, although I shall probably have to buy a new pair of boots.”

Match details

Match date

Sat 07 Sep 2019

Kickoff

15:00

Competition

Division 1

League position

4
Warrington 2
9
Chester 3
Team overview
Further reading

Team Sponsors

Club Sponsor - Langtree
Club Sponsor - Cheshire Physioactive
Platinum Sponsor - Wirehouse