There is an old saying in both codes of Rugby that there is no substitute for pace. This dictum was well and truly demonstrated on Saturday, when Warrington’s side of true vets faced a Helsby side comprising five vets and ten players under 25. However, Warrington’s pack, built around the island of John Done, ensured that their youthful opposition knew they had been in a contest.

The game was played in awful conditions, which could have worked in Warrington’s favour. Unfortunately the young Helsby backs exploited every Warrington mistake and three of their five tries were scored as a result of a dropped Warrington pass punished a fly hack and then an unfair foot race to the Warrington line.

Warrington managed one try when Andy Walker broke from a scrum and fed Anton Fields. The centre was halted but his brother Eddie picked up from the ensuing ruck and crossed the line. A slim-line Andy James converted.

However, this was to be Warrington’s sole scoring contribution and Helsby soon replied to close off the game.

“I was very pleased with our defence today,” said skipper Andy Walker. “This is only the second game we have played this season and we probably need more playing time together. Even so, we are always going to find it hard against young legs.”