A Blake Austin stars for Warrington as they run riot, scoring 11 tries against Hull FC in round eight of the Betfred Super League. ย
MATCH DETAILS
Warrington remain second in the league after their dominant display away at Hull FC.
Four tries from Blake Austin, including three inside the first 31 minutes comfortably secured the two points for Wire.
The Wolves looked threatening from the outset and unsurprising they opened the scoring inside 10 minutes. Austin burst through the Hull defence and despite being knocked down by Marc Sneyd he still was able to get up and touch down.
Before even 15 minutes had been played, Warrington had 18 points to their name. Hooker Daryl Clark saw a gap and exploited it before Austin got a second of the evening.
The Wolves were showing their class when Josh Charnley crossed for his first with a sweeping move from left to right saw him slide over in the corner. Three minutes later a high bomb resulted in Josh Griffin fumbling the ball back towards his line and Charnley swooped to pick up the lose ball for an easy try.
Hull looked set for a long evening as they trailed 28-0 after only twenty-one minutes.
Warrington weren’t done their for the half, as half back Austin broke from inside his own half and he had the legs to finish off his hat trick.
Hull rarely threatened in the first half, but Albert Kelly jinked past the defence and was able to stretch out for the line. Warrington led 34-6 at the interval.
Wire started the half in the best possible way as Stefan Ratchford broke through he had Ben Murdock-Masilia in support, the Tongan stepped past Bureta Faraimo who slipped and the Warrington forward touched down underneath the sticks.
Former Black and White, Tom Lineham, overpowered four Hull defenders as he touched down in the corner.
With Hull’s defence scattered Warrington exploited the short side and Charnley after the hour mark rounded of his hat-trick with a simple stroll in.
Hull were able to get a consolation as Sneyd ran at the line and his ball back opened up a hole in the Wolves defence and hometown forward Jordan Lane dived over.
Warrington rounded off a near perfect performance with a nearly full length of the field try by Lineham. He intercepted Josh Griffin’s pass which looked like a certain try, but the former Hull man slid in underneath the sticks.
Austin with a minute to go produced a drop goal to leave the Wolves with a 51 point victory.
FOUR POINTERS
Clear Class Difference
Already at this early stage Warrington and St Helens are emerging as the two best sides in the competition.
The Wolves opened up a four point gap on the rest of the table and it is clear to see how. It already looks an exciting contest when the sides meet in two weeks time.
Austin Stand Out
Blake Austin stood out as a top player with his four tries. His ability to power through the Hull defence with his speed showed why he is highly rated and the clubs marquee signing.
Supported by players such as Clark and Ratchford it is clear to see why they are doing well especially with a strong forward pack.
No Change from Last Season
After poor results last season towards the end Adam Pearson told fans changes would happen and that they would recruit.
In August they were embarrassed 80-10 away at Warrington and very little has changed since that meeting.
Hull arguably had a stronger side and still were made to look poor. Pressure with be mounting on Lee Radford and the Hull board after a shocking evening. It was Hull’s biggest defeat at the KCOM.
A Few Knocks
Warrington picked up a few knocks including on the face of Ben Murdock-Masila, however the forward came back towards the end of the game.
However, it is unclear if Jake Mamo is injured as the back limped of with what looked like a hamstring issue with a few minutes remaining. Boss Steve Price will hope it is nothing serious.
THE RESULT
Hull FC 12
Tries: Kelly, Lane
Goals: Sneyd 2
Drop Goals:ย
Warrington Wolvesย 63
Tries: Austin 4, Clark, Charnley 3, Murdock-Masilia, Lineham 2
Goals: Ratchford 9
Drop Goals:ย Austin
SQUADS
Hull FC : Miloudi, Griffin, Tuimavave, Thompson, Faraimo, Kelly, Sneyd, Paea, Houghton, Taylor, S. Manu, Minichiello, Westerman
Interchanges:ย Hadley, Matongo, Lane, Savelio
Warrington Wolves : Ratchford, Charnley, Lineham, Mamo, King, Austin, Patton, Hill, D. Clark, Cooper, Currie, Hughes, Philbin
Interchanges:ย Murdoch-Masila, J. Clark, Tasi, Livett
