Warrington Wolves make it two wins from two at the start of the season, following their 28-14 victory over Hull KR at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.ย Tries from Josh Charnley, Tom Lineham, Mike Cooper and two tries from Harvey Livett helped the Wolves to victory.
MATCH DETAILS
Following on from last week’s victory against Hull FC, Rovers continued their impressive form, by scoring first after a well placed kick by and Ben Crooks the quickest to the ball. However, Josh Drinkwater failed to add the extras.
The Wire struck back though Harvey Livett after finding the way through the KR line, with Ratchford adding the extras.
Then controversy struck after a late high tackle on Joel Tomkins, Blake Austin was penalised and sent to the bin. Tomkins had to leave the game after the tackle. Craig Hall then got the visitors back in front, after finding the pace down the edge and scoring in the corner.
Just before the half-time break though, Stefan Ratchford found Tom Lineham on the wing and he pulled off the acrobatic finish and scoring in the corner. That was his 100th Super League try, with Ratchford again adding the extras.
The second half started as a brutal one; however, after a Blake Austin high kick, Chris Atkin dropped it, and Livett was there to score his second one. Next up was Josh Charnley; following some decent attack by the Robins, Charnley was able to intercept the ball and run the length of the pitch, scoring in the corner.
KR wouldn’t go without a fight though, after some good attack again. Jimmy Keinhorst was able to force his way over.ย The final score would go to Mike Cooper, who took in an offload from Chris Hill and found a way over to give the Wolves a 28-14 victory.
Hull KR have to bounce back as they have their rearranged round 10 match next week against London. Whilst for the Wolves, they have the week off, before their next match away at Huddersfield on the 22nd.
FOUR POINTERS
Joel Tomkins injuryย
The Hull KR captain had to leave the game midway through the first half due to concussion. Blake Austin was sent to the bin for the tackle; however KR, missing their captain, couldn’t really recover. Tim Sheens even commented post-match: “He’s a sick boy and in a bad way.”
Price looking for more
After winning for the second straight week, you would think the Wolves coach would be happy. However, it’s quite the opposite. In his post-match thoughts, he had this to say: “I’m pleased with two competition points but it’s not a performance we’re happy with. I thought we made it too comfortable for them throughout the game and we expect better of ourselves. But it’s good to knock out a win and still score 28 points in round two against a team that is going to cause others a lot of problems this season.”
Wolves competition for placesย
The Wire had to make two changes due to suspension, and will probably have to make another one next time out. However, Harvey Livett was brought in, and produced a performance that could give Steve Price something to think about. Scoring two tries on return, the young forward was key to the Wolves victory in this one.
Unstoppable Jack Hughes
The new co-captain at the Wolves was on fire yet again. He was all over the park, making many try-saving tackles, and putting in a real captain’s performance. He was the man of the match in this game, and could be an outsider for Man of Steel.
SCORERS
Warrington Wolves 28
Tries:ย Livett (2), Lineham, Charnley, Cooper
Goals:ย Ratchford (4)
Drop Goals:ย n/a
Hull KR 14
Tries:ย Crooks, Hall, Keinhorst
Goals:ย Drinkwater
Drop Goals:ย ย n/a
SQUADS
Warrington Wolves:ย Ratchford, Lineham, Goodwin, Atkins, Charnley, Austin, Patton, Hill, Clark, Cooper, Hughes, Livett, Clark.
Interchanges:ย Philbin, Walker, Murdoch-Masila, Tasi.
Hull KR:ย Atkin, Crooks, Keinhorst, Linnett, Hall, McGuire, Drinkwater, Masoe, Lee, Mulhern, Tomkins, Hauraki, Lawler.
Interchanges:ย Garbutt, Greenwood, Addy, Vaivai.
