WOLVES PHIL THEIR BOOTS
Philbin leads charge for Smith’s battlers
JOE PHILBIN led Warrington’s fringe forwards to a crucial win in the battle of the bottom two.
The second-rower continued his recent good form and was backed up by the likes of Brad Dwyer, Benjamin Jullien and George King with several firstchoice players missing.
Philbin also scored a disputed first-half try awarded by the video referee, despite replays appearing to show he was short.
But overall the Wolves deserved their win as struggling Widnes made too many errors.
Victory made it five points from three games for Tony Smith’s improving side and will raise hopes they can start looking up rather than down.
When these local rivals met last year they were the top two, but both have struggled with injuries and find themselves at the opposite end of the table.
The home side got the perfect start when Stefan Marsh crossed out wide.
But by half-time Warrington had built a 17-4 lead.
Stefan Ratchford – who coped superbly under a barrage of high balls all night – sent a long pass out for Tom Lineham to score, before Jack Hughes crashed over from close range.
Philbin’s controversial effort came five minutes before the break and was complimented by a Declan Patton drop goal.
That lead was cut when Widnes centre Charly Runciman touched down Chris Bridge’s neat kick.
But they could not set up a grandstand finale. And Patton added a late penalty to complete the scoring.