MATTY’S AT THE DOUBLE
Russell runs in two tries to earn Warrington big derby victory over rivals Widnes
MATTY RUSSELL’S two tries helped Warrington warm up for their relegation scrap with a dogged derby win over Widnes.
Both sides were already condemned to the Qualifiers, where they face the four top Championship teams for places in next year’s Super League.
With all points restarting at zero, there was precious little at stake apart from bragging rights, which the Wolves earned through an improved second-half display.
Tony Smith’s side also looked better equipped for the battles ahead, although the Vikings will have a host of key men returning.
Much of the first half played out like a mid-season friendly, with both teams struggling for fluidity.
Warrington opened the scoring when Kevin Brown – again roundly booed at every touch by the Widnes fans – sent Russell over.
Tom Lineham had another Wolves effort ruled out for offside before Joe Mellor provided the half ’s one moment of real quality.
The Widnes stand-off took the ball under the Warrington posts and stepped past three defenders for a smart individual try.
Stefan Marsh added the conversion for a 6-4 Vikings lead at the break, with the only other moment of note coming when Warrington’s Ben Currie stayed down holding his left knee.
The highly rated back rower was playing just his second game after almost a year on the sidelines having that knee reconstructed but regained his feet to produce a superb cover tackle soon after.
Currie did not re-emerge for the second half, but it did not stop the Wolves taking control.
Declan Patton’s kicks made two tries in the space of eight minutes.
First, he kicked wide for Peta Hiku to tower above Charly Runciman and score, before a deft effort saw Brown touch down under the posts.
Jack Hughes and Hiku then combined smartly for winger Russell to step over for his second and end the game as a contest.