‘HISTORY’ BECKONS WOLVES
Warrington Wolves London Broncos
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MATTY ASHTON’S hat-trick ensured that Sam Burgess celebrated victory in his first Betfred Challenge Cup tie as Warrington head coach.
The speedy winger’s treble came in a nine-try demolition and moved Wolves to within two more wins of a first Wembley return since 2019.
“It was a funny game having to play them again so soon,” said Burgess, following last week’s 58-4 thrashing in the league. “But I was happy we got the job done and happy with the zero.
“I was happier with that more than anything else. We have had inconsistency with team selection due to injury but we are gradually getting things right.
“The club has got great history in the competition and it gets exciting now.”
Warrington, safely into tomorrow night’s last-eight draw, have now plundered 100 points in two meetings against Mike Eccles’ side.
Barely a minute had gone when winger Josh Thewlis swooped after an in-goal handling blunder by Lee Kershaw.
Captain Stefan Ratchford, making his 450th career appearance, nailed a touchline conversion.
The 35-year-old set a new Super League record of 41 successful consecutive kicks at London, but as Warrington piled up the tries here he suffered a rare off-night with the boot.
He eventually gave responsibility to Thewlis, who didn’t fare any better as Wolves improved only three of their tries.
Ratchford did add the extras to Jordy Crowther’s 18th-minute effort but missed his next three attempts.
Papua New Guinean centre Rodrick
Tai, Toby King and Ashton crossed in the space of 13 minutes as Warrington led 24-0 at the break. Tai’s 25th-minute try on his debut was a particularly pleasing positive for Burgess.
The contest was as good as over for 1999 runners-up Broncos, still without a win since last season’s Championship Grand Final upset of Toulouse.
Warrington, with one blemish on their 2024 record, were missing key personnel, including half-backs George Williams and Josh Drinkwater. But they had too much firepower, and Thewlis doubled his tally on 48 minutes before Ashton struck in the 53rd and 65th minutes.
Matty Nicholson rounded off the whitewash eight minutes from time.
Broncos boss Eccles said: “I am proud of the players – we had the squarest of pegs in round holes. And there was improvement in the performance and the scoreline compared to last Sunday.” WARRINGTON WOLVES: Tries: Thewlis (2), Crowther, Tai, King, Ashton (3), Nicholson; Cons: Ratchford (3)