WARR OF NERVES

Jittery Wolves still have enough bite to claim victory

DARYL POWELL saluted Danny Walker’s contribution but he was hardly buzzing about Warrington’s return to winning ways.

Walker’s man-of-the-match display included a second-half touchdown and a first-half assist for Sam Kasiano.

But while Giants struggled to keep tabs on the lively hooker, a second-half bee sting slowed him down.

“I don’t know if it was a bee or a wasp,” said Wolves coach Powell. “I didn’t even realise he had been stung.

“It just looked like he was struggling so I ended up making the change.

“But it was a phenomenal performance. He kicks a 40-20, sets the first try up and scores with his support play. He is a little dynamo and has great leadership skills. I think he is going to prosper and get better.”

On his side’s nervous victory that briefly took Wolves back to the top of the table, Powell admitted: “It was a tough watch but we needed to win.

Chaotic

“When you are watching games as chaotic as that at the end, it takes away a little bit of your life.

“We will come out of it with confidence in some areas but with the knowledge we need to get better.

“The best thing you can say about this game is you pack the two points up, put it behind you and move on.”

Victory went part way to deflecting the flak that hit the club after bad boy Josh Mcguire’s record 12-game ban for unacceptable language to Leigh winger Josh Charnley.

And while Wolves happily celebrated a one-score win, the final margin might have been greater but for three disallowed tries.

Efforts from Matty Ashton and Ben Currie were overturned by video official Ben Thaler.

Warrington led 24-10 after 43 minutes and appeared to be heading for a comfortable win.

Instead, two converted tries in three minutes from Kevin Naiqama and Theo Fages put the outcome in doubt.

But after fighting back Giants conceded a soft fifth try to full-back Matt Dufty.

Stefan Ratchford kicked his fifth goal to edge closer to 1,500 Super League career points and give Warrington a two-score lead. That was a vital cushion as substitute Tui Lolohea’s breakaway score ensured a nervy last seven minutes.

After his team’s fifth defeat in six games coach Ian Watson said: “It was a proper mixed bag, but it was better in terms of a team performance.

Stones

“Everyone will throw stones at you while you are losing.

“It kills me more than anyone to be losing games but I am still confident I can get this group to where we want.” ■ Catalans Dragons maintained their narrow lead at the top of the table as they swept aside a depleted Hull KR side 38-4 in Perpignan.