Young Warrington side continue to improve with win in Cheshire derby

A dominant first-half display from a young Warrington side ensured they stayed above Cheshire derby rivals Widnes in the Super League basement battle.

The pressure was on both sides and their coaches, Denis Betts and Tony Smith, after the two teams had only registered three points from their previous eight fixtures.

However, it was Warrington’s Smith who was much the happier afterwards with his side holding on for victory after controlling much of the opening half.

Widnes made an electric start with Stefan Marsh sprinting over in the corner after only four minutes after the Wolves had lost the ball on their 30-metre line.

Three unanswered tries soon followed. The first came after Stefan Ratchford created an opening for powerful winger Tom Lineham to squeeze over in the corner.

The traffic came careering down the same flank five minutes later, yielding another Warrington try as Kurt Gidley’s short ball to the onrushing Jack Hughes put the Wolves in front. The officials were involved after Joe Philbin charged over the whitewash. Widnes felt the back-rower planted the ball short, but television footage showed the ball had hit the line and the try was given.

The Vikings plugged away and were never out of the contest as the returning Joe Mellor started to click with full-back Rhys Hanbury, and a product of those efforts came with 20 minutes left when Charly Runciman touched down. Chris Bridge’s goal put Widnes seven points adrift and they had opportunities to get even closer.

The hosts dominated the final quarter but could not find the killer pass and halfback Declan Patton had the final say with a 77th-minute penalty goal.