Match Report | Warrington Wolves

Ian Watson named six changes from the starting team that took to the pitch in France, including a first ever start for Aidan McGowan, and Olly Wilson taking to the bench following his call up for England. 

The fixture had loomed with the Giants keen to avoid making it three away losses on the bounce, with the hosts were fresh off a first win in four games, as well as having their academy win the night’s curtain raiser 38-20.

Warrington got off to a perfect start, with Paul Vaughan crashing over the line to register the first points of the game in the Wolves’ first set. Stefan Ratchford’s successful conversion gave the Wolves a 6-0 lead after only a couple of minutes.

The next few minutes of play mainly featured the boot of Jake Connor, whose constant pressure-building kicking began to build some momentum for the Giants.

However the Giants’ good work was undone, when a kick of the Wolves’ own landed in the hands of Toby King who touched down in the corner. Ratchford maintained his perfect record from the tee in the game, to ensure the wire doubled their lead to 12-0.

Good work from Connor and Wallis almost grasped the Giants their first points of the game, although the winger couldn’t breakthrough the Wolves’ line at the final hurdle.

Promising signs were beginning to appear for the visitors.

The pressure continued to build for the Giants, as they forced the wire into a dropout following a tough, and impressive set, which was nearly rounded off with a score.

Just as it looked like the tide was turning, the hosts regained control of the game, as Josh Drinkwater’s dummy created the space for Connor Wrench to seal the try. Drinkwater’s second assist of the game, and Ratchford’s now 3/3 kicking success meant the score read Wolves 18-0 Giants.

The first penalty of the game was given to the Giants, and it almost resulted in four points.

The Giants used the yards, and their hands, to near the try-line. Yet again, they fell at the final hurdle, with Bibby spilling the ball, however they were showing huge signs of encouragement in front of the travelling Cowbell Army.

The half-time hooter sounded amidst a mass of Giants and Wolves handbags. Despite shouts from the stands, no action was taken by the referee, and the players took to the tunnel. The half time score showed as Wolves 18-0 Giants.The start of the second-half mirrored that of the first, with the wire wasting no time in extending their lead. This time Drinkwater had a try of his own, under the sticks.

Ratchford’s kick made the score Wolves 24-0 Giants.

Unfortunately for the Giants, things soon went from bad to worse. Matty Nicholson got on the end of a George Williams low kick through in behind the line, as the Wolves were making the Giants pay for their wasted chances. In the meantime, Ratchford kept up his good night on the tee, giving the hosts a 30-point advantage as the hour mark neared.

It was two in two minutes for the Wolves shortly after, as Dufty got his name on the scoresheet. Video referee overruled an initial no try decision, and the Wolves were beginning to enter cruise control. Another Ratchford conversion made it 36-0.

Eventually Ratchford had a score of his own, as he glided down the line. He converted his own try, making it 42-0, and making himself 7/7 from the tee.

The Wolves showed no sign of slowing down, with Rodrick Tai getting in on the act.

Another successful kick made it 48-0.

Despite their grit and best efforts, the Giants suffered another super league loss, as the clock ran down and hooter sounded. This leaves them in 8th spot, whilst the Wolves keep their spot in 4th.

Full time: Wolves 48-0 Giants

Giants Team: Connor, McGowan, Halsall, Bobby, Wallis, Lolohea, Clone, Ikahihifo, Milner,

Greenwood, Rushton, Livett, Yates

Interchanges: Deakin, Wilson, Savelio, Salabio, Russell

Warrington Wolves Team: Dufty, Tai, Wrench, Ratchford, King, Williams, Drinkwater,

Harrison, Walker, Vaughan, Nicholson, Fitzgibbon, Currie

Interchanges: Musgrove, Powell, Holroyd, Whitehead, Green

Tries: Vaughan, King, Wrench, Drinkwater, Nicholson, Dufty, Ratchford, Tai

Goals: Ratchford x8

Attendance: 9760