Warrington keep up Super League charge - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Warrington keep up Super League charge

By James Martin 22/08/2011 03:19:42 PM Comments (0)

Warrington have kept up their charge for the Super League Leaders' Shield by beating Catalans Dragons 25-12.

However Wolves coach Tony Smith knows more is needed if they're to actually finish the job.

The Wolves were trailing 12-6 at half-time to the Dragons, following tries from Damien Blanch and former Australian international Steve Menzies, plus two goals from compatriot Scott Dureau.

However, it was all change after the break as Warrington recorded 19 unanswered points led by Chris Bridge, who crossed for two tries and kicked three goals.

Ryan Atkins and Lee Briers also jumped in on the act to complete the comeback and keep the difference between them and leaders Wigan, who thrashed Bradford 60-12, to just one point.

There are just two regular season fixtures left before the play-offs and Smith concedes the margin could have easily been three points and not one following the clash with the Dragons.

"It was a tough win and a game that could have gone either way. It was a good game of rugby league and both teams had their chances," said Smith.

"It took some character from us to come back and get ourselves into the game and then keep ourselves in the game.

"A lot of our guys were under their best and the hot conditions played some part in that but the tough opposition of Catalans also played some part in that too."

Meanwhile, Michael Maguire's Wigan couldn't have asked for a better result in their last match before the Challenge Cup final with former NRL winger Pat Richards notching 24 points.

That included a hat-trick of tries and six goals while former Newcastle Knights centre George Carmont also posted a double as did Sam Tomkins and Josh Charnley.

Ryan Hoffman, Harrison Hansen and Sean O'Loughlin scored one each for the defending Super League champions and Maguire admitted he couldn't have asked for a better outcome.

"The players wanted to make sure they nailed this game going into the Challenge Cup final next week," said South Sydney-bound coach Maguire.

"It was a real good performance. They really enjoyed playing with each other and everyone is working for each other and doing all the little things well, which is a real pleasing thing for us."

In stark contrast, Wigan's Challenge Cup final opponents Leeds couldn't have asked for a worse game in preparation after slumping 32-22 to Harlequins.

Luke Dorn bagged a hat-trick for Quins and Rhinos coach Brian McDermott quelled suggestions that his players' minds were elsewhere.

"Wembley was not a distraction - far from it - in fact, we've been using it as part of preparation," said McDermott.

"The last thing we would want to do is go into our most important game of the year with a poor performance.

"I wanted us to put in a solid showing so something would be in place for Wembley - so this is a very disappointing performance and result."

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