WARRINGTON Wolves under 19s were gutsy in adversity as they fell to a 32-0 home defeat to Wakefield Trinity on Saturday.

Paul Anderson's Academy team, ravaged by Covid-19 restrictions and injuries, only featured 14 players instead of the regular 17.

A number of those on display were playing out of position.

“The easy decision this week would have been to postpone this game but I’m really happy that a way was found to get our players out there," said head coach Anderson.

"It certainly was not the performance we wanted and definitely not the result, but in the world of uncertainty that we currently live in we are happy with the resilience on show from the 14 players that took to the field.

"I felt there was a fair bit of naivety in regard to our role understanding and expectations but that will happen with the amount of people playing out of position.

"Massive credit must go to Wakefield Trinity and Mark Applegarth in particular; his understanding of our position and then reaction was pure class and he had player development at the forefront of his mind.

"It shows that when two clubs have a good relationship then many problems can be overcome. The positive from the game is that 31 players played rugby league."

Wakefield opened the scoring in the 11th minute when three repeat sets on the Wolves line were rewarded as centre Sam Kavanagh scored wide out.

Seven minutes later slick handling created room for stand-off Charlie Abraham to break clear and send centre Carter Beevers away and his kick back inside was collected by Abraham to score. Scrum half Robbie Butterworth added the conversion.

Just before the half-hour mark a Wolves pass was intercepted by Trinity winger Lewis Murphy and he raced 90 metres unopposed to score at the side of the posts.

Butterworth converted and then five minutes before the break Trinity substitute James Ferguson spun in the tackle and forced his way over from close range. Butterworth converted to give his side a 22-0 half time lead.

The young Wolves took the game to Wakefield as the second half got going but the final pass not being executed prevented them from crossing the line.

Just after the hour mark a handling error on their own 10-metre line was punished as Wakefield prop forward Isaac Shaw pounced on the loose ball and forced his way over.

Butterworth converted and then six minutes from time Trinity kept the ball alive and created space for Murphy to power over in the left corner.

Wolves: Reece Briers, James Hartill, Dan Brewin, Lewis Hughes, Josh Lynch, Aiden Doolan, Tom Whitehead, David Mills, Tom Inman, Luke Thomas, Morgan Burgess, Kieran Rennox, Dean Beddall. Subs: Jamie Reddecliff.

Trinity: James Hartley, Mac Walsh, Carter Beevers, Sam Kavanagh, Lewis Murphy, Charlie Abraham, Robbie Butterfield, Josh Leeson, Josh Phillips, Isaac Shaw, Joe Mitchell, Joe Law, Pat O’Donovan.

Subs: Alfie Crawford, James Ferguson, Sam Peel, Freddie Lambert.

Tries: Kavanagh (11 mins), Abraham (18), Murphy (29, 74), Ferguson (35), Shaw (62).

Goals: Butterworth, 4 from 6.

Referee: Adam Johnson (St Helens).