CONTROVERSY surrounded Sandbach's defeat in a 24-22 thriller at Warrington.

The Bradwall Road boys looked on course for victory number eight of the season until some contentious officiating in the final minute.

A decision reversed in favour of the home side led to some furious exchanges and then a prompt penalty that Warrington landed with the final kick of the game.

With the elements behind them, Sandbach built up an expected first half advantage.

Captain Ray Jones led by example, crossing the whitewash before Tim Oakes bagged their second try.

Lee Pickles converted one and nailed a penalty as things looked good but Warrington kept in touch, making it 14-9 at the break with three precision kicks.

More were landed in the second half with Sandbach increasingly sloppy however Oakes went over the line for to stop the rot.

Warrington's kicker was in awesome form and landed yet another to give them the lead with ten minutes to go but Pickles replied at the other end to set up victory.

Sandbach looked sure to ride out late danger but a controversial decision saw it go the other way.

Next comes a trip to relegated Southport who have won just once all season.