Birkenhead Park...29

Warrington RUFC...7

WARRINGTON'S hopes of gaining automatic promotion finally ended on the Wirral on Saturday in a strangely subdued performance that saw the long-time league leaders clinch the one available spot.

Warrington will now play a one-off game against either Carlisle, Rochdale or Rossendale at the end of May. In between times they complete their league programme with a journey to the Isle of Man to play Vagabonds on May 5.

Last weekend with the advantage of a strong wind Warrington started very slowly and after half an hour had allowed the home team to score three tries, one of which they converted to add to a penalty goal and establish a 20-point lead.

As they slowly got to grips with the pace of the game Warrington got themselves onto the scoresheet when Matt Drinkwater reacted quickest to Andy James' neat kick through for a converted try which on the stroke of half-time gave them hope for the second half.

Although Park were able to keep Warrington pinned back deep into their own half after the break they never threatened to score another try and were restricted to three further penalty goals.

Warrington's effort was boosted by the introduction of centre Hartill and his powerful bursts combined with the strong running of James, Tees and Bennett, enabled the visitors to give Park some edgy moments although their defence held firm.