Warrington RUFC 20

Wigan 19

PREVIOUSLY unbeaten league leaders Wigan went down by one point in a nail-biting clash at Bridge Lane.

Warrington Rugby Union Club opted to play with the strong wind in the first half and early pressure resulted in a penalty goal from Andy James.

Bad kicking wasted two penalties for Wigan before Warrington went further ahead through a Andy Walker try after the ball had been recycled six times. James converted and kicked a further penalty.

Shaun Geritas poached an interception try as Warrington camped on the Wigan line but a mix up in midfield allowed the Wigan centre to intercept and race 80 metres for a converted try.

The home side, playing against the wind in the second half, were forced back by long Wigan kicks.

But James' defensive kicking was exemplary and man of the match Andy Kellett persistently won Wigan's throw-in, allowing Warrington to pressurise with a series of rolling mauls.

Wigan worked the ball out wide for a converted try and with two minutes left threatened to steal the game when their left wing squeezed in at the corner.

However, the conversion attempt was blown wide and Warrington took the points.

The seconds narrowly lost 17-14 to Wigan despite tries from Shrigley and Steve West.

Warrington visit Vale of Lune on Sunday in the quarter-finals of the Lancashire Trophy.

Acrobatic action from Warrington on their way to beating Wigan on Saturday.No.IPX27299

A slow start by Warrington seconds slow start allowed Wigan to take a 12 point lead. In the second half, Warrington picked up their game with a 40 metre try from Shrigley and a try and two conversions from Steve West but still lost 17-14.

The thirds were 24-0 down against against Dukinfield before tries from Fairclough and Douglas made a game of it.

Mick Stafford grabbed a brace and Fairclough scored his second as Warrington were unlucky to finish 36-34 losers.

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