Warrington RUFC 18

Aspull 11

WARRINGTON Rugby Union Club finally laid to rest their bogy team Aspull in a pulsating Lancashire Trophy tie.

Victory also brought them the reward of a visit to Vale of Lune in the last eight of the competition plus entry to the County Cup.

A strong wind blew straight down Bridge Lane and Warrington successfully defended the 18 point lead they had built up in the first half despite a late point scoring burst from their visitors.

While it was a tremendous team effort that won the day, second row forward Dave Nicholls had another excellent game.

The former National League player has been Warrington's outstanding forward this season with his committed play. When Warrington were forced on to the defensive in the final quarter it was his organisation that inspired the pack to keep their opponents at bay for so long.

Warrington had got off to a flying start when winger Andy Higginson was quickest to react to a loose kick and pounced on the ball to get the opening try.

Two excellent kicks by fly-half Andy James sent the home team into a 10 points lead.

Aspull defended stoutly until Richard Park's strike against the head in the scrum enabled James to send Matt Drinkwater racing through.

The centre beat two men and his overhead pass saw Lee Rushton trot in for his 23rd try of the season.

On the stroke of half-time James landed a 55 yard penalty goal to register his 200th point of the season.

Aspull pulled back a penalty goal and set up a thrilling finale when their right winger scorched in at the corner.

Nicholls was inspirational as Warrington hung on to win.

Tomorrow, Saturday, Warrington return to league action when unbeaten leaders Wigan come to Bridge Lane, kick-off 2.30pm.

It is two and a half years since Warrington last lost a league game at home so something will have to give.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.