As 2023 comes to a close, we’re taking a month-by-month look at the sporting year that was in Warrington.

> Our recap of January's highlights can be found here

Today, we come to February, when rugby league returned with a bang…

THE year’s second month is a particular highlight for many a Warringtonian sports fan given it marks the start of the rugby league season.

Warrington Wolves kicked off with a friendly against Leigh Leopards that proved to be anything but – a 22-10 win for The Wire to mark Ben Currie’s Testimonial was overshadowed by a red card and subsequent seven-game ban for new signing Josh McGuire, who was deemed to have used unacceptable language towards Leigh’s Tom Amone.

Warrington Guardian: Josh McGuire was sent off during Ben Currie's Testimonial match against Leigh Leopards and was subsequently banned for seven matchesJosh McGuire was sent off during Ben Currie's Testimonial match against Leigh Leopards and was subsequently banned for seven matches (Image: Richard Walker)

Sadly, that was one of the two incidents that punctuated McGuire’s brief time in England, but more on that when we get later into the year…

With pre-season in the rear-view mirror, cautious optimism filled the air as the masses gathered at The Halliwell Jones Stadium for the Round One clash with Leeds Rhinos…and what followed was a dazzling display as The Wire swept aside the previous year’s Grand Finalists.

A 30-0 half-time lead was converted into a 42-10 thrashing as Daryl Powell’s men took their first step towards putting a torrid 2022 behind them.

A hard-fought 26-16 win at Huddersfield Giants followed in front of a jubilant travelling support as the campaign got off to the best possible start.

Warrington Guardian: Matty Ashton touches down during the win at HuddersfieldMatty Ashton touches down during the win at Huddersfield (Image: PA Wire)

In the community game too, Crosfields proved their local dominance by taking home a Warrington Cup double by beating Latchford Albion in the main final and Burtonwood Bridge in the Alliance showpiece.

Meanwhile, a new era dawned at Gorsey Lane as Warrington Rylands welcomed Michael Clegg as their new manager, with his appointment confirmed on February 14.

Warrington Guardian: Michael Clegg, right, was unveiled as Warrington Rylands' new manager in February with former Bolton defender Nicky Hunt as his assistantMichael Clegg, right, was unveiled as Warrington Rylands' new manager in February with former Bolton defender Nicky Hunt as his assistant (Image: Warrington Rylands FC)

Across town, Warrington Town’s march continued as they set a new club record by stretching their unbeaten run to 15 league matches by the end of the month.