13th September 2008 - WARRINGTON WIZARDS 24 FEATHERSTONE LIONS 32 

 

An absolutely epic The Co-operative Rugby League Conference National Elimination Semi Final play off tie went the way of reigning Champions Featherstone Lions at Wilderspool Stadium on Saturday afternoon as they put the Wizards out for the second successive year.

 

The lead changed hands several times in a topsy-turvy encounter, but it was the visitors who took their chances at the crucial time to progress through to the Elimination Final at the expense of a shell shocked Wizards.

 

Featherstone opened the scoring in the seventh minute when the ball was swept along the line to winger Ben Hall who went clear before passing back inside to centre Steve Lawrie who went over for an unconverted try, and they increased their advantage six minutes later with a penalty goal from scrum half Danny Giles.

 

The Wizards hit back just before the midway point of the half when after second row Jono Smith had been held just short, a quick play the ball saw scrum half Billy Sheen spot a gap and go on his own to score under the posts. Stand off Chris Mellor converted to level the scores.

 

Three minutes later a penalty close to the Lions line saw hooker Warren Ayres put Smith over to give the Wizards the lead, and Mellor tagged on a penalty goal shortly afterwards, but the Lions hit back when second row Danny Huby forced his way over after good work from centre Stuart Davies.

 

The Wizards had substitute Matt Taylor sin binned for a late tackle on Giles, and Giles slotted over the subsequent penalty to square the score, and then right on the stroke of half time great work down the right by winger Adam Hinchcliffe split the Wizards defence and he found second row Brian Sutton in support to score. Giles goaled to give the Lions a deserved 18-12 interval lead.

 

Nine minutes into the second half after Wizards centre Stuart Pirrie had been held just short, a lovely flat pass from Ayres put loose forward Alan Reddecliff over under the posts to give Mellor the simplest of conversions to level matters once again, but then four minutes later the visitors regained the lead once again when stand off Richard Frankland stepped over from close range. Giles converted and then added a penalty after the Wizards had Reddecliff sin binned for dissent.

 

On the hour Featherstone had hooker Dean Gamble yellow carded for deliberate offside on his own line, and the Wizards made them pay when Mellor powered over with four men on his back. He converted himself to reduce the deficit to just two points.

 

Four minutes from time the Lions secured a memorable victory when Frankland pounced on a Wizards mistake to race forty metres and score under the posts. Giles goaled, and although they had centre Stuart Davies sin binned in the final minute for dissent they were left to celebrate a deserved 32-24 win that keeps their hopes alive of retaining their crown.

 

The Wizards Man of the Match was awarded to second row Jono Smith. He was very well supported by Chris Mellor, Matt Taylor and Matt Clarke.

 

After the game Joint Player/Coach Matt Wilson was understandably gutted at the result. He said, “It just wasn’t our day. Featherstone were the better team and fully deserved the win. It is very disappointing to go out at this stage after doing so well during the season. This has been our best season since the Wizards were formed but unfortunately we have not played well enough on the day to progress through. I cannot fault any of the players who have been tremendous all year. We have a lot of very talented players and I’m sure they will be bounce back and be an even bigger force next season. It has been a privilege to have coached them.”

 

Fellow Joint Player/Coach Chris Mellor added, “We gave it everything we had, but we just couldn’t get our noses in front in the second half. Featherstone showed why they are the reigning Champions and will fancy themselves to retain the title if they can continue to play as they did against us. We will now have a few weeks rest and then get back into training in readiness for the 2009 campaign.”

 

WIZARDS

 

Carl LLOYD, Ian STEPHENSON, Danny SHAW, Stuart PIRRIE, Paul WILSON, Chris MELLOR, Billy SHEEN, Scott DAVIDSON, Warren AYRES, Luke WORSLEY, Jono SMITH, Matt CLARKE, Alan REDDECLIFF.

 

Subs:      Matt TAYLOR, David LEFFLER, Andy ADDISON, Gary HEWITT.

 

7th September 2008 - WARRINGTON WIZARDS 38 LIVERPOOL BUCCANEERS 16

 

Warrington Wizards produced a very professional performance to dispatch Liverpool Buccaneers in The Co-operative Rugby League Conference Elimination Play Off at Wilderspool Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

 

The game was a typical play off arm wrestle with both sides knowing that defeat would end their season and it was the Wizards who had the extra skill on show to see them through and give them a home tie next Saturday afternoon against Featherstone Lions.

 

The Wizards opened the scoring in the sixth minute when a great inside ball from scrum half Warren Ayres found loose forward Alan Reddecliff running at an angle to go over for a try. Second row Chris Mellor added the conversion, but the Buccaneers hit back three minutes later when the ball was swept out to centre Matt Garner who managed to twist in the tackle and score in the left corner despite having three defenders on him.

 

Just after the midway point a lovely flat ball from Ayres found Reddecliff who went over under the posts to give Mellor an easy conversion, and then on the half hour Mellor broke through some weak Buccaneers defence to score in the right corner.

 

The Buccaneers refused to lie down and a handling error by the Wizards on their own twenty metre line saw stand off Mike Forber kick the ball ahead and win the race to touchdown under the posts. Scrum half Sean Forber added the conversion, but then right on the stroke of half time a kick ahead by Ayres was fumbled by the Buccaneers and Reddecliff was on hand to complete his hat trick and give the Wizards a 20-10 interval advantage.

 

The Wizards increased their lead a minute into the second half when a Reddecliff break down the left was carried on by winger Ian Stephenson who kicked ahead and centre Stuart Pirrie won the race to pick up and touchdown. Ayres added the conversion, but then three minutes later Liverpool hit back when substitute Joel Parker powered through some flimsy defence to score under the posts. S. Forber added on the goal points.

 

Warrington reasserted themselves when a long ball from Ayres on the last tackle found Stephenson who passed back inside to second row Jono Smith and he put Pirrie away to score in the left corner. Mellor converted from the touchline to make the score 32-16 and the Buccaneers had full back Mark Yates sin binned for dissent.

 

Two minutes from time the Wizards had substitute Matt Clarke yellow carded for holding down, but a minute later a quick twenty metre restart by the Wizards saw hooker Steven Smythe send Stephenson away on a fifty metre run and he kicked ahead for fellow winger Paul Wilson to pick up and score under the posts. Mellor converted to complete a very good 38-16 victory.

 

The Man of the Match was awarded to Wizards scrum half Warren Ayres. He was very well supported by Alan Reddecliff, Chris Mellor, Scott Davidson and David Leffler.

 

WIZARDS

 

Carl LLOYD, Ian STEPHENSON, Danny SHAW, Stuart PIRRIE, Paul WILSON, Billy SHEEN, Warren AYRES, Scott DAVIDSON, Steven SMYTHE, Luke WORSLEY, Jono SMITH, Chris MELLOR, Alan REDDECLIFF.

 

Subs:      Matt TAYLOR, Matt CLARKE, David LEFFLER, Gary HEWITT.

 

23rd August 2008 - CELTIC CRUSADERS COLTS 24 WARRINGTON WIZARDS 22

 

Warrington Wizards suffered a heartbreaking 24-22 defeat at Celtic Crusaders Colts in The Co-operative Rugby League Conference National on Saturday afternoon, a loss that cost them the minor premiership.

 

The Wizards went into the game in knowing a win would see them top the table, but they were unable to overcome a strong Welsh side and have to settle for third place in the league behind Bramley Buffaloes and the Crusaders.

 

Celtic opened the scoring in the fifth minute with a penalty goal from stand off Lloyd White and then three minutes later a kick downfield by the Wizards was collected by Colts winger Greg Callow and he made a break before finding centre Gary Williams who brushed off three attempted tackles to score. White added the conversion.

 

The Wizards got back into the game a few moments later when a kick from loose forward Alan Reddecliff was fumbled by Celtic over their own line and centre Danny Shaw pounced on the loose ball to score in the right corner. Stand off Chris Mellor converted from the touchline.

 

The Crusaders then regained their authority on the game when a short ball from second row Phil Cushion put G. Williams away on a forty metre run to score with White converting, but the Wizards refused to lie down and hit back when a short ball from scrum half Warren Ayres found Reddecliff who used his strength to go over wide on right. Again Mellor added a fine conversion to reduce the deficit to two points.

 

Right on the stroke of half time, Celtic hooker Tom Burnell spotted a gap in the Wizards defence and went on his own from acting half back to race fifty metres and score. White goaled to give the home side a 20-12 interval advantage.

 

The second half was nip and tuck with neither side able to breakdown some terrific defending, but in the sixty ninth minute the Wizards gave themselves a lifeline when a lovely flat pass from Ayres put Reddecliff over. Mellor added the conversion to reduce the deficit once again to just two points.

 

The Colts responded again when centre Lee Williams scored in the left corner, but two minutes from time Wizards centre Danny Shaw used his strength to score in the right corner. Mellor’s conversion dropped just short, and despite one final attack on the Celtic line they were unable to get over and the Crusaders held on for a narrow 24-22 victory.

 

The Man of the Match for the Wizards was winger Stuart Pirrie. He was well supported by Matt Clarke, Warren Ayres, Alan Reddecliff and Steven Smythe.

 

After the game Wizards Joint Player/Coach Matt Wilson was naturally disappointed with the result, but he was very proud of his players efforts. He said, “It is gutting to fall just short at the end but I cannot fault the effort and commitment of the players. They gave it everything today and were very unlucky not to get the right result. We now have to put this behind us and get ourselves ready for the play off games. We entertain Liverpool Buccaneers a week on Saturday and that will be a difficult game, but we have confidence in our ability and hopefully we can get the win and progress through to the next round.”

 

WIZARDS

 

Carl LLOYD, Shaun DALEY, Danny SHAW, Matt TAYLOR, Stuart PIRRIE, Chris MELLOR, Warren AYRES, Scott DAVIDSON, Steven SMYTHE, Matt CLARKE, Jono SMITH, Anthony BECKETT, Alan REDDICLIFF.

 

Subs:      Paul WILSON, David LEFFLER, Gary HEWITT, Luke WORSLEY.

 

16th August 2008 - WARRINGTON WIZARDS 40 HEMEL STAGS 16

 

Warrington Wizards kept alive their hopes of finishing as ‘minor premiers’ when they defeated Hemel Stags 40-16 in The Co-operative Rugby League Conference National at Wilderspool Stadium on Saturday afternoon, a win coupled with Celtic Crusaders Colts losing at Bramley leaves the Wizards on top of the pile with one game of the regular season remaining.

 

The Wizards trailed in the game for long periods, but in the closing quarter they showed why they are challenging at the top of the table to run out comfortable winners against a very resilient Hemel side who will be a match for any team if they can hang onto a play off spot.

 

The Wizards opened the scoring in the thirteenth minute when a long cross field kick from the right corner on the last tackle by hooker Warren Ayres was weighted perfectly for winger Shaun Daley to collect and score in the left corner, but the Stags hit back eight minutes later when a loose pass by the Wizards was pounced on by scrum half Blake Kirby who raced forty metres unopposed to score in the right corner.

 

Hemel took a deserved lead just before the half hour when quick hands on the last tackle saw very impressive stand off Cameron Mann stretch over at the right of the posts. Kirby converted, but when the Wizards found touch from the kick off, loose forward Alan Reddecliff and hooker Warren Ayres combined down the blind side to put centre Ian Stephenson over in the left corner to make the half time score 10-8 to the visitors.

 

Hemel started the second half strongly and three minutes into it slick hands saw full back Kane Phillips score at the side of the posts. Substitute Sean Johnston added the conversion, but then the Wizards regained the ball straight from the kick off once again and set up good position in front of the posts for Reddecliff to go over. Stand off Chris Mellor converted to reduce the deficit to two points.

 

The Wizards took the lead ten minutes later when a lovely short ball from Ayres put full back Carl Lloyd through a gap to score in the left corner and then almost immediately a superb offload by prop forward Scott Davidson found scrum half Billy Sheen in support to score under the posts. Mellor goaled the latter to give his side an eight point cushion at 24-16.

 

The Wizards made the game safe seven minutes from time when substitute Matt Clarke made a fifty metre run down the left that was carried on by Stephenson whose inside ball found Clarke to score and then two minutes from the end great play by Sheen drew four defenders towards him before finding Lloyd who sidestepped round the cover to score. Mellor converted on both occasions to give the Wizards a vital 40-16 victory.

 

The Man of the Match was awarded to Wizards full back Carl Lloyd, very closely followed by centre Stuart Pirrie. Hooker Warren Ayres and prop forward Scott Davidson were also in fine form.

 

WIZARDS

 

Carl LLOYD, Shaun DALEY, Stuart PIRRIE, Ian STEPHENSON, Paul WILSON, Chris MELLOR, Billy SHEEN, Scott DAVIDSON, Warren AYRES, Luke WORSLEY, Matt TAYLOR, Anthony BECKETT, Alan REDDICLIFF.

 

Subs:      Troy ALISON, Matt CLARKE, Jono SMITH, David LEFFLER.

 

10th August 2008 - BRAMLEY BUFFALOES 30 WARRINGTON WIZARDS 32

 

Warrington Wizards produced a fantastic performance to defeat Bramley Buffaloes 32-30 in a magnificent encounter in The Co-operative Rugby League Conference National on Sunday afternoon.

 

The Wizards dug deep into their reserves to conjure up a superb victory against the second placed Buffaloes and move temporarily to the top of the table, although Celtic Crusaders Colts have a game in hand.

 

The Buffaloes opened the scoring in the tenth minute when the ball went down the blind side to centre Paul Drake and his inside ball put full back Shaun Flynn through a gap to score. Drake added the conversion, but the Wizards responded shortly afterwards when loose forward Alan Reddecliff sold a dummy and went through the gap to score under the posts. Second row Chris Mellor converted from in front.

 

Just after the midway point of the half a chip through by Wizards scrum half Warren Ayres saw the ball bobble in the Bramley in goal area and centre Danny Shaw reacted quickest to touchdown in the right corner, and then six minutes later Wizards prop forward Scott Davidson made a great break and he found Ayres in support who raced over at the side of the posts. Mellor goaled the latter.

 

Bramley hit back on the half hour when they ran the ball on the last tackle and found stand off Jon Nicholls out wide who scored in the left corner, but then a 40/20 by Ayres gave the Wizards a scrum deep in the Bramley half and Reddecliff went from the base of the scrum and found Ayres who put winger Ian Stephenson over in the left corner.

 

A minute before the break a chip through by Drake bounced off a Wizards defender and he regathered to score. He goaled himself and then added a penalty goal right on half time after Wizards substitute Jono Smith had been sin binned for preventing a quick tap penalty. This made the interval score 20-18 to the Wizards.

 

Mellor landed a penalty for the Wizards three minutes into the second half, and then a forty metre break by Reddecliff was carried on by Ayres whose delayed pass found stand off Billy Sheen linking into the line to race clear and score in the right corner to give his side an eight point cushion.

 

The Buffaloes had Drake sin binned on the hour for dissent, and three minutes later Wizards centre Matt Taylor was yellow carded for the same offence. The Buffaloes were the least affected as a great offload from substitute Chris Gardner put hooker Thomas Webb over under the posts. Flynn converted to narrow the gap to just two points.

 

Whilst the Wizards were still down to twelve men the Buffaloes hit the front as a kick through on the last tackle by Drake saw substitute Daniel Lavery pounce to score under the posts. Drake added the conversion.

 

Three minutes from time the Wizards were deep in the Bramley half and the ball found the impressive Sheen who ghosted through a gap on a thirty metre run to go over for his second try at the side of the posts and level the scores. Mellor kept his composure to land the conversion and put the Wizards back in front.

 

Just before the final whistle the Buffaloes had Lavery dismissed for a high tackle as the Wizards celebrated a thrilling and richly deserved 32-30 success that blows the league table wide open.

 

The Man of the Match was awarded to Wizards stand off Billy Sheen although he was run very close by loose forward Alan Reddecliff. Scrum half Warren Ayres and prop forward Matt Clarke were also in sparkling form.

 

WIZARDS

 

Shaun DALEY, Ian STEPHENSON, Danny SHAW, Matt TAYLOR, Stuart PIRRIE, Billy SHEEN, Warren AYRES, Scott DAVIDSON, Steven SMYTHE, Matt CLARKE, Matt WILSON, Chris MELLOR, Alan REDDECLIFF.

 

Subs:      Paul WILSON, Carl LLOYD, Jono SMITH, Luke WORSLEY.

 

 

2nd August 2008 - WARRINGTON WIZARDS 60 GATESHEAD STORM 20

 

Warrington Wizards kept the pressure up on the top two with a convincing 60-20 victory over a very resilient Gateshead Storm side in The Co-operative RLC National at Wilderspool Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

 

It took the Wizards a while to get going, but once they got into their stride they had to much skill for a Gateshead side who competed right up until the final whistle.

 

The Wizards opened the scoring midway through the half when centre Ian Stephenson intercepted on his own line and raced seventy metres before being hauled down, but a quick play the ball saw the Storm defence stretched and fellow centre Danny Shaw went over. Stand off Chris Mellor added the conversion.

 

Straight from the kick off a lovely ball from second row Matt Wilson sent hooker Warren Ayres on a sixty mere run and he found scrum half Billy Sheen in support who put prop forward Matt Clarke over under the posts, and then three minutes later a scrum close to the Storm line saw loose forward Alan Reddecliff go on his own to score. Mellor added both conversions.

 

Again straight from the restart, Wizards substitute Paul Wilson collected the ball and sprinted sixty metres down the middle before sending Reddecliff away to score under the posts. Mellor goaled before the Wizards had Stephenson sin binned on the half hour for a high tackle.

 

Two minutes before the break a short ball from Reddecliff found Shaw who stretched over to make the half time score 28-0 in the Wizards favour.

 

The Storm started the second half strongly and were rewarded four minutes into it when a kick through on the last tackle by scrum half Adam Houston saw centre Andrew Morris react quickest to score. Winger Gavin Houston added the conversion.

 

The Wizards hit back in style when Shaw used his strength to brush off four defenders on his way to completing his hat trick and then a great offload from M. Wilson put Shaw over for his fourth under the posts. Mellor was again on target with both goal attempts.

 

Soon afterwards, Wizards scored once again when from the base of the scrum Reddecliff went on his own to secure his hat trick which Mellor goaled, but the Storm refused to give in and G. Houston pounced on a Wizards error to race fifty metres and then a long ball from stand off Rob Jones found G. Houston who went over for his second try in the right corner.

 

Warrington brought up their half century when M. Wilson powered over after Mellor had been held up over the line, and when Mellor was held just short Sheen went on his own to score under the posts. Mellor goaled the latter.

 

A minute from time Gateshead second row Robert Roxborough broke through and went fifty metres to score a deserved try under the posts that was converted by G. Houston but then a high kick off from Mellor was collected by full back David Yii who put Stephenson over in the left corner to complete a comprehensive 60-20 win.

 

The Man of the Match was awarded to Wizards second row Matt Wilson. He was well supported by Danny Shaw, Alan Reddecliff and Scott Davidson.

  

WIZARDS

 

David YII, Shaun DALEY, Danny SHAW, Ian STEPHENSON, Troy ALISON, Chris MELLOR, Billy SHEEN, Scott DAVIDSON, Warren AYRES, Matt CLARKE, Matt WILSON, Anthony BECKETT, Alan REDDECLIFF.

 

Subs:      Paul WILSON, Bob MERRILL, Andy ADDISON, David LEFFLER.

 

 

26th June 2008 - EAST LANCASHIRE LIONS 20 WARRINGTON WIZARDS 70

 

Warrington Wizards produced a fine 70-20 victory in extremely hot conditions at East Lancashire Lions in The Co-operative RLC National on Saturday afternoon running in thirteen tries in the process.

 

The Lions opened the scoring in the tenth minute with a penalty goal from scrum half Tom Handforth, and this was followed up moments later with a try from Simon Middlehurst after a fine run by stand off Anthony McNulty. Handforth added the conversion to give the home side an early 8-0 advantage.

 

The Wizards opened their account midway through the half when loose forward Alan Reddecliff made a break and found scrum half Ian Stephenson in support to race over. Stand off Chris Mellor added the conversion, and then five minutes later a lovely run by prop forward Matt Clarke found hooker Warren Ayres on his shoulder to score under the posts and give Mellor the simplest of conversions.

 

Just after the half hour mark Clarke made a great break for the Wizards and he dummied his way passed the Lions defence to score. Mellor converted before both sides were reduced to twelve men when Wizards full back David Yii and Lions winger Stuart Quayle were dismissed after an altercation.

 

A minute from the break, Clarke raced over under the posts for his second try of the afternoon. Mellor added the conversion to give his side a 24-8 half time advantage.

 

Straight after the restart Wizards centre Danny Shaw sauntered over for a try and then Reddecliff raced fifty metres to score under the posts. Mellor goaled the latter and the onslaught continued when Stephenson went over and Mellor again converted.

 

On fifty minutes a break by Stephenson split the Lions defence and the ball was then swept along the line for winger Shaun Daley to score. Mellor added the goal, before the Lions replied with a Dean Mair try converted by Handforth.

 

On the hour Wizards substitute Luke Stacey found Clarke and he powered over for his hat trick, that also brought up the half century, and then Shaw broke away to score under the posts and this time Ayres added the goal.

 

The Lions refused to give up and were rewarded when winger Chris Ellison scored a fine try and Handforth tagged on the extras, but that was just a slight reprieve as Stephenson then went over for his hat trick and he turned provider two minutes later when he combined with Reddecliff to put Shaw over for his third timer. Ayres added the conversion.

 

In the final minute Shaw broke away and found Daley who scored to complete an emphatic 70-20 victory.

 

The Man of the match was awarded to Wizards stand off Chris Mellor. He was well supported by Ian Stephenson, Matt Clarke and Danny Shaw.

 

 

Wizards

Dave YII, Sean DALEY, Danny SHAW, Matt TAYLOR, Troy ALLISON, Chris MELLOR, Ian STEPHENSON, Scott DAVIDSON, Warren AYRES, Matt CLARKE, Matt WILSON, Anthony BECKETT, ALAN REDDECLIFF.

 

Subs: Luke STACEY, Bob MERRILL, David LEFFLER, Gareth TONES.

 

 

22nd July 2008 - WARRINGTON WIZARDS 41 HUDDERSFIELD UNDERBANK RANGERS 26 

 

Warrington Wizards moved to within one point of Crusaders Colts and Bramley Buffaloes at the top of The Co-operative Rugby League Conference National with a hard fought 41-26 victory over Huddersfield Underbank Rangers at Wilderspool Stadium on Tuesday evening.

 

The game ebbed and flowed throughout with neither team able to pull clear until the final ten minutes when the superior skill and fitness of the Wizards side came to the fore and saw them record a vital win against an in-form side.

 

Underbank opened the scoring in the second minute when an error in the Wizards defence allowed second row Matt Stewart a free run to the line for a try that was converted by winger Richard Flooks, but the Wizards replied three minutes later when a lovely ball from loose forward Alan Reddecliff put second row Anthony Beckett through a gap to score in the corner. Stand off Chris Mellor landed a fine touchline conversion.

 

The Wizards took the lead shortly afterwards when a break by Mellor split the Underbank defence wide open and he found prop forward Matt Clarke in support to score under the posts to give Mellor the simplest of conversions before the visitors hit back when hooker Matt Garside profited from some slick passing to score under the posts. He converted himself to level the scores at 12-12.

 

The home side once again took the lead on eighteen minutes when a lovely ball from scrum half Ian Stephenson found Reddecliff linking into the line to score to the right of the posts. Mellor goaled, but then midway through the half Rangers loose forward Tom Senior broke through some weak Wizards tackling to score. Flooks tagged on the extras to bring the scores level once again.

 

Five minutes later a powerful run from second row Matt Wilson scattered three attempted tacklers before he threw out a long ball to winger Shaun Daley who scored in the left corner. Mellor goaled from wide out to restore his side’s six point cushion, but that was soon narrowed when Rangers centre Chris Beal brushed aside several Wizards defenders to touchdown for an unconverted try.

 

Six minutes before the break Reddecliff took the ball from the base of a scrum and managed to spin out of a tackle and find hooker Warren Ayres who dummied his way through the Underbank defence to score in the corner. Another fine touchline conversion completed an eventful first half scoring as the Wizards went in with an eight point lead at 30-22.

 

Just before the hour, Huddersfield gave themselves a lifeline when pressure on the Wizards line was rewarded when Garside ploughed over for his second try of the evening, but a penalty goal from Mellor after Underbank had been punished for a high tackle on Beckett and a well taken drop goal from Ayres gave the Wizards breathing space at 33-26.

 

The Wizards made the game safe in the final ten minutes with two further tries. The first came when substitute Jono Smith created room for winger Stuart Pirrie to race over, and then six minutes from time more fine work from Smith was finished off by centre Danny Shaw who scored in the right corner to complete a very impressive 41-26 win for the Wizards.

 

The Man of the Match was awarded to Wizards second row Anthony Beckett. He was very well supported by Warren Ayres, Alan Reddecliff, Matt Wilson and Matt Clarke.

 

WIZARDS

 

Carl LLOYD, Shaun DALEY, Danny SHAW, Matt TAYLOR, Stuart PIRRIE, Chris MELLOR, Ian STEPHENSON, Andy ADDISON, Warren AYRES, Matt CLARKE, Matt WILSON, Anthony BECKETT, Alan REDDECLIFF.

 

Subs:      David YII, Paul WILSON, Jono SMITH, Tony FAITAUA.

 

 

12th July 2008 - WARRINGTON WIZARDS 52 FEATHERSTONE LIONS 18 

 

Warrington Wizards produced a hard earned 52-18 victory over reigning Champions Featherstone Lions in The Co-operative RLC National at Wilderspool Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

 

Featherstone opened the scoring in the first minute when winger Ben Hill pounced on a Wizards error to race over to score, but the Wizards hit back when prop forward Andy Addison and centre Danny Shaw combined to put second row Chris Mellor clear and he found stand off Billy Sheen in support to touchdown. Mellor added the conversion.

 

A penalty against the Wizards for offside saw scrum half Danny Giles bring the Lions level, but a minute later Wizards second row Matt Wilson raced over to score to the left of the posts. Mellor converted.

 

Featherstone hit back on the half hour when pressure on the Wizards line was eventually rewarded when second row Ben Smith raced ten yards to score. Giles again brought the score level with his conversion, but then two minutes from half time the Lions spilled the ball and Shaw picked up to race over. Mellor added the conversion to give the Wizards an 18-12 half time advantage.

 

The Lions came out in the second half fired up, and four minutes into it a high up and under was fumbled by the Wizards and loose forward Brian Sutton chased after the ball and managed to reclaim it and score. Giles added the goal to level matters once again at 18-18.

 

The Wizards regained the lead four minutes later when a quick play the ball by Mellor saw Ayres throw out a fabulous ball to Sheen who went over for a try that Mellor converted, and then Mellor and Shaw combined with loose forward Alan Reddecliff to send Shaw flying over.

 

The Wizards were now in rampant mood and Reddecliff dummied his way past several players to go over, and on the hour prop forward Anthony Beckett scored under the posts following good work from centre Matt Taylor and winger Ian Stephenson. Mellor added both conversions to make the score 40-18.

 

Ten minutes from time a good run by Wilson was carried on by Shaw who gave a lovely ball out to the supporting Ayres who scored a Mellor converted try, and in the final minute a kick ahead by Stephenson saw Sheen win the race to the ball and he went over for a deserved hat-trick. Mellor added his eighth goal of the afternoon to wrap up a fantastic 52-18 victory.

 

The man of the match was awarded to Wizards second row Chris Mellor. He was very well supported by Billy Sheen, Danny Shaw and Alan Reddecliff.

 

 

WIZARDS

 

Carl LLOYD, Ian STEPHENSON, Danny SHAW, Matt TAYLOR, Stuart PIRRIE, Billy SHEEN, Warren AYRES, Anthony BECKETT, Steven SMYTHE, Andy ADDISON, Chris MELLOR, Matt WILSON, Alan REDDECLIFF.

 

Subs:      Dane EVANS, Matt CLARKE, Shaun DALEY, Matt BARBER.

 

 

5th July 2008 - HUDDERSFIELD UNDERBANK RANGERS 28 WARRINGTON WIZARDS 28

 

A mixed performance from Warrington Wizards saw them share the honours against Huddersfield Underbank Rangers on Saturday afternoon in The Co-operative Rugby League Conference National.

 

Warrington produced a very strong first half performance to lead by fourteen points, but Huddersfield fought back in the final quarter to snatch a draw.

 

The Wizards opened the scoring in the fifteenth minute when a tap on the Huddersfield twenty metre line saw second row Chris Mellor find winger Carl Lloyd and he threw a lovely ball out to scrum half Warren Ayres who found substitute Shaun Daley on his outside to score on his debut in the left corner. Mellor added the conversion from the touchline.

 

On twenty minutes a mistake by the Wizards gave Underbank a scrum twenty metres from their try line, and they moved the ball along their line to winger Richard Flooks who scored in the corner. Flooks added the conversion to level the scores, but then a knock on by Underbank gave Wizards a scrum and Ayres moved the ball out wide to winger Ian Stephenson who scored in the corner. Mellor converted.

 

Straight from the restart a drive down field by second row Jono Smith split the Huddersfield defence and he found Daley in support who in turn found Stephenson to score in the corner. Mellor added his third touchline conversion.

 

On the half hour Wizards increased their advantage when loose forward Alan Reddecliff intercepted on his own try line and raced one hundred metres outpacing several Underbank players to score at the side of the posts. Mellor tagged on the extras.

 

Three minutes before the break Huddersfield broke the Wizards defensive line when Flooks scored in the corner to make the half time score 24-10 in favour of the Wizards.

 

From the restart both sides gave penalties away and Rangers had substitute Carl Leach sin binned for a high tackle and the extra man counted when Wizards stand off Billy Sheen chipped over the Underbank defence, re-gathered the ball, kick ahead again and Stephenson was the quickest to react to collect the ball and go over for his hat trick.

 

Huddersfield refused to lie down and just before the hour hooker Chris Lodge went over for a try goaled by Flooks, but they were then temporarily reduced to twelve men once again when stand off Matt Garside was sinned binned for a swinging arm.

 

The home side refused to be put off by the numerical disadvantage and closed the gap further when substitute Gary Keegan scored under the posts.  Flooks added the goal to reduce his sides deficit to just six points.

 

Ten minutes from time pressure on the Wizards line paid off for Underbank when full back Brook York scored under the posts. Flooks goaled to level the scores at 28-28 and despite half chances for both sides there was no further scoring.

 

Best for the Wizards were stand off Billy Sheen, Ian Stephenson, Warren Ayres and Chris Mellor.

 

WIZARDS

 

David YII, Ian STEPHENSON, Stuart PIRRIE, Matt TAYLOR, Carl LLOYD, Billy SHEEN, Warren AYRES, Scott DAVIDSON, Steven SMYTHE, Matt CLARKE, Chris MELLOR, Jono SMITH, Alan REDDECLIFF.

 

Subs:      Shaun DALEY, Andy ADDISON, Matt WILSON, Matt BARBER.

 

 

7th June 2008 - WARRINGTON WIZARDS 44 DEWSBURY CELTIC 18 

 

A top class performance from Warrington Wizards saw them defeat Dewsbury Celtic 44-18 at Wilderspool Stadium on Saturday afternoon in The Co-operative Rugby League Conference National. 

 

Warrington were in rampant mood from the outset and ran in a total of eight tries against a Celtic side who competed well for the whole game but ultimately came up short against a determined and well drilled Wizards side.

 

The Wizards opened the scoring in the second minute when a tap penalty on the Celtic ten metre line saw scrum half Warren Ayres find second row Matt Wilson who powered over with three defenders on his back. Fellow second row Chris Mellor added the conversion.

 

Celtic pulled two points back three minutes later when full back James Eatherley landed a penalty after the Wizards were guilty of ball stealing, but then on ten minutes a short ball from Ayres found stand off Billy Sheen who sidestepped through a gap to score under the posts. Mellor converted from in front.

 

The Wizards increased their advantage shortly afterwards when a beautiful short ball from loose forward Alan Reddecliff put prop forward Matt Clark through a gap to score and then when Celtic had second row Sheara Singh sin binned for a high tackle the Wizards took advantage of the extra man as superb work by hooker Steven Smythe and Ayres saw them combine to put prop forward Scott Davidson over at the side of the posts. Mellor goaled to put his side in command at 22-2.

 

On the half hour Sheen broke clear before sending Ayres on a forty metre run that saw him held just short and a quick play the ball saw centre Stuart Pirrie go on his own from acting half back to score. Mellor tagged on the extras, but they then had Reddecliff sin binned for dissent in the final minute of the half as they went in 28-2 ahead at the interval.

 

Dewsbury started the second half strongly and seven minutes into it good work by stand off Luke Kemp saw him find centre Paul Gleadhill who broke out of an attempted tackle to score at the right of the posts. Centre Jason Lee added the conversion.

 

The Wizards then responded when more good work from Ayres and centre matt Taylor created an opening for winger Ian Stephenson to score and then on the hour as short ball from Smythe sent Sheen racing clear. He was held just short but a quick play the ball saw Taylor waltz over. Mellor goaled on both occasions to put the Wizards out of reach at 40-8.

 

Celtic to their credit never gave up and responded with two quick tries. The first saw Thomas chip through and regather to score, and then Eatherley got the ball inside his own half and raced sixty metres down the left to outpace the chasing cover and score. Lee converted the former to make the score 40-18.

 

The Wizards had Davidson dismissed on seventy minutes and Celtic substitute Nathan Hadfield was sin binned in the same incident and a minute later Celtic were reduced to eleven men when substitute Matt Clark was yellow carded for striking.

 

The scoring was completed four minutes from time when the ball was sent out wide to Reddecliff who scorched down the left to score in the corner and wrap up a very impressive 44-18 victory for the Wizards.

 

The Man of the Match was awarded to Wizards teenage stand off Billy Sheen. He was very well supported by scrum half Warren Ayres, prop forward Matt Clarke and loose forward Alan Reddecliff.

 

WIZARDS

 

David YII, Ian STEPHENSON, Stuart PIRRIE, Matt TAYLOR, Carl LLOYD, Billy SHEEN, Warren AYRES, Scott DAVIDSON, Steven SMYTHE, Matt CLARKE, Chris MELLOR, Matt WILSON, Alan REDDECLIFF.

 

Subs:      Hayden JAMES, Danny HOYLAND, Paul WILSON, Jonathan BISHOP.

 

 

14th June 2008 - LIVERPOOL BUCCANEERS 28 WARRINGTON WIZARDS 34

 

Warrington Wizards returned to winning ways last Saturday with a very hard fought 34-28 success at local rivals Liverpool Buccaneers in The Co-operative Rugby League Conference National.

 

The Wizards, already missing eight regulars through injury, suffered further disruption early on with the loss of Gary Hewitt, Matt Wilson and Anthony Beckett, but dug deep into their reserves to claim a victory that could prove vital come the end of the season.

 

The Buccaneers opened the scoring in the second minute when second row Joel Parker crossed after good work from centre Ian Stanley, and that lead was increased six minutes later when the Wizards lost the ball on the Liverpool twenty metre line and Parker swooped on it to race forty metres before finding half back Steve Brown in support to score under the posts. Stanley added the simple conversion.

 

The Wizards replied when a good offload from stand off Chris Mellor found second row Matt Clarke who put centre Jono Smith away down the right and his inside ball back to Clarke paved the way for full back Carl Lloyd to go over at the right of the posts. Mellor added the goal points but Liverpool regained their ten point advantage when centre James Lacey scored in the right corner and Stanley added a fine touchline conversion.

 

Just before the half hour mark the Wizards hit back once again when more fine work from Clarke sent Lloyd away and his looping pass found Smith who scored wide out on the right.

 

A penalty goal from Stanley a minute before the break gave the Buccaneers an 18-10 interval lead although they were temporarily reduced to twelve men right on the stroke of half time when substitute Scott Heights was sin binned for holding down.

 

The Wizards reduced the deficit eleven minutes into the second half when a short ball from scrum half Warren Ayres found Smith at speed to power over for a try goaled by Mellor. And they took the lead for the first time four minutes later when a long ball from Ayres found the impressive Lloyd and he slipped a super pass to winger Dane Evans who scored in the left corner.

 

The lead was increased on the hour when a brilliant offload from substitute Billy Sheen found Lloyd and he put Smith over in the let corner to complete his hat trick, but Liverpool responded almost immediately when a long ball from scrum half Ryan Cunningham found centre James Lacey who scored in the right corner to reduce the Wizards advantage to just two points.

 

The Wizards pulled clear when Smith powered over for his fourth try despite the attentions of three defenders and then Smith turned provider when he found Ayres in support and he put Clarke over under the posts. Mellor goaled the latter to give his side a twelve point cushion.

 

Liverpool gained a consolation try in the final minute when hooker Mike Forber scored from close range. Stanley’s goal made the final score 34-28 to the Wizards.

 

The Man of the Match was Wizards centre Jono Smith. He was very well supported by Carl Lloyd, Billy Sheen, Matt Clarke and Warren Ayres.

 

Following the game the Wizards Joint Player/Coaches Chris Mellor and Mat Wilson were both mightily relieved to have got the win. Mellor said, “That was a really tough game and we are delighted to have got the win. We were not at our best, especially in the first half, but we dug deep and got our reward. It is like a casualty ward in our dressing room but we are just made up that we got the three points that keeps us in the hunt at the top.”

 

Wilson added, “The sheer guts and determination that we showed today was remarkable. We were poor in the first half, but we had a chat at half time and turned things round. We were desperate to put last weeks defeat against Crusaders Colts behind us and we have managed to do that. We now have a week off before our next game which will give time for the injured bodies to heal before we play Dewsbury Celtic.”  

 

WIZARDS

 

Carl LLOYD, Dane EVANS, Jono SMITH, Matt WILSON, Paul WILSON, Chris MELLOR, Warren AYRES, Scott DAVIDSON, Ian STEPHENSON, Gary HEWITT, Matt CLARKE, Anthony BECKETT, Alan REDDECLIFF.

 

Subs:      Billy SHEEN, Danny HOYLAND, Hayden JAMES, Matt BARBER.

 

 

7th June 2008 - WARRINGTON WIZARDS 30 CRUSADERS COLTS 44

 

Welsh side Crusaders Colts made their first ever appearance at Wilderspool Stadium on Saturday afternoon and came away with a thrilling 44-30 victory over the previously unbeaten Warrington Wizards in a high quality The Co-operative Rugby League Conference National game that was a fantastic advert for the league.

 

The Colts started like a house on fire and held a big half time advantage, but the Wizards to their credit never gave up and came storming back in the second half, but it was ultimately to no avail as the visitors inflicted the first defeat of the season on their hosts.

 

The Colts opened the scoring in the tenth minute when a kick through by centre Greg Callow rebounded off a Wizards player and he re-gathered to race away and score under the posts and then six minutes later good play by scrum half Aled James found his half back partner Steve Parry who danced through a gap to score. James converted on both occasions.

 

Straight from the restart, the Colts got the ball out wide to winger Josh Hannam who sprinted sixty metres down the left wing to outpace the chasing cover and score under the posts to give James the simplest of conversions, but the Wizards hit back just after the midway point when a short ball from scrum half Warren Ayres found second row Matt Wilson who powered over from close range. Stand off Chris Mellor added the conversion.

 

Crusaders responded just after the half hour when a repeat set on the Wizards line paid off when centre Lee Williams went over from close range and then right on the stroke of half time quick hands saw the ball sent out wide to Callow who sprinted down the right to score. James goaled the latter to give his side a commanding 28-6 interval advantage.

 

The Wizards come out in determined fashion after the break and four minutes into the half a quick tap penalty by Mellor saw him find loose forward Alan Reddecliff who put second row Jono Smith through a gap to score, but then eleven minutes later a scrum on the Wizards twenty metre line saw the Colts get the ball out to Callow who broke through to complete a fine hat trick.

 

Warrington refused to throw in the towel and on the hour a short ball from Mellor put Smith over at side of the posts, and then seven minutes later great play down the left by substitute Anthony Beckett found winger Ian Stephenson whose lovely inside ball put substitute Stuart Pirrie over. Mellor goaled the former as the Wizards reduced their deficit to twelve points.

 

The game breaker came when Callow intercepted a Wizards pass and raced ninety metres to score under the posts. James added the conversion, and then as the Wizards went for a short restart the ball fell kindly to Callow who went fifty metres to register his fifth touchdown. Williams took over the kicking duties to add on the extras.

 

The Wizards to their credit kept going and good play by Pirrie and Mellor saw Beckett score under the posts, Mellor converting and then in the final minute the ball was sent out wide to Reddecliff who forced his way over. Mellor’s attempted conversion that would have secured his side a bonus point agonisingly bounced back off the upright as the Colts celebrated a deserved 44-30 win that keeps them at the head of the table.

 

The Man of the Match for the Wizards was prop forward Matt Clarke. He was well supported by Chris Mellor, Anthony Beckett and Jono Smith.

 

WIZARDS

 

David YII, Ian STEPHENSON, Vinny REARDON, Matt TAYLOR, Carl LLOYD, Chris MELLOR, Warren AYRES, Scott DAVIDSON, Steven SMYTHE, Matt CLARKE, Jono SMITH, Matt WILSON, Alan REDDECLIFF.

 

Subs:      Billy SHEEN, Stuart PIRRIE, Anthony BECKETT, Matt BARBER.

 

 

1st June 2008 - HEMEL STAGS 36 WARRINGTON WIZARDS 48

 

Warrington Wizards recorded a very hard fought 48-36 away victory at Hemel Stags in The Co-operative Rugby League Conference National on Sunday afternoon to move level on points with leaders Celtic Colts with a game in hand.

 

The Wizards made it seven out of seven with a gutsy last quarter after they let slip a healthy half time lead against a side who were down to twelve men from the second minute.

 

Hemel second row Caine Wynyard dismissed after two minutes for a high stiff arm tackle and five minutes later the Wizards opened the scoring when good play by prop forward Matt Clarke and full back David Yii sent centre Andy Addison clear and he found second row Jono Smith in support who then passed back to Addison who went over on the right.

 

The Wizards stretched their lead on twelve minutes when lose forward Alan Reddecliff broke clear and raced forty metres before finding Mellor who was hauled down, but a quick play the ball saw Reddecliff take advantage of a gap on the right to edge close to the line before passing to Mellor who crossed.

 

Hemel hit back just before the half hour mark when a 40/20 by full back Mark Coulson gave them the head and feed on the Wizards twenty and from the scrum, stand off Kane Phillips scored at the side of the posts. Centre Barry-John Swindells converted to reduce the Stags deficit to just two points.

 

Five minutes later good play down the left by Mellor and centre Matt Taylor found winger Carl Lloyd and the debutant managed to force his way over in the corner despite having four defenders on his back, and then three minutes before the break hooker Steve Smythe was held just short and from the play the ball scrum half Warren Ayres gave a superb ball to Reddecliff who scored at the side of the posts. Mellor goaled the latter to give the Wizards a deserved 18-6 half time advantage.

 

The home side came out very determined at the start of the second half and five minutes into it hooker Gareth Swindells went on his own from acting half back to score and then almost immediately a lost ball by the Wizards was pounced on by second row Craig Bailey who raced sixty metres to score under the posts. B-J Swindells converted on both occasions to level the scores at 18-18.

 

Hemel now had the bit between their teeth and they took the lead for the first time on fifty seven minutes when Bailey burrowed over from acting half back to register his second touchdown. B-J Swindells again added the conversion.

 

The Wizards refused to lie down and hit back six minutes later when Ayres passed on the blind side to Lloyd who scored his second try in the left corner. Mellor found his kicking range with a fine touchline conversion to level the scores at 24-24.

 

Shortly afterwards a solo run by Mellor saw him outpace the cover to score his second try and then another smart pass from Ayres found prop forward Scott Davidson who powered over. Mellor converted both tries to give the Wizards a twelve point cushion.

 

Again, Hemel refused to lie down and Coulson scored under the posts to give B-J Swindells a simple conversion, but then a good ball from Reddecliff put winger Stuart Pirrie over wide out. Mellor tagged on another fine touchline conversion as Hemel substitute Wes Smith was dispatched to the sin bin for dissent.

 

The Stags ensured a frantic finish when winger Stuart McIntyre scored in the left corner with a minute remaining and B-J Swindells continued his perfect afternoon with the boot, but the Wizards had the final say when Smith forced his way over right on time. Mellor converted to round off an enthralling 48-36 win.

 

The Man of the Match was awarded to Wizards loose forward Alan Reddecliff. He was well supported by Chris Mellor, David Yii and Carl Lloyd.

 

WIZARDS

 

David YII, Carl LLOYD, Andy ADDISON, Matt TAYLOR, Stuart PIRRIE, Chris MELLOR, Warren AYRES, Scott DAVIDSON, Steven SMYTHE, Matt CLARKE, Jono SMITH, Matt WILSON, Alan REDDECLIFF.

 

Subs:      Billy SHEEN, Danny HOYLAND, John MOLPHY, Gary HEWITT.

 

 

24th May 2008 - WARRINGTON WIZARDS 22 BRAMLEY BUFFALOES 14

 

A superb encounter between two very evenly matched sides went the way of the Warrington Wizards 22-14 against Bramley Buffaloes in The Co-operative Rugby League Conference National at a sun drenched Wilderspool Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

 

Both sides served up a feast of top quality action that kept the large crowd enthralled throughout with big hits and barn storming runs a very frequent sight for the appreciative supporters.

 

Bramley opened the scoring in the second minute with a penalty goal from stand off Paul Drake, but then strong defence on both sides cancelled each others attacking chances out.

 

The Buffaloes had second row Danny Johnson sin binned midway through the half for holding down on his own line, and the Wizards took a quick tap and loose forward Alan Reddecliff went over for a try. Stand off Chris Mellor added the conversion.

 

The visitors hit back three minutes later when a cracking inside ball from scrum half Kevin Till put second row John Elliker through a huge gap to score under the posts to give Drake the simplest of conversions to put his side back in front.

 

The Wizards responded on the half hour when great play down the left by substitute Jono Smith saw him combine with winger Ian Stephenson to put scrum half Warren Ayres away to score. Mellor converted from the left of the posts.

 

Two minutes before the break the Wizards had second row Andy Addison sin binned for punching, but right on the stroke of half time Smith went out wide and found Reddecliff who managed to hold the ball up in the tackle before finding substitute Billy Sheen in support to score and give his side a 16-8 interval advantage.

 

Wizards stretched their lead nine minutes into the second half when fine play close to the Bramley line saw substitute Matt Clarke power over under the posts, Mellor converted but then the Buffaloes got the ball back straight from the kick off and then a further penalty put them in the Wizards twenty metre area and Till broke through to score under the posts. Drake goaled to narrow his side’s deficit to eight points.

 

Bramley had Drake yellow carded for dissent just after the hour, but with both teams showing tremendous tenacity in defence there was no further scoring and the Wizards were left to celebrate a magnificent and thoroughly deserved 22-14 victory that sees them maintain their 100% start to the season.

 

The Man of the Match was awarded to Wizards full back David Yii. He was very well supported by Warren Ayres. Chris Mellor and Billy Sheen.

 

WIZARDS

 

David YII, Ian STEPHENSON, Danny SHAW, Matt TAYLOR, Stuart PIRRIE, Chris MELLOR, Warren AYRES, Scott DAVIDSON, Steven SMYTHE, Simon McEVOY, Andy Addison, Anthony Beckett, Alan REDDECLIFF.

 

Subs:    Billy SHEEN, Matt CLARKE, Matt BARBER, Jono SMITH.

17th May 2008 - GATESHEAD STORM 24 WARRINGTON WIZARDS 28

 

Warrington Wizards continued their perfect start to The Co-operative Rugby League Conference National season when they recorded their fifth straight victory with a very hard fought 28-24 win at Gateshead Storm last Saturday.

 

The Wizards, missing five regulars, proved that they have strength in depth this season as they overcame a very strong Storm side who were in the game right up to the final whistle.

 

Gateshead opened the scoring in the eleventh minute when prop forward Matty Barron broke through the Wizards defence to score, but the Wizards hit back on the half hour when concerted pressure on the Storm line paid off as scrum half Warren Ayres found centre Danny Shaw to score. Stand off Chris Mellor added the conversion.

 

Two minutes before the break the Wizards increased their lead when a lovely sweeping move started by Mellor saw the ball reach centre Matt Taylor who scored in the left corner to give his side a 10-4 interval advantage.

 

Five minutes into the second half another fine passing movement resulted in a Wizards try. Second row Scott Davidson started the move before finding second row Andy Addison who found Shaw on his outside to score.

 

Gateshead responded eight minutes later when winger Gavin Houston crossed for a try that was goaled by stand off Michael Watton, but soon afterwards a lovely pass from Mellor found substitute Danny Hoyland and he had Addison in support on his inside to score. Mellor converted to restore the Wizards ten point cushion.

 

That lead was extended when a kick through by Wizards hooker Steven Smythe caught the Storm on the back foot and Ayres was quickest to react as he collected the ball and raced twenty metres to score. Mellor tagged on the extras.

 

Gateshead got themselves back into the game on the hour when centre Graham Stephenson intercepted a stray Wizards pass and raced fifty metres to score at the side of the posts and give Watton a simple conversion, and then almost immediately good play by the Storm created an overlap for substitute Robert Roxborough to go over and narrow the gap to six points.

 

Mellor steadied the Wizards nerves with a penalty goal to stretch the lead to eight points, but Gateshead again came roaring back and substitute Rhys Clarke scored five minutes from time to set up a grandstand finish, but the Wizards were in no mood to let the game slip and held on for a worthy 28-24 success.

 

The Man of the Match was awarded to Wizards centre Danny Shaw. He was well supported by Simon McEvoy, Anthony Beckett and Warren Ayres.

 

WIZARDS

 

Paul WILSON, Ian STEPHENSON, Danny SHAW, Matt TAYLOR, Stuart PIRRIE, Chris MELLOR, Warren AYRES, Simon McEVOY, Steven SMYTHE, Gary HEWITT, Scott DAVIDSON, Andy ADDISON, Anthony BECKETT.

 

Subs:      David ROLT, Danny HOYLAND, Simon WESTON, Matt BARBER.

 

 

9th May 2008 - WARRINGTON WIZARDS 66 EAST LANCASHIRE LIONS 6

 

Warrington Wizards turned on the style under the Wilderspool floodlights on Friday evening when they defeated East Lancashire Lions 66-6 in The Co-operative Rugby League Conference National.

 

A dominant display from the Wizards saw them run in twelve tries as they recorded their fourth straight victory of this season’s campaign.

 

The Wizards opened the scoring in the sixteenth minute when slick passing the width of the field saw the ball reach centre Danny Shaw who squeezed over in the right hand corner for an unconverted try and then shortly afterwards quick hands from hooker Steven Smythe and second row Anthony Beckett enabled winger Ian Stephenson to waltz over. Stand off Chris Mellor landed the conversion.

 

On twenty four minutes the Lions had Simon Fleming sin binned for punching, and his fellow prop forward Stuart Quayle, who had just been substituted, was red carded for running onto the field to get involved.

 

From the resultant penalty a short ball from centre Matt Taylor put Stephenson over in the left corner and four minutes later a superb long ball from scrum half Warren Ayres, that cut out three Lions defenders, found Shaw who raced clear to score in the right corner. Mellor added the conversion to the latter with a superb touchline effort.

 

Five minutes before the break good work by Stephenson saw him put substitute Paul Wilson over to give the Wizards a commanding 24-0 half time lead.

 

Wizards full back David Yii and Lions loose forward Paddy O’Grady were sin binned seven minutes into the second half after a flare up, and from the penalty a short ball from Wizards substitute Billy Sheen found Beckett who raced forty metres to score and then a lovely ball from Ayres put loose forward Alan Reddecliff through a gap and he went fifty metres to score under the posts. Mellor added both conversions.

 

The visitors were rewarded for their efforts just before the hour when hooker Craig Kaye burrowed over from acting halfback after substitute Darren Greenwood had been held just short. Winger Mark Pemberton added the conversion.

 

The Wizards responded when Stephenson completed his hat trick from close range, and then Ayres forced his way over under the posts before a lovely pass from Taylor put Wilson over. Mellor converted all three tries to make the score 54-6.

 

Yet another fine move by the Wizards was rewarded when Taylor went over under the posts to give Mellor a simple conversion and the scoring was completed five minutes from time when a superb break down the middle by prop forward Matt Clarke split the Lions defence and he found Yii in support to go over. Mellor’s goal rounded off a fine 66-6 victory for the in-form Wizards.

 

The Man of the Match was awarded to Wizards prop forward Matt Clarke. He was very well supported by Simon McEvoy, Danny Shaw, Ian Stephenson and Chris Mellor.

 

WIZARDS

 

David YII, Ian STEPHENSON, Danny SHAW, Matt TAYLOR, Stuart PIRRIE, Chris MELLOR, Warren AYRES, Matt CLARKE, Steven SMYTHE, Simon McEVOY, Jono SMITH, Anthony BECKETT, Alan REDDECLIFF.

 

Subs:      Billy SHEEN, Paul WILSON, Matt BARBER, Gary HEWITT.

26th April 2008 - FEATHERSTONE LIONS 22 WARRINGTON WIZARDS 50

 

Warrington Wizards produced a stunning performance to outclass reigning champions Featherstone Lions on their own pitch in The Co-operative Rugby League Conference last Saturday afternoon.

 

The Wizards were in majestic form running in eleven tries and would have won by an even bigger margin if they hadn’t missed eight conversion attempts.

 

Featherstone opened the scoring in the tenth minute when a fine passing movement saw the ball reach prop forward John Smith who went over to the left of the posts. Winger Richard Frankland added the conversion.

 

The Wizards hit back five minutes later when several players combined to put stand off Chris Mellor into space and he found second row Jono Smith who scored, and they then took the lead on twenty five minutes when a quick tap penalty caught the Lions on the back foot and the ball was moved across the line for loose forward Alan Reddecliff to score on his debut.

 

Almost immediately the Wizards stretched their lead when good work from Smith saw him find fellow second row Matt Taylor who dummied his way through to score, but then on the half hour Featherstone second row Craig Barker went over for a try and Frankland’s goal levelled the scores at 12-12.

 

The Wizards hit the front once again five minutes from the break when Reddecliff found Mellor in space and he passed onto scrum half Warren Ayres who in turn found winger Stuart Pirrie in support to race through and score. Ayres added the conversion to give his side a six point cushion, but that was reduced right on the half time whistle when Lions centre Steve Crowe crossed to reduce his sides deficit to just two points at the interval.

 

Four minutes into the second half Wizards substitute Billy Sheen and Ayres combined superbly to send Mellor storming through to score despite having three defenders on his back, and then a great break down the middle from substitute Anthony Beckett split the Lions defence and he found winger Ian Stephenson who raced away to score under the posts. Ayres converted on both occasions as the Lions were reduced to twelve men with Barker receiving his marching orders.

 

The Wizards continued to dominate and on the hour a lovely ball from Beckett found Sheen in support to go over and then two minutes later a kick down field by Mellor bounced kindly for Taylor who collected to score before a fine pass from centre Danny Shaw put Smith over for his second try to make the game safe at 42-16.

 

Smith returned the favour five minutes later when his run down the right caused havoc in the Lions defence and he put Shaw in at the corner, and the half century was brought up when Reddecliff scored in the left corner after Ayres had been held just short.

 

The home side gained a consolation try two minutes from time when winger Clifton Richardson collected a long kick and found centre Byron Cooper who scored. Frankland goaled to complete the scoring as the Wizards recorded a magnificent 50-22 victory.

 

The Man of the Match was awarded to Wizards second row Jono Smith. He was very well supported by Alan Reddecliff, Chris Mellor and Anthony Beckett.

 

After the game Wizards joint player/coaches Chris Mellor and Matt Wilson were absolutely delighted with the manner of their side’s win. Mellor said, “That was one of our best ever performances. All seventeen players did what we asked of them and it paid off handsomely. We dug deep in the first half and ground out a narrow advantage, but then in the second half we really turned the screw and played some exciting attacking rugby. To score eleven tries at the home of the defending champions is no mean feat and hopefully we can continue in the same vein next time out.”

 

Wilson added, “It was great to be part of such a team effort. We know that we have plenty of talent in our squad and we went out and proved it. We have worked really hard in training over the past fortnight and the results of that were there for all to see. We feel that we can still improve further and we look forward to our next game.”

 

The only down side for the Wizards was an injury suffered by Wilson who broke two ribs and popped his rib cartilage midway through the second half which is likely to keep him out for four weeks.

 

WIZARDS

 

David YII, Ian STEPHENSON, Danny SHAW, Matt WILSON, Stuart PIRRIE, Chris MELLOR, Warren AYRES, Scott DAVIDSON, Steven SMYTHE, Simon McEVOY, Jono SMITH, Matt TAYLOR, Alan REDDECLIFF.

 

Subs:      Billy SHEEN, Andy ADDISON, Anthony BECKETT, Gary HEWITT.

 

 

12th April 2008 - DEWSBURY CELTIC 14 WARRINGTON WIZARDS 24

 

Warrington Wizards gained their second successive The Co-operative Rugby League Conference National win of the season with a very hard fought 24-14 victory away at Dewsbury Celtic last Saturday afternoon.

 

The Wizards opened the scoring in the eighth minute when a good long ball from scrum half Warren Ayres found centre Matt Wilson in space and he cut back inside to score to the left of the posts.

 

Shortly after the midway point of the half the Wizards were temporarily reduced to twelve men when prop forward Luke Worsley was sin binned for an infringement in the tackle and whilst he was off Dewsbury opened their account with a penalty goal from winger James Eatherley after the Wizards were caught offside in front of their own posts, but then almost immediately the Wizards went back on the attack and on the last tackle the ball went down the blind side and some slick passing enabled centre Danny Shaw to squeeze over in the right hand corner.

 

Three minutes before the break a lovely inside ball from Ayres found Wilson coming back on an angle to power over under the posts. Stand off Chris Mellor converted to give his side a deserved 14-2 half time advantage.

 

The Wizards moved further ahead four minutes into the second half when a good ball from substitute Billy Sheen found Wilson out wide and his inside ball found full back David Yii who managed to duck under an attempted tackle to score in the left corner.

 

Dewsbury got themselves back into the game four minutes later when good play by centre Paul Gleadhill put full back Terry Maun away and he drew the cover towards him before passing back to Gleadhill who scored under the posts and then stand off Rob Senior created a huge gap for himself and stepped through it to score at the side of the posts. Eatherley goaled on both occasions to reduce the Wizards lead to just four points at 18-14.

 

Both sides were reduced to twelve men on the hour when Wizards second row Scott Davidson and Celtic hooker Joe Waters were dismissed after a flare up and three minutes after that Wilson was sin binned for dissent to leave the Wizards with eleven men, but strong defending kept the home side at bay and a penalty from Mellor edged them six points clear.

 

The scoring was completed in the final minute when Wilson made a great run down the right and slipped the ball to Shaw who scored in the right corner to complete a 24-14 win.

 

The Man of the Match was awarded to Wizards full back David Yii. He was very well supported by Jono Smith and Simon McEvoy.

 

WIZARDS

 

David YII, Matt TAYLOR, Danny SHAW, Matt WILSON, Stuart PIRRIE, Chris MELLOR, Warren AYRES, Luke WORSLEY, Steven SMYTHE, Simon McEVOY, Jono SMITH, Scott DAVIDSON, Anthony BECKETT.

 

Subs:      Billy SHEEN, Dane EVANS, Simon WESTON, Gary HEWITT.

 

 

5th Apri 2008 - WARRINGTON WIZARDS 56 LIVERPOOL BUCCANEERS 10

 

Warrington Wizards got their The Co-operative Rugby League Conference National season off to a flying start with an impressive 56-10 victory over league newcomers Liverpool Buccaneers at Wilderspool Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

 

A first half onslaught by the Wizards put the game out of the Buccaneers reach but they can be very encouraged by a determined second half display that saw them pose plenty of problems for the Wizards defence.

 

The Wizards opened the scoring in the second minute when a lovely offload out of the back door by loose forward Matt Wilson put centre Ian Stephenson in for an unconverted try in the left corner, and they doubled their lead ten minutes later when hooker Steve Smythe went down the blind side on the last tackle and found M. Wilson who used his power to stretch out and score wide on the left.

 

Just after the midway point of the half quick hands created a gap out wide for M. Wilson to exploit and score and five minutes later a great run by second row Jono Smith put the Buccaneers on the back foot and a quick play the ball saw fellow second row Matt Taylor exploit the gap to score. Stand off Chris Mellor added both conversions.

 

The Wizards were now in overdrive and on the half hour Mellor took a quick tap penalty and forced his way over, and almost immediately substitute Andy Addison crossed and five minutes before the break a great forty yard run by full back David Yii split the Liverpool defence and substitute Andy Moulsdale was in support to score at the side of the posts. Mellor tagged on the extras for each try to make the half time score 38-0.

 

The Buccaneers started the second half brightly and four minutes into it good pressure on the Wizards line was rewarded when good hands between half backs Steve Brown and James Lacey saw the ball reach centre Mark Webster who managed to break out of a three man tackle to score. Winger Jamie Hammond added the conversion.

 

Liverpool continued to pile on the pressure and a quick succession of penalties put them deep into Wizards territory and a lovely short ball from centre Ian Stanley put winger Ben Toleman over in the left corner.

 

The Wizards regained their composure just after the hour mark when centre Danny Shaw chipped ahead and winger Stuart Pirrie won the race to touchdown in right corner, and then four minutes afterwards a short ball from substitute Billy Sheen saw M. Wilson power over at the side of the posts for a deserved hat trick. Mellor added the conversion.

 

Wizards brought their half century up when a long pass from scrum half Warren Ayres found winger P. Wilson in space to score in the left corner and then right on time m. Wilson powered over for his fourth try of the afternoon to complete a very convincing 56-10.

 

The Man of the Match was awarded to Wizards Joint Player/Coach Matt Wilson. He was very well supported by David Yii, Simon McEvoy, Chris Mellor and Luke Worsley.

 

WIZARDS

 

David YII, Paul WILSON, Danny SHAW, Ian STEPHENSON, Stuart PIRRIE, Chris MELLOR, Warren AYRES, Luke WORSLEY, Steven SMYTHE, Simon McEVOY, Jono SMITH, Matt TAYLOR, Matt WILSON.

 

Subs:      Billy SHEEN, Andy MOULSDALE, Andy ADDISON, Gary HEWITT.

 

22nd March 2008 - WARRINGTON WIZARDS 30 BRAMLEY BUFFALOES 24 (Northern Rail Cup Group 7)

 

Warrington Wizards gained a hard fought 30-24 victory over Bramley Buffaloes in the Northern Rail Cup on Saturday afternoon at a bitterly cold Wilderspool Stadium.

 

The win was not enough for the Wizards to progress through to the knock out stages, as the Buffaloes managed to avoid defeat by more than fourteen points.

 

The Wizards opened the scoring in the fifth minute when a high cross field kick by scrum half Warren Ayres saw centre Matt Taylor outjump the defenders to collect and score under the posts. Stand off Chris Mellor added the conversion.

 

Three minutes later the Wizards increased their lead when good work down the right saw second row Jono Smith make a forty metre break and he found centre Andy Addison in support to score at the side of the posts, and then on fourteen minutes a penalty put the Wizards in good field position and prop forward Luke Worsley powered twenty metres taking three defenders with him as he scored at the left of the posts. Mellor goaled on both occasions to put his side 18-0 to the good and the omens look favourable.

 

The Buffaloes hit back three minutes later when loose forward Jon Nicholls went down the blind side close to the line and found centre Matt Mullholland who squeezed over in the right corner.

 

Two minutes before the break the visitors narrowed the deficit further when second row John Elliker managed to offload in the tackle to hooker Graham Harrison who put scrum half Bradley Asquith over under the posts. Full back Shaun Flynn converted to make the half time score 18-10 in the Wizards favour.

 

The Buffaloes started the second half in determined fashion and four minutes into the period slick passing caused chaos in the Wizards defence and a lovely inside ball found Elliker at speed to power over. Flynn converted and then added a penalty three minutes later to level the scores at 18-18.

 

The Wizards regained the lead on the hour when Bramley lost the ball on their own twenty metre line and hooker Steven Smythe picked up and his long ball put Addison over in the right corner. Mellor goaled from the touchline, but then ten minutes later slick passing by the Buffaloes created an overlap for centre Shaun Gilmour to score in the left corner. Flynn’s fine conversion tied the scores once again.

 

The Wizards had the final say when inspirational joint player/coach Mellor received the ball twenty metres out and he side-stepped his way through the Buffaloes defence to score under the posts. He added the extras to complete a hard fought 30-24 victory on the day, but it was the Buffaloes who were celebrating at the end as they progressed through to a last sixteen tie at Salford City Reds.

 

The Man of the Match was Wizards captain Chris Mellor. He was very well supported by David Yii, Matt Clarke, Matt Taylor and Anthony Beckett.

 

Following the game joint player/coach Matt Wilson, who failed a fitness test before the game and had to watch from the sidelines, said, “We are delighted to get the win under our belts, but slightly disappointed to have not qualified for the last sixteen. It would have been nice for the lads to have another trip to the Willows to take on Salford City Reds but it wasn’t meant to be. We started off like a house on fire and things looked promising in the opening quarter of an hour, but Bramley gradually clawed their way back into the game and managed to hold on at the end when we were pressing continuously. We can now turn our attention to the start of the league campaign against Liverpool Buccaneers a week on Saturday. The games in the Carnegie Challenge Cup and Northern Rail Cup have got us some very worthwhile game time under our belts that will hopefully put us in good stead for our main goal which is a successful league campaign.”

 

Fellow joint player/coach Chris Mellor, who took the man of the match award, added, “We gave it our best shot but just came up short. We can now work on a few areas in training over the next fortnight and get ourselves ready for Liverpool. We showed plenty of spirit out there and played some outstanding rugby. If we can continue to play like that then we will be very difficult to beat. We know that we are going to get better over the coming weeks and there should be plenty of exciting times ahead.”

 

WIZARDS

 

David YII, Danny SHAW, Matt TAYLOR, Andy ADDISON, Paul WILSON, Chris MELLOR, Warren AYRES, Luke WORSLEY, Steven SMYTHE, Matt CLARKE, Scott DAVIDSON, Jono SMITH, Anthony BECKETT.

 

Subs:      Simon McEVOY, Mark ROBINSON, Gary HEWITT, Billy SHEEN.

 

16 March 2008 - BRAMLEY BUFFALOES 20 WARRINGTON WIZARDS 6 (Northern Rail Cup Group 7)

Warrington Wizards suffered a 20-6 defeat at Bramley Buffaloes in the Northern Rail Cup last Sunday afternoon and must now overturn a fourteen point deficit in the return game at Wilderspool Stadium next Saturday afternoon if they are to progress through to the last sixteen stage of the competition.

 

The Wizards started very brightly and were unfortunate to have a ‘try’ by centre Danny Shaw chalked off in the first minute for a forward pass, but they did manage to take the lead six minutes later when a high kick by stand off Chris Mellor on the last tackle saw centre Matt Taylor outjump his opposite number to collect and score. Mellor added the conversion.

 

Bramley hit back on fifteen minutes when the ball was sent out wide to second row Gareth Thirsk who powered over in the right hand corner with three defenders on his back for an unconverted try.

 

Shaw was then controversially denied once again by the officials after he collected a Mellor kick to score, but the touch judge on the far side adjudged that he was offside and the Wizards had to settle for a 6-4 half time advantage.

 

The home side went in front for the first time four minutes into the second half when good play by hooker Graham Harrison found second row John Elliker who barged over. Full back Shaun Flynn converted.

 

The Buffaloes stretched their advantage twelve minutes later when stand off Scott Pendlebury dummied his way over from close range for a try that Flynn goaled.

 

Both sides were temporarily reduced to twelve men just after the hour when Buffaloes prop forward Mark Butterill and Wizards hooker Steven Smythe were sin binned after a flare up, and it was Bramley who scored the final try of the game eight minutes from time when winger Dave Walker took advantage of an overlap to score in the right corner and give his side a 20-6 victory.

 

Best for the Wizards were full back David Yii, second row pair Anthony Beckett and Andy Addison and centre Matt Taylor.

 

WIZARDS

 

David YII, Paul WILSON, Danny SHAW, Matt TAYLOR, Billy SHEEN, Chris MELLOR, Warren AYRES, Scott DAVIDSON, Steven SMYTHE, Matt CLARKE, Anthony BECKETT, Andy ADDISON, Matt WILSON.

 

Subs:      Simon McEVOY, Luke WORSLEY, Mark ROBINSON, Jono SMITH.

7 March 2008 - SALFORD CITY REDS 66 WARRINGTON WIZARDS 10 (Carnegie Challenge Cup 3rd Round)

 

Warrington Wizards travelled to the Willows on Friday evening to take on Salford City Reds in the Carnegie Challenge Cup 3rd Round and put in a very brave performance before going down 66-10.

 

The Wizards produced a heroic display against their full time professional opponents to earn the respect of the Salford players, coaches and supporters as they gave their all for the full eighty minutes and were rewarded with two fine second half tries for centre Danny Shaw.

 

Salford opened the scoring in the first minute when a kick on the last tackle by stand off Stefan Ratchford saw winger Paul White react quickest to collect and score an unconverted try in the right corner and then five minutes later another kick on the last tackle, this time by scrum half Richard Myler, saw winger Andy Ballard score a try that he converted himself.

 

The City Reds increased their advantage when a short ball from Myler put second row Andrew Brocklehurst through a gap to go over under the posts and then centre John Wilshere broke down the right wing and raced sixty metres to score. Ballard added both conversions.

 

Just after the midway point of the half Ratchford’s superb inside ball put full back Karl Fitzpatrick over under the posts and then three minutes later a loose Wizards pass was picked up by Myler who raced seventy metres to score. Ballard again converted on both occasions.

 

On the half hour good work by Wilshere set up hooker Chris Borgese who scored under the posts to give Ballard a simple conversion to make the score 40-0, which is the way it remained until half time as the Wizards started to adjust to the higher pace.

 

Seven minutes into the second half, the Wizards were rewarded for their efforts when good work down the right by hooker Steven Smythe found winger Paul Wilson and his short inside ball put Shaw over wide out much to the delight of his teammates.

 

The City Reds hit back three minutes later when good work by Myler created a gap for prop forward Stephen Nash to power over under the posts, Ballard adding the extras and then almost immediately the impressive Myler’s long ball found Ballard out wide who raced over to bring up his sides half century.

 

Shortly after the hour a loose ball by Salford was pounced on by Shaw who then sprinted seventy metres, outpacing five chasing defenders to score a memorable try. Stand off Chris Mellor added the goal points to put his side into double figures.

 

Slick passing by the City Reds then created an overlap for centre Matt Gardner to score wide out on the right and then more quick hands created room for substitute Jason Walton to squeeze over in the right corner. Ballard converted  the latter.

 

Salford scored their final try right on the hooter when Gardner went over for his second touchdown and Ballard’s conversion rounded off a 66-10 win for the National League One side.

 

The Carnegie Man of the Match was Salford winger Andy Ballard. For the Wizards every one of their seventeen man squad can be proud of the effort that they put in against a side who have high hopes of gaining a Super League franchise for next season.

 

Following the game Joint Player/Coach Matt Wilson spoke of his pride at his charges efforts. He said, “The players have done themselves and the club proud. I was absolutely made up with everyone of them. The way that they got stuck in and conducted themselves was testament to the character that we have in the team. They all played for each other and never let their heads drop. Shaun McRae and Steve Simms were very complimentary afterwards and that meant alot to the lads.”

 

Fellow Joint Player/Coach Chris Mellor was equally happy with the performance. He said, “Salford showed what a quality side they are and the pace of the game was unbelievable. It took us a while to get used to that but once we did we competed very well. Our second half showing was really heroic. It would have been easy for us to lie down but we never did and the ovation that we got at the end from our supporters and the Salford fans was very special and will be remembered for a very long time.”

 

WIZARDS

 

David YII, Paul WILSON, Danny SHAW, Ian STEPHENSON, Stuart PIRRIE, Chris MELLOR, Warren AYRES, Scott DAVIDSON, Steven SMYTHE, Matt CLARKE, Jono SMITH, Andy ADDISON, Matt TAYLOR.

 

Subs:      Simon McEVOY, Mark ROBINSON, Gary HEWITT, Billy SHEEN.

23 February 2008 - WARRINGTON WIZARDS 26 STANNINGLEY 10 (Carnegie Challenge Cup 2nd Round)

Warrington Wizards produced a memorable performance to defeat Stanningley 26-10 in a high quality Carnegie Challenge Cup 2nd Round tie at Wilderspool on Saturday afternoon.

 

Stanningley, riding high in the winter flagship National Conference League Second Division, came into the game in great form having won ten of their previous eleven outings, but the Wizards proved more than a match for their opponents with a display that will prove to the knockers of the summer game that there is plenty of talent on show in the Rugby League Conference National.

 

The Wizards opened the scoring in the ninth minute when great work out wide by second row Jono Smith sent winger Stuart Pirrie on a fifty metre run. A quick play the ball saw the Stanningley defence stretched and the ball was swept out wide for centre Danny Shaw to score in the right corner.

 

Stanningley hit back eight minutes later when stand off Scott Hargreaves created room for second row Chris Rouse who managed to hold the ball up superbly in the tackle and find scrum half Stuart McGill who scored under the posts. Loose forward Martin Wood converted to give his side the lead.

 

The Wizards regained the lead just before the half hour mark when a lovely pass from stand off Chris Mellor sent Shaw racing sixty metres, rounding the full back to score wide out on the right. Mellor landed a fine touchline conversion, but then a minute before the break a great offload from Hargreaves found Wood in space and he put centre Mathew Russell over in left corner to make the scores level at 10-10 at the interval.

 

Five minutes into the second half the Wizards hit the front again when second row Jono Smith received the ball twenty metres out and brushed off three defenders to score at the side of the posts. Mellor added the extras.

 

Stanningley then had long periods in the Wizards half but superb defending by the home side kept them at bay and then on sixty six minutes prop forward Scott Davidson intercepted a Stanningley pass and raced forty metres before finding Shaw in support to race clear and complete a stunning hat trick. Mellor goaled from in front of the posts to give his side a twelve point cushion.

 

The Wizards made sure of a fantastic victory four minutes from time when Smith intercepted a Stanningley pass and raced twenty metres to score unopposed and seal a very impressive and deserved 26-10 win that sees them progress to face professional opposition for the first time in their four year history.

 

The man of the match was awarded to Wizards second row Jono Smith. He was very well supported by centre Danny Shaw and full back David Yii.

 

Following the game Wizards joint player/coaches Chris Mellor and Matt Wilson were understandably ecstatic. Mellor said, “That was an unbelievable performance from us. They came into the game on a run of ten wins from eleven and showed out on the field what a good side they are, but the lads put everything into it and at times defended like their lives depended on it. Our attack was clinical taking the chances when they arose, but I think it was our defence that won us the game. We frustrated Stanningley time and time again and gradually wore them down. It was a very special afternoon.”

 

Wilson, who missed the game through suspension, was equally proud. He said, “I was more nervous watching than I ever have been when I’m on the field, but that was a great all-round team performance from 1-17. Each player did what was asked of them and more. We have formed a great team spirit in such a short space of time and that is showing out on the field. We worked really hard in training on specific areas and that certainly paid off. We can now look forward to the draw on Thursday evening. We will knuckle down in training once again over the next two weeks and get ourselves ready for the next round.”

 

WIZARDS

 

David YII, Paul WILSON, Danny SHAW, Ian STEPHENSON, Stuart PIRRIE, Chris MELLOR, Warren AYRES, Scott DAVIDSON, Steven SMYTHE, Matt CLARKE, Jono SMITH, Matt TAYLOR, Anthony BECKETT.

 

Subs:      Simon McEVOY, Mark ROBINSON, Gary HEWITT, John MOLPHY.

10 February 2008 - WARRINGTON WOLVES RESERVES 42 WARRINGTON WIZARDS 12 (Friendly)

 

Warrington Wolves Reserves and Warrington Wizards served up an exciting trial game at Wilderspool Stadium on Sunday afternoon with the strong Wolves line-up finally running out winners 42-12 against a very gallant Wizards side.

 

The Wizards refused to be fazed by the Wolves side, that included seven members of the super league squad, and gave a very good account of themselves in front of an appreciative crowd.

 

The Wizards started the game very strongly and took the lead in the eighth minute when god play down the right by joint player/coach Matt Wilson split the Wolves defence and he found centre Andy Addison who used his strength to touchdown in the corner.

 

The same combination paid dividends for the Wizards eight minutes later when a superb ball from M. Wilson put Addison over on the right for his second try to give the Wizards an eight point advantage.

 

The Wolves hit back just after the midway point of the half when slick passing between half backs Scott Leatherbarrow and Craig White created room for second row Andy Bracek to go over under the posts. Leatherbarrow added the simple conversion.

 

Three minutes later the Wolves took the lead for the first time when the ball was sent out wide to full back Chris Riley who managed to spin in the tackle and force his way over on the right, and then a great offload out of the back door by second row Lee Mitchell found centre Matty Blythe who scored under the posts. Leatherbarrow converted on both occasions.

 

Right on the stroke of half time Wolves loose forward Simon Grix side-stepped through a gap and raced forty metres to score unopposed. Leatherbarrow added the extras to give the Wolves a slightly flattering 24-8 interval advantage.

 

The Wolves increased their lead twelve minutes into the second half when substitute Alex Thompson burrowed his way over from close range. Riley took over the goalkicking duties to add a further two points to his sides total, but the Wizards refused to cave in and responded just after the hour when a great ball from prop forward Scott Davidson found full back David Yii on the left wing and he powered over an attempted tackle to score in the corner.

 

The Wolves finished with two further tries, the first came when centre John Walker made a break and found prop forward Mike Cooper whose superb offload put substitute Adam Neal over under the posts, and then six minutes from time an inside ball from Blythe found substitute Yaad Johal who crossed to the right of the posts. Riley converted both to complete a 42-12 victory for the Wolves.

 

Both sides will have been happy with the work out which will hopefully benefit them during their respective 2008 campaigns.

 

After the game, Wizards coaching duo Chris Mellor and Matt Wilson were happy with how things had gone. Mellor said, “It was a great run out for us against a very strong Wolves outfit and we did very well. We can now hopefully build on this in training over the next two weeks and get ourselves ready for the Carnegie Challenge Cup game against Stanningley.”

 

Wilson added, “It was important to put on a good show for the fans who came along and hopefully they will have been impressed and will come and watch us on a regular basis. Paul Cullen came over at the end of the game and was very complimentary about our performance. We now need to knuckle down in training and ensure that we prepare well for the Stanningley game.”

 

WOLVES

Chris RILEY, Taylor WELCH, Matt BLYTHE, John WALKER, Chris MURPHY, Craig WHITE, Scott LEATHERBARROW, Ben HARRISON, Mike JOHNSON, Mike COOPER, Lee MITCHELL, Andy BRACEK, Simon GRIX.

 

Subs:      Alex THOMPSON, Adam NEAL, Danny COLQUITT, Craig CORNELIA, Steve TAYLOR, James SIMON, Paul REYNOLDS, Yaad JOHAL, Ben MELLOR.

 

WIZARDS

David YII, Paul WILSON, Matt TAYLOR, Andy ADDISON, Stuart PIRRIE, Chris MELLOR, Warren AYRES, Scott DAVIDSON, Steven SMYTHE, John MOLPHY, Jono SMITH, Matt CLARKE, Matt WILSON.

 

Subs:      Billy SHEEN, Mark ROBINSON, Simon McEVOY, Chris BENNION.

 

2 February 2008 - St Mary's Twickenham 22 - 30 Warrington Wizards (Carnegie Challenge Cup 1st Round)

 

Warrington Wizards made the long trip south to Twickenham to take on St Mary’s in the Carnegie Challenge Cup 1st Round and in a very hard fought encounter they came away with a hard fought 30-22 victory.

 

The Wizards, with Joint Player Coaches Chris Mellor and Matt Wilson at the helm for the first time dug deep in the second half to overturn a ten point deficit and score three tries in the last thirteen minutes to seal a moral boosting win.

 

Wizards centre Paul Wilson was sin binned in the thirteenth minute for a late tackle, and whilst he was off the field St Mary’s opened the scoring when centre Pete Madiga crossed for a try after a quick tap penalty.

 

The Wizards then had prop forward Scott Davidson sin binned for persistent offside, but whilst he was off the field second row M. Wilson took a tap penalty and found centre Ian Stephenson who ran through the defence to score at the side of the posts. Mellor added he conversion to give his side the lead.

 

Three minutes before the break a good pass from debutant scrum half Warren Ayres found half back partner Mellor who powered over under the posts to give himself a simple conversion.

 

Right on the stroke of half time St Mary’s hit back when good work from substitute Robert Webb created room for stand off Matt Carter to score under the posts. Full back Matt Lowdon goaled to reduce the Wizards advantage to just two points at 12-10.

 

Three minutes into the second half, St Mary’s regained the lead when slick passing across the line enabled winger Robin Montgomery to score, and then four minutes later they increased their advantage when loose forward Lloyd Pullen pounced on a Wizards handling error to score. Lowdon goaled on both occasions to give the home side a ten point cushion.

 

The Wizards refused to give up and got themselves back into the game thirteen minutes from time when full back David Yii drove the ball forward and found Stephenson who went over in the left corner for an unconverted try, and then five minutes later a good run from Ayres split the St Mary’s defence and he found Davidson in support who then passed to Stephenson who rounded five defenders on his way to completing a fine hat trick. Mellor added the conversion to level the scores at 22-22.

 

A penalty from Mellor after St Mary’s had been found guilty of ball stealing put the Wizards back in front and they made sure of victory in the final minute when a kick by loose forward Mark Robinson was fumbled by St Mary’s and Davidson was on hand to pick up and score. Mellor converted to complete an excellent 30-22 win and a place in the second round draw.

 

The Man of the Match was Wizards stand off Chris Mellor. Scrum half Warren Ayres, prop forward John Molphy and centre Ian Stephenson also impressed.

 

Following the game Mellor and Wilson were both delighted to get their reign off to a winning start. Mellor said, “It was a real dog fight out there. St Mary’s come at us very strong and when they pulled away at the beginning of the second half it would have been easy for us to fold, but we showed plenty of character to get ourselves back in the game and we definitely deserved the win.”

 

Wilson added, “It was great to get our season off with a win. The new lads that have joined us all did very well with Warren Ayres forming an immediate partnership with Chris at half back which was crucial to our success. We can now look forward to the second round draw and hopefully a home tie.”

 

WIZARDS

 

David YII, Danny HOYLAND, Paul WILSON, Ian STEPHENSON, Stuart PIRRIE, Chris MELLOR, Warren AYRES, Scott DAVIDSON, Steven SMYTHE, John MOLPHY, Matt WILSON, Matt TAYLOR, Mark ROBINSON.

 

Subs:      Billy SHEEN, Chris BENNION, Dave GREEN, Ryan COSGROVE.
   
   
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