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Saturday 24th July 2010 - WARRINGTON WIZARDS 48 NOTTINGHAM OUTLAWS 14
Warrington Wizards continued their winning run with a comfortable victory over Nottingham Outlaws in The Co-Operative Rugby League Conference National at Wilderspool Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Following a opening that saw both defences on top it was the Wizards who drew first blood after fourteen minutes when a quick ball from standoff Alan Reddecliff found prop forward Matt Clarke who flicked the ball out superbly to second row Shaun Gilmour who scored at the side of the posts but then on the half hour the Outlaws drew level when centre Dom Walsh crossed in the left corner.
Three minutes later the Wizards regained the lead when centre Dave Yii scored following some quick hands and then three minutes before the break a lovely drive from second row Shaun Gilmour saw him put a hole in the Nottingham defence and he found winger Graham Healey in support to score and give his side a 12-4 half time advantage.
Three minutes into the second half the Wizards moved further clear when Gilmour and scrum half Ian Stephenson combined well to send substitute Dan Stubbs over for his first try for the club. Hooker Warren Ayres added the conversion but then five minutes later Nottingham got themselves back into the game when an up and under by Outlaws stand off Oliver Crick saw full back Will Reive win the race to collect and go over. Crick added on the goal points.
On the hour a great offload from loose forward Matt Wilson found Gilmour who went over for his second try of the afternoon and then Wilson kicked through and regathered the ball before finding Clarke in support to go over. Ayres added both conversions.
The Wizards continued to dominate and scored again when a good pass from Gilmour found centre Dave Yii who scored, Ayres converted and then that was soon followed by a try from stand off Alan Reddecliff following a lovely ball from centre Matt Taylor. Prop Nick Owen added the conversion.
Nottingham refused to give up and were rewarded when centre Chris McNamara dummied his way through the Wizards defence to score but then almost immediately an interception from Reddecliff saw him run thirty metres and he passed onto Owen who scored under the posts. Gilmour took over the goalkicking duties to land the successful conversion and give the Wizards a 48-14 win.
The Man of the Match was awarded to Wizards prop forward Matt Clarke. He was very well supported by Matt Wilson and Shaun Gilmour.
WIZARDS
Ryan Cosgrove, Graham Healey, Dave Yii, Matt Taylor, Darren Forshaw, Alan Reddecliff, Ian Stephenson, Nick Owen, Warren Ayres, Matt Clarke, Danny Burgan, Shaun Gilmour, Matt Wilson.
Subs: Chris Campbell, Paul Green, Dan Faulkner, Dan Stubbs.
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Saturday 17th July 2010 - WARRINGTON WIZARDS 52 DEWSBURY CELTIC 16
Warrington Wizards kept the pressure up on league leaders Bramley Buffaloes with a comprehensive victory over Dewsbury Celtic in The Co-operative Rugby League Conference National at Wilderspool Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Wizards produced a devastating opening half that saw move well clear of their brave opponents but a spirited second half comeback by Celtic saw them get rewarded for their efforts with three well worked tries.
The Wizards opened the scoring in the third minute when hooker Warren Ayres landed a penalty goal and shortly afterwards scrum half Ian Stephenson went over for a well manufactured try that Ayres converted and he also then added a further penalty after Celtic were punished for lying on.
Just before the half hour some very quick play the balls put Celtic on the back foot and Stephenson threw out a lovely pass to supporting loose forward Jono Smith who scored under the posts and then almost immediately, a forty twenty from Ayres put the Wizards deep in the Celtic half and from the scrum Smith found Stephenson who went over. Ayres landed both conversions.
The Wizards moved further clear when in-form winger Graham Healey went over for his fifth try in four games and a minute before the break substitute Dan Faulkner broke through from thirty metres and raced over. Ayres once again added the goal points to both tries to give his side a deserved 34-0 half time lead.
Four minutes into the second half a high kick on the last tackle by the Wizards was palmed back by them but Celtic full back Danny Thomas pounced on the loosed ball and raced away before putting stand off Niki Crabtree over at the side of the posts for a try that he goaled himself and then four minutes later they went down the blind side and centre Danny Crabtree put winger Liam Edwards over in the right corner.
The Wizards regained their composure and second row Danny Burgan went on his own from acting half back and brushed off four defenders on a thirty metre run to score at the side of the posts. Ayres added the conversion and then on the hour good work down the left by second row Matt Wilson saw him send stand off Alan Reddecliff clear and he put Smith over under the posts. Ayres again converting.
Celtic responded five minutes later when from a penalty close to the Wizards line the ball found second row Liam Walmsley who powered over at the side of the posts, N. Crabtree goaling but then a minute from time from a scrum on the Celtic twenty metre line Stephenson found Reddecliff who broke through an attempted tackle to score at the side of the posts. Ayres completed a perfect day with the boot landing his tenth goal of the afternoon, from as many attempts, to round off a very good 52-16 victory.
The Man of the Match was awarded to Wizards loose forward Jono Smith. He was very well supported by Danny Burgan, Alan Reddecliff, Warren Ayres and Ian Stephenson.
WIZARDS
Ryan Cosgrove, Craig Middlemore, Dave Yii, Matt Taylor, Graham Healey, Alan Reddecliff, Ian Stephenson, Carl Leach, Warren Ayres, Shaun Gilmour, Danny Burgan, Matt Wilson, Jono Smith.
Subs: Mike Grady, Adam Knight, Dan Faulkner, Dan Stubbs.
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Friday 9th July 2010 - LIVERPOOL BUCCANEERS 18 WARRINGTON WIZARDS 24
Warrington Wizards bounced back from last week’s defeat at Hemel Stags with a very hard fought victory at Liverpool Buccaneers on Friday evening in The Co-operative Rugby League Conference National.
The Wizards were never at their best but dug deep against a big physical Liverpool side and did enough to gain a much needed win in a scrappy encounter.
Warrington opened the scoring in the sixth minute when second row Jono Smith intercepted a Liverpool pass and raced seventy metres before being hauled down, but a couple of quick play the ball’s had the Buccaneers stretched and the ball was sent out wide to centre Matt Taylor who scored in the left corner.
Both sides were temporarily reduced to twelve men on ten minutes when Wizards winger Graham Healey and Liverpool stand off Sean Forber were sin binned for fighting and it was the Buccaneers who coped the better when they scored through hooker Mike Forber just before the players were due to return to the field. Scrum half Martin Gambles converted to put his side into the lead.
Three minutes later the Wizards responded when Liverpool attempted to steal the ball in a one on one tackle but the ball came loose and Wizards winger Graham Healey reacted quickest to pick up the loose ball and force his way over in the corner and then six minutes before the break great work close to the line between stand off Ian Stephenson and substitute Billy Maunder saw them create space for substitute Matt Clarke to exploit and score under the posts. Scrum half Ryan Millington added the conversion to give his side a 14-6 half time lead.
Liverpool came out strongly in the second half and nine minutes into it they were rewarded when a penalty put them close to the Wizards line and after M. Forber was held just short full back Anthony Bate when on his own to score at the side of the posts. M. Forber goaled to reduce the gap to just two points and then six minutes later the Wizards had Taylor sin binned for pulling back off the ball but they managed to keep the Buccaneers at bay whilst he was off the field.
Millington then became the third Wizards player to spend ten minutes in the sin bin, this time for a high tackle, but whilst he was off a quick tap penalty from Stephenson saw him find Smith who powered over. Hooker Warren Ayres conversion restored the Wizards eight point cushion but that was soon reduced again to two points when M. Forber took a quick tap penalty himself and went over. S. Forber added on the goal points.
The Wizards refused to panic and three minutes from time Smith went down the blind side and his lovely inside pass put Healey through a gap to score and complete a hard fought but deserved 24-18 success.
The Man of the Match was awarded to Wizards centre Shaun Gilmour. He was well supported by Jono Smith, Graham Healey and Matt Clarke.
WIZARDS
Dave Yii, Craig Middlemore, Shaun Gilmour, Matt Taylor, Graham Healey, Ian Stephenson, Ryan Millington, Carl Leach, Warren Ayres, Nick Owen, Jono Smith, Darren Forshaw, Alan Reddecliff.
Subs: Ryan Cosgrove, Billy Maunder, Nick Braide, Matt Clarke.
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Sunday 4th July 2010 - HEMEL STAGS 32 WARRINGTON WIZARDS 4
A depleted Warrington Wizards side suffered a disappointing defeat at Hemel Stags in The Co-operative Rugby League Conference on Sunday afternoon to miss the chance of returning to the top of the league table.
The Wizards, missing seven players from last Saturday’s excellent win over Huddersfield, failed to take their chances when they arose and were punished heavily whenever they dropped a ball or gave a penalty away.
It was the Wizards who opened the scoring in the twelfth minute when a lovely ball from stand off Ian Stephenson put loose forward Jono Smith through a gap and he passed onto hooker Warren Ayres who in turn found scrum half Billy Maunder and his well timed pass put winger Graham Healey over wide on the left.
The Stags hit back just after the midway point of the half when on the last tackle scrum half Jason Price sent the ball out wide and it was collected by full back Barry-John Swindells who stepped inside and forced his way over for a try that he goaled himself and then three minutes later Swindells made a break down the middle that split the Wizards defence and he found Price in support to score under the posts. Swindells converted to give his side a 12-4 lead that stayed that way upto half time.
The Wizards started the second half brightly with a superb 40/20 by Ayres putting them on the Stags line but poor execution meant that the chance to score went begging and a penalty for Hemel gave them good field position and prop forward James Howitt powered through some poor tackling to score on the left.
Hemel had second row Matt Mizzi sin binned on the hour for obstruction off the ball but he was lucky that it wasn’t a red card as he knocked Wizards full back Dave Yii out with what appeared to be a raised elbow and he had to be helped off the field in a very dazed state.
The Wizards were unable to capitalise on the extra man and once Hemel returned to a full compliment then ran in three late tries to give the scoreline a distinctly unfair final reading. Swindells went over from close range and then in the final couple of minutes tries for loose forward Aaron Hall and Price both goaled by Swindells made the final score 32-4 to the Stags.
Best for the valiant Wizards were Jono Smith, Nick Owen and Graham Healey.
WIZARDS
Dave Yii, Craig Middlemore, Shaun Gilmour, Matt Taylor, Graham Healey, Ian Stephenson, Billy Maunder, Carl Leach, Warren Ayres, Simon McEvoy, Danny Burgan, Nick Owen, Jono Smith.
Subs: Mike Grady, John Morley, Dan Faulkner, Mark Grady.
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Saturday 26th June 2010 - WARRINGTON WIZARDS 35 HUDDERSFIELD UNDERBANK RANGERS 20
A see saw battle played in searing heat went the way of Warrington Wizards as they overcome an excellent Huddersfield Underbank side in The Co-operative Rugby League Conference National at Wilderspool Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Despite losing Matt Wilson and Alan Reddecliff to injury within the first ten minutes, the Wizards looked in control at half time but a sterling comeback from Huddersfield, themselves missing Australian duo Nathan Williams and Tom Anthony, saw them regain the lead on the hour before the Wizards got back on track in a stunning last quarter to seal a priceless win whilst also denying their opponents a vital bonus point.
Huddersfield opened the scoring in the sixth minute when loose forward Lee St Hilaire went from acting half back and broke out of three attempted tackles on forty metre run to score on the right, but three minutes later the Wizards were level when quick hands out wide from hooker Warren Ayres and second row Jono Smith found centre Danny Shaw who powered over in the right corner.
The Wizards went ahead when good work from Ayres found scrum half Ryan Millington and his lovely bullet pass found substitute Anthony Braide who dived over on the left. Ayres added the extras and then on twenty five minutes a high kick to the corner on the last tackle by Smith saw winger Graham Healey collect superbly and touchdown wide on the left, Ayres adding a fine conversion.
Both sides then had chances to register points but a combination of poor handling and some tough defensive work saw the score remain unchanged for the rest of the half and the Wizards went into the interval with a 16-4 lead.
Underbank were first to strike after the break when back to back penalties put them close to the Wizards line and after prop forward Dave Valentine had been held just short, hooker Adam Carroll put substitute Victor Smith over under the posts. Stand off Neil Barrett added the simple conversion and then a chip ahead from hooker Adam Carroll saw the Wizards react slowly and centre Shaun Mitchell managed to palm the ball back to Barrett who put substitute Tom Sharrock over. Barrett goaled to level the scores once again.
Underbank went into the lead just on the hour when the ball was sent along the line to the outstanding St Hilaire and he offloaded to Mitchell who scored in the left corner, but the Wizards were not in the mood to throw the game away and responded four minutes later with a superb individual effort from the in form Smith who stepped round the cover to score under the posts. Ayres converted to put the Wizards two points ahead.
The Wizards stretched their advantage when a high kick by Smith saw Shaw jump high to palm the ball back to winger Craig Middlemore who brushed off two defenders to score and shortly afterwards Ayres found Millington whose lovely ball put substitute Danny Burgan through a gap and the debutant scored on the left. Ayres added the conversions to both tries.
The victory was completed two minutes from time when stand off Ian Stephenson landed a drop goal to round off a very good 35-20 win for the Wizards.
The Man of the Match was awarded to Wizards centre Matt Taylor who played in the second row for most of the game beacuse of injuries. He was well supported by Jono Smith, Ryan Millington and Warren Ayres.
WIZARDS
Ryan Cosgrove, Craig Middlemore, Danny Shaw, Matt Taylor, Graham Healey, Ian Stephenson, Ryan Millington, Nick Owen, Warren Ayres, Matt Clarke, Jono Smith, Matt Wilson, Alan Reddecliff.
Subs: Dave Yii, Danny Burgan, Simon McEvoy, Anthony Braide.
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Saturday 12th June 2010 - FEATHERSTONE LIONS 24 WARRINGTON WIZARDS 32
Warrington Wizards produced what was arguably their best ever performance to secure a memorable victory at Featherstone Lions in The Co-operative Rugby League Conference National on Saturday afternoon to move to the top of the league table.
The Wizards went into the game missing more than ten regulars through injury and working and had others playing who were not fit but the whole team dug deep and etched out a terrific win, coming from 24-10 down at half time to secure a priceless three points.
Warrington opened the scoring in the sixth minute when a lovely ball from scrum half Ryan Millington found loose forward Alan Reddecliff who stepped round the cover to score on the left. Hooker Warren Ayres added the conversion and also a couple of penalties following Lions infringements to put the Wizards ten points to the good after sixteen minutes.
The Lions got themselves back into the game shortly before the half hour when a break by second row Chris Bingham split the Wizards defence and the ball was sent along the line for centre Karl Robinson to collect and weave his way over under the posts and three minutes later another break down the middle this time by stand off Matt Willis caused chaos in the Wizards ranks and full back Danny Glassel forced his way over. Glassel goaled both to put his side in front.
That lead was increased when a handling error by the Wizards on their own twenty metre line saw the Lions capitalise when Glassel scored straight from the scrum and right on half time a penalty for the Lions saw stand off Matt Willis go over. Glassel once again converted both tries to give the Lions a 24-10 interval advantage.
The Wizards came out firing in the second half and a great kick off by prop forward Nick Owen found touch and from the scrum two good drives paved the way for second row Jono Smith to force his way over on the right and three minutes later quick hands along the line saw Millington and Reddecliff combine to put centre Matt Taylor over in the left corner.
Further pressure soon afterwards was rewarded when great work saw the ball swept from right to left and back again before Taylor put Smith over to reduce the deficit to just two points and then when the Lions had hooker Mick Jedynak sin binned for holding down Millington landed the resulting penalty to level the scores.
The Wizards continued to dig deep and some resolute defending kept the hosts at bay and twelve minutes before the end another Millington penalty, this time for use of the elbow, put the Wizards in front and two minutes from time they secured the win when Smith sent centre Danny Shaw away on a forty metre run and he found very impressive full back Ryan Cosgrove in support to score under the posts. Millington’s conversion rounded off a superb 32-24 success.
The Man of the Match was awarded to Wizards second row Jono Smith. He was very well supported by every single member of the team.
After the game Wizards Head Coach Chris Campbell, himself one of the injured players unable to take part said, “That was just fantastic, the lads were outstanding; from one to seventeen they all played their part and did everything we asked of them and more. We proved that even when we are up against it we can all pull together and put in an unbelievable performance that the whole club can be proud of; the team spirit this season is outstanding. We had players out there playing through the pain barrier for the club which is a testament to their commitment. We proved today that even with more than ten players missing that we have great strength in depth within our squad and the lads that played today have thrown a marker down to keep the jersey for our next game against Huddersfield Underbank Rangers in two weeks.”
Campbell added, "We now sit at the top of the table on points difference from Bramley Buffaloes at the halfway point in the season, although they do have a game in hand, and myself and the coaching staff are happy with how things are going but we know that we still have a lot of hard work to do if we areto make it to our goal which is the Grand Final at the Halliwell Jones Stadium. This work will start at training this week as we now turn our attention to the Huddersfield fixture which will be another massive game for us. The week off due to Carlisle Centurions dropping out of the league has come at the right time for us as it gives our injured troops some much needed rest."
WIZARDS
Ryan Cosgrove, Craig Middlemore, Danny Shaw, Matt Taylor, Tom Lander, Ian Stephenson, Ryan Millington, Nick Owen, Warren Ayres, Matt Clarke, Jono Smith, Darren Forshaw, Alan Reddecliff.
Subs: Paul Green, Wez Lawton, Graham Healey, Mike Grady.
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Saturday 5th June 2010 - WARRINGTON WIZARDS 40 KIPPAX KNIGHTS 24
Wilderspool Stadium played host to yet another pulsating The Co-operative Rugby League Conference National encounter on Saturday afternoon between two exciting teams and a scintillating second half performance from the hosts saw them record a thrilling victory in a game played in a very sporting manner.
The Knights started strongly and had the upper hand for the first forty minutes but it was a resurgent Wizards who came out firing in the second half to gain a massive three points and move above their opponents in the league table, denying them a bonus point in the process.
Kippax opened the scoring in the ninth minute with a penalty goal from hooker Gavin Adkin after the Wizards were punished for holding down and they increased their lead six minutes later when on the last tackle close to the Wizards line thy ran the ball and centre James Woods offloaded brilliant on his inside to winger Wayne Little who scored under the posts. Adkin added the conversion.
Midway through the half a further penalty by Adkin, this time for offside at a scrum made the lead ten points and then after the Wizards had a try disallowed for obstruction the knights went down field and on the last tackle they went down the blind side and centre Sean Simpson’s short ball put winger Danny Gill over in the left corner. Adkin goaled superbly from the touchline.
The Wizards hit back just before the half hour when prop forward Matt Clarke was held just short and stand off Ian Stephenson went on his own from acting half back and forced his way over and then five minutes later great work by debutant full back Ryan Millington split the Kippax defence and he managed to stand up in the tackle and find Stephenson in support to score on the right. Ayres landed both conversions to put the Wizards right back in the game.
Three minutes before the break the visitors regained the initiative when substitute Marc Crossfield used his strength to stretch over and score under the posts despite having four defenders on him. Adkin converted to give his side a deserved 22-12 half time advantage.
Six minutes into the second half a penalty to the Wizards on the Knights ten metre line saw hooker Steve McDermott, another debutant, find Stephenson who forced his way over on the right to complete a fine hat trick. Ayres landed the conversion and then when the Knights knocked the ball on from a scrum on their own twenty metre line McDermott pounced on the loose ball and raced away to score under the posts. Ayres added the extras to put the Wizards in front for the first time.
The Knights levelled just before the hour mark when Adkin landed another penalty, this time for offside and when the Wizards had centre Matt Taylor sin binned for running in it looked as though Kippax could take advantage but it was not to be as a great flowing move by the Wizards saw Millington race forty metres before finding loose forward Jono Smith out on the wing and his superb ball found substitute Matt Wilson on his inside who brushed off an attempted tackle to score on the left. Ayres added the conversion from wide out.
Whilst still down to twelve men the Wizards increased their lead when a chip through from close range by McDermott saw prop forward Nick Braide react quickest to touchdown and then when the Knights had stand off Andrew Tillet sin binned for alleged use of the elbow two minutes from time the Wizards took advantage of the extra man when Wilson powered over wide on the right. Ayres converted to round off a magnificent 40-24 victory for the Wizards.
The Man of the Match was awarded to Wizards stand off Ian Stephenson. He was very well supported by Steve McDermott and Ryan Millington on their first appearances in a Wizards shirt and also Matt Wilson who caught the eye with two invaluable tries on his return to the Wizards fold.
WIZARDS
Ryan Millington, Dave Yii, Danny Shaw, Matt Taylor, Darren Forshaw, Ian Stephenson, Warren Ayres, Nick Braide, Steve McDermott, Matt Clarke, Anthony Braide, Wez Lawton, Jono Smith.
Subs: Craig Middlemore, Graham Healey, Simon McEvoy, Matt Wilson.
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Saturday 29th May 2010 - WARRINGTON WIZARDS 30 BRAMLEY BUFFALOES 36
A pulsating encounter between two evenly matched sides went the way of Bramley as they held on for a fine victory in a magnificent end-to-end The Co-operative Rugby League Conference National fixture at Wilderspool Stadium on Saturday evening.
Both sides suffered disruption before and during the game but as usual whenever they meet, they put on an excellent spectacle for the crowd and even though the game could have gone either way, in the end it was the visitors who just edged the spoils and got the deserved win.
The game got off to an explosive start when Wizards stand off Ian Stephenson and Buffaloes hooker Richard Hulme were sin binned in the first minute following a flare up and then Bramley took the lead after five minutes when a delayed pass from stand off Paul Drake found prop forward Danny Mitchell who scored to the left of the posts. Drake added the conversion.
The Buffaloes increased their lead six minutes later when a break by Drake split the Wizards defence and he found Mitchell in support to score an unconverted try wide out on the left and then shortly afterwards a kick down field by the inspirational Drake saw full back Nick Fontaine win the chase to the ball and he managed to flick the ball back to centre Jimmy Waddington who scored under the posts. Drake goaled to put the Buffaloes in command at 16-0.
The Wizards were reduced to twelve men just after the midway point when substitute Craig Middlemore was dismissed for alleged gouging but that seemed to fire them up as they had a purple patch that saw them run in three tries in quick succession. The first came when the ball was whipped along the line and winger Darren Forshaw, playing at full back following an early injury to Player/Coach Chris Campbell, put centre Matt Taylor over in the left corner. Scrum half Warren Ayres converted from the touchline.
Just after the half hour a kick down field by Ayres was fumbled in the tackle by Bramley following a monster hit from centre Danny Shaw and the loose ball found second row Jono Smith who scored at the side of the posts and then a couple of quick penalties put the Wizards deep into the Buffaloes half and stand off Ian Stephenson found the in-form Smith who brushed off an attempted tackle to score. Ayres added both conversions to put the Wizards in front for the first time.
A minute before the break the Wizards were temporarily reduced to eleven men when hooker Anthony Braide was sin binned for dissent and then right on half time Drake landed a penalty after the Wizards were cautioned for ball-stealing to level the score at 18-18.
Bramley hit the front once again two minutes into the second half when a chip to the corner by Drake saw centre matt Booth react quickest to score and then a penalty from Drake, again for ball-stealing, edged the Buffaloes six points clear and that lead was doubled when another cross field kick from Drake paid dividends when winger Shaun Flynn collected to score with Drake adding a fine conversion for good measure.
The Wizards refused to lie down and hit back when Stephenson went down the blind on the last tackle and found Shaw who put Smith over for his hat trick and then a kick on the last tackle by Stephenson saw Smith collect superbly to go over under the posts for his fourth touchdown. Ayres again goaled on both occasions to level the scores once again at 30-30.
Straight from the restart the Wizards lost possession and then compounded this by giving away a penalty in front of their own posts but rather than go for goal the Buffaloes ran the ball and Hulme went over at the side of the posts. Drake converted and despite chances for both teams after that there was no further score and the Buffaloes were left to celebrate a hard fought 36-30 success in a breathtaking game that was a credit to the league.
Best for the Wizards was the inspirational Jono Smith, Matt Clarke and Shaun Gilmour.
WIZARDS
Chris Campbell, Graham Healey, Danny Shaw, Matt Taylor, Darren Forshaw, Ian Stephenson, Warren Ayres, Nick Braide, Anthony Braide, Matt Clarke, Jono Smith, Wez Lawton, Alan Reddecliff.
Subs: Craig Middlemore, Tom Lander, Simon McEvoy, Shaun Gilmour.
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Saturday 22nd May 2010 - NOTTINGHAM OUTLAWS 23 WARRINGTON WIZARDS 35
Warrington Wizards bounced back from last weekend’s setback to record a fine victory away at Nottingham Outlaws in The Co-operative Rugby League Conference National on Saturday afternoon.
The Wizards deservedly took the three points after a very good all-round effort that saw them move back up into second place in the league table, one point behind leaders Bramley Buffaloes who are the visitors to Wilderspool on Saturday evening.
Warrington opened the scoring in the sixth minute, when from a scrum, half back partners Ian Stephenson and Warren Ayres combined to find full back Chris Campbell linking into the line and he stepped round three defenders before racing clear to score on the left. Ayres landed the conversion.
The wizards increased their lead nine minutes later when great work by Stephenson and second row Jono Smith put centre Danny Shaw through a gap and he drew the Nottingham full back towards him before finding Campbell in support on his inside to score on the right, Ayres converted but then the Outlaws hit back when a long ball from scrum half Jimmy Lewis found winger Dom Walsh out on the left wing and he cut back inside and brushed off to defenders to score wide out. Full back Nathan Walmsley added on the goal points.
The Wizards increased their lead to ten points when hooker Anthony Braide went on his own from acting half back to score wide out on the right after substitute Carl Leach had been held just short but again the Outlaws responded when stand off Paul Calland stepped his way over from close range and Walmsley goaled to narrow his side’s deficit to four points.
Two minutes before the break a towering high kick on the last tackle by Lewis was allowed to bounce by the Wizards defence and Walsh managed to palm the ball back to centre Chris McNamara who scored on the right to make the half time score 16-16.
The Wizards came out firing in the second half and after just two minutes of it substitute Craig Middlemore burrowed his way over from acting half back despite having four defenders on him and then after prop forward Simon McEvoy had been held just short a quick play the ball saw Braide go on his own to score. Ayres added the conversions to both tries.
Just after the hour good work by Wizards loose forward Alan Reddecliff down the right hand side saw him find Shaw who fended off two defenders on a thirty metre run to score in the corner. Ayres landed a fine touchline conversion to increase the Wizards lead to eighteen points.
Nottingham gave themselves a glimmer of hope when a chip through on the last tackle by Calland saw Walmsley react quickest to score at the right of the posts and he added the conversion himself to peg the Wizards lead back to twelve points.
The Wizards tried to deprive the hosts a bonus point when Smith landed a monster forty five metre drop goal two minutes from time, but Nottingham managed to gain that point when Calland dropped a goal just before the final whistle but it was the Wizards who were celebrating an impressive 35-23 victory.
The Man of the Match was awarded to Wizards second row Wez Lawton who played the full eighty minutes in searing heat. He was very well supported by Matt Clarke, Danny Shaw and Chris Campbell.
WIZARDS
Chris Campbell, Graham Healey, Danny Shaw, Matt Taylor, Darren Forshaw, Ian Stephenson, Warren Ayres, Simon McEvoy, Anthony Braide, Matt Clarke, Jono Smith, Wez Lawton, Alan Reddecliff.
Subs: Craig Middlemore, Tom Lander, John Morley, Carl Leach.
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Saturday 15th May 2010 - DEWSBURY CELTIC 52 WARRINGTON WIZARDS 32
Warrington Wizards suffered their first defeat of the season in The Co-operative Rugby League Conference National when they were convincingly beaten at Dewsbury Celtic on Saturday afternoon.
The Wizards never got out of the traps for the first hour and were trailing 46-10 but four tries in a ten minute period towards the end of the game enabled them to have some respectability to the final scoreline although in fairness Dewsbury were by far the better side and were richly deserved winners.
Celtic opened the scoring in the fourth minute when the ball was sent out wide to second row Liam Walmsley who raced through to score in the right corner. Stand off Niki Crabtree converted before the Wizards replied three minutes later when a penalty close to the Dewsbury line saw hooker Wez Lawton find second row Jono Smith and he offloaded in the tackle to centre Chris Mellor who scored in the right corner.
Almost immediately Celtic went back down the other end a superb offload from Walmsley put full back Danny Thomas over at the side of the posts and fifteen minutes later a loose pass by the Wizards deep in the Dewsbury half saw N. Crabtree intercept and race eighty metres to score at the left of the posts. He also tagged on the conversions to both tries.
Just after the half hour Dewsbury increased their lead when the ball was quickly swept along the line and it created an overlap for centre James Halmshaw who raced over on the left. N. Crabtree converted to give his side a commanding 24-4 interval advantage.
Celtic went further clear nine minutes into the second half when scrum half Josh West ran the ball on the last tackle and stepped round the cover before putting Thomas over. N. Crabtree added the conversion but then the Wizards gave themselves a lifeline when the ball was sent out wide on the last tackle and loose forward Alan Reddecliff went over under the posts. Second row Jono Smith added on the goal points.
Just after the hour the Wizards lost the ball on the Celtic line and Walmsley picked it up and raced the length of the field to score under the posts and then three minutes later Thomas went over for his hat trick. N. Crabtree again adding both conversions before Walmsley squeezed over in the right corner to complete his hat trick and put the home side 46-0 ahead.
The Wizards refused to throw in the towel and fought back in the final ten minutes. Firstly Reddecliff went thirty metres from the base of the scrum to score at the side of the posts and then a bullet pass from Reddecliff found Smith who powered over. He tagged on the extras on both occasions.
Almost immediately Wizards hooker Wez Lawton went on his own from acting half back and raced fifty metres to score, Smith goaling and then an overlap on the right saw Smith go over in the corner to reduce the gap to fourteen points and raise hopes of gaining a bonus point but on the final play of the game the Wizards lost the ball on the halfway line and Thomas pounced to race fifty metres and register his fourth try of the game. N. Crabtree converted to complete a thoroughly deserved 52-32 win for Celtic.
Best for the Wizards were Wez Lawton, Jono Smith, Alan Reddecliff and Anthony Braide.
WIZARDS
Chris Campbell, Graham Healey, Chris Mellor, Matt Taylor, Darren Forshaw, Ian Stephenson, Warren Ayres, Simon McEvoy, Wez Lawton, Matt Clarke, Jono Smith, Anthony Braide, Alan Reddecliff.
Subs: Billy Maunder, Shaun Gilmour, Adam Gorman, Mark Grady.
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Thursday 6th May 2010 - WARRINGTON WIZARDS 52 LIVERPOOL BUCCANEERS 18
Warrington Wizards continued their excellent start to the season with a comprehensive victory over near neighbours Liverpool Buccaneers in The Co-operative Rugby League Conference National at Wilderspool Stadium on Thursday evening.
The Wizards played the majority of the second half with twelve men but that didn’t hamper them as their superior ability and team work ethic saw them register ten tries to maintain their unbeaten record.
The Wizards opened the scoring in the second minute when a powerful run by prop forward Nick Braide saw him reach the Liverpool ten metre line and a quick play the ball saw second row Jono Smith score an unconverted try wide on the right and then eight minutes later quick hands along the line created room for loose forward Alan Reddecliff to race through a gap and go over on the right. Scrum half Warren Ayres added the conversion.
Warrington went further ahead just after the midway point of the half when good work close to the Liverpool line by second row Anthony Braide saw him hold the ball up in the tackle before finding hooker Wez Lawton who stretched over wide on the right, Ayres goaling and then five minutes later centre Matt Taylor made a break down the left wing and his inside ball found Ayres who went over on the left. Ayres added the conversion himself.
Four minutes before the break the Buccaneers got themselves back into the game when a penalty on the Wizards line saw loose forward Chris Chamberlain just held short but from the play the ball hooker Mike Forber went on his own to score. Stand off Sean Forber converted to make the half time score 22-6 to the Wizards.
Warrington were reduced to twelve men five minutes into the second half when substitute Billy Maunder was sent off for alleged kicking but they made light of the man advantage when A. Braide made a superb break down the middle and offloaded to full back Chris Campbell who scored under the posts. Ayres added the conversion.
The Wizards stretched their advantage when Smith stepped his way through to score but then Liverpool responded when a bullocking run from substitute Alan Chadwick saw him held just short but M. Forber went on his own to score under the posts. S. Forber added the simple conversion.
The Buccaneers went over once again just after the hour when a high kick by S. Forber was fumbled by the Wizards behind their own line and M. Forber was on hand to pounce on the loose ball and complete a fine hat trick. S. Forber converted but the Wizards hit back when winger Darren Forshaw raced seventy metres down the left to score at the side of the posts. Ayres added on the goal points.
The Wizards reinforced their superiority when Smith put Lawton over on the right and then centre Danny Shaw kicked ahead from the halfway line and won the race to score in the right corner. Ayres goaled the latter.
The scoring was completed four minutes from time when a great break by Lawton was carried on by Campbell and he put Shaw over in the right corner to complete a very impressive 52-18 victory.
The Man of the Match was awarded to Wizards hooker Wez Lawton. He was very well supported by Jono Smith, Anthony Braide, Graham Healey and Danny Shaw.
WIZARDS
Chris Campbell, Graham Healey, Danny Shaw, Matt Taylor, Darren Forshaw, Ian Stephenson, Warren Ayres, Nick Braide, Wez Lawton, Matt Clarke, Jono Smith, Anthony Braide, Alan Reddecliff.
Subs: Billy Maunder, Shaun Gilmour, Chris Mellor, Carl Leach.
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Saturday 24th April 2010 - WARRINGTON WIZARDS 40 HEMEL STAGS 28
Warrington Wizards recorded a fine victory over Hemel Stags in a thrilling The Co-operative Rugby League Conference National encounter on Saturday afternoon in the Wilderspool sunshine.
The Wizards were in total command in the first half but took their foot off the pedal after half time and allowed the Stags to come back into the game but ultimately there was only ever going to be one winner.
Warrington opened the scoring in the seventh minute when stand off Ian Stephenson and loose forward Alan Reddecliff combined beautifully to put full back Chris Campbell over under the posts. Scrum half Warren Ayres converted but Hemel hit back three minutes later when a short ball put substitute Ben Joyce over for a try that he converted himself to tie up the scores.
The Wizards were soon back in front when a great drive by substitute Carl Leach put his side close to the Stags line and the ball was passed out to the right for centre Dave Yii to score in the corner and then a high kick from Ayres caused panic in the Hemel defence and winger Darren Forshaw managed to out wit his opposite number and race forty metres to score. Ayres added the conversion to the latter.
Midway through the half a fine run by Yii split the Hemel defensive line and the ball found it’s way to the supporting Reddecliff who scored in the corner and then a superb break by in- form second row Jono Smith saw him go clear before finding Campbell who went twenty metres to go over for his second try of the game. Ayres added both conversions to give the Wizards a very healthy and deserved 28-6 half time lead.
Hemel hit back eight minutes into the second half when pressure on the Wizards line was rewarded when prop forward Tim Stevens powered over under the posts to give Joyce the easiest of conversions but the Wizards responded when a cross field kick from Ayres was fumbled by the Stags and Yii was on hand to pick up the loose ball and score in the right corner. Ayres landed another fine touchline conversion.
Just before the hour the resolute Hemel side crossed for their third try of the afternoon when Joyce went over and then loose forward Jason Price broke through to score to the right of the posts. With Joyce converting both tries the Wizards lead was down to ten points with ten minutes remaining.
The Wizards nerves were settled six minutes from time when Smith broke through the Hemel defence once again and the ball was whipped along the line to Forshaw who then gave a lovely short inside ball to centre Stuart Pirrie who scored underneath the posts with Ayres once again adding on the extras although the Stags did have the final say when winger Chris Woods scored to make the final score 40-28 to the Wizards.
The Man of the Match was awarded to Wizards second row Jono Smith. He was very well supported by Darren Forshaw, Tom Wild and Chris Campbell.
WIZARDS
Chris Campbell, Craig Middlemore, Dave Yii, Stuart Pirrie, Darren Forshaw, Ian Stephenson, Warren Ayres, Shaun Gilmour, Wez Lawton, Matt Clarke, Jono Smith, Matt Taylor, Alan Reddecliff.
Subs: Billy Maunder, Graham Healey, Tom Wild, Carl Leach.
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Sunday 18th April 2010 - HUDDERSFIELD UNDERBANK RANGERS 20 WARRINGTON WIZARDS 54
Warrington Wizards got their 2010 The Co-operative Rugby League Conference National campaign off to a great start with a comprehensive victory at Huddersfield Underbank Rangers on Sunday afternoon.
The Wizards went in 14-12 behind at half time against last season’s Grand Final runners up but a stunning second half display saw them completely overrun the home side as they racked up a huge win.
The Wizards opened the scoring in the seventh minute with a penalty goal from scrum half Warren Ayres after Rangers had been caught offside, but then eight minutes later a similar effort from Underbank centre Chris Johnson following a high tackle brought the scores level.
Just after the midway point of the half the Wizards were on the Huddersfield line and on the last tackle stand off Ian Stephenson dummied from acting half back and left the ball for loose forward Alan Reddecliff to pick up and score at the side of the posts. Ayres converted and they stretched their lead seven minutes later when a high kick on the last tackle by Stephenson saw centre Matt Taylor outjump the Huddersfield full back to collect the ball and race thirty metres to score.
Underbank hit back when a long ball from scrum half Tom Anthony cut out three defenders and found Johnson who raced through a huge gap to score under the posts and then four minutes before the break a chip through by Anthony saw Johnson react quickest to score wide out on the left. Johnson converted both of his tries to give his side a narrow 14-12 half time lead.
The Wizards regained the lead two minutes into the second half when a penalty on the Huddersfield twenty saw substitute Carl Leach power over for an unconverted try against his former club and then eight minutes later hooker Wez Lawton burrowed his way over from acting half back and Ayres added on the goal points.
The next Wizards try soon followed when a scrum on the Underbank twenty metre line saw a set move reap dividends when Stephenson put centre Danny Shaw over on the right and then a barn storming run by second row Anthony Braide was carried on by Shaw who created room for full back Chris Campbell to exploit and score at the side of the posts. Ayres converted the latter to make the score 32-14.
The home side gave themselves a glimmer of a fightback on the hour when a lovely inside ball from stand off Darren Hawkyard put full back Nathan Williams through a gap to score at the side of the posts, Johnson goaling but the Wizards soon put an end to those thoughts when a great run by Shaw split the Underbank defence and a quick play the ball saw the ball go out wide to second row Jono Smith who brushed off three defenders to score.
The Wizards next try came when Leach made a thirty metre break down the middle and a quick play the ball saw Lawton cleverly pass the ball back inside to Leach who scored on the right and then three minutes later the ball was sent out wide to winger Craig Middlemore who did well to brush off three defenders and cut back inside to score. Smith added the extras to both tries.
The scoring was completed in the final minute when a quick tap penalty on the Underbank line saw A. Braide fire a long ball out to Shaw who scored in the right corner. A. Braide landed a fine touchline conversion to round off a very impressive 54-20 victory.
The Man of the Match was awarded to Wizards second row Jono Smith. He was very well supported by Anthony Braide, Warren Ayres and Carl Leach.
WIZARDS
Chris Campbell, Craig Middlemore, Danny Shaw, Matt Taylor, Darren Forshaw, Ian Stephenson, Warren Ayres, Nick Braide, Wez Lawton, Matt Clarke, Jono Smith, Anthony Braide, Alan Reddecliff.
Subs: Dave Yii, Stuart Pirrie, Shaun Gilmour, Carl Leach.
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Friday 5th March 2010 - WARRINGTON WIZARDS 22 SWINTON LIONS 34
Warrington Wizards gave Swinton Lions an almighty scare in a thrilling Carnegie Challenge Cup 3rd Round tie at Wilderspool Stadium on Friday evening but it was the professional side who held on to earn a place in the 4th Round and a potential money spinning tie.
It looked as though the Lions were going to run away with the game as they led 34-6 fifteen minutes into the second half but a purple patch by the Wizards saw them score three tries in five minutes to shake their higher league opponents but it was ultimately in vein as the visitors held on for the win.
Despite a strong start from the Wizards that saw them have two early tries disallowed it was Swinton who opened the scoring in the twelfth minute when slick passing along the line stretched the Wizards defence and winger Dave Hull squeezed over in the left corner.
The Wizards hit back eleven minutes later when second row Jono Smith went on his own from acting half back on the last tackle and burrowed over. Scrum half Warren Ayres added the conversion to put his side in the lead but that was short lived as Swinton responded when a long ball from scrum half Ian Watson found D. Hull in space to score wide on the left. Full back Gavin Dodd converted.
The Lions increased their advantage just after the half hour when Watson found stand off Chris Hull and his long ball cut out two defenders and found winger Rob Foxen who scored on the right. Dodd goaled but then Swinton were reduced to twelve men six minutes before the break when D. Hull was red carded for a spear tackle on Wizards winger Dave Yii as the half ended 16-6 in the Lions favour.
Three minutes into the second half Swinton were temporarily reduced to eleven men when loose forward Neil Rigby was sin binned for a late tackle but they then had a stroke of luck with a controversial try when Dodd seemed to pick the ball up from an offside position after it cannoned off centre Sam Reay but the officials missed it and they moved quickly deep into the Wizards half where a short ball from substitute Gary Hulse found prop forward Dana Wilson who powered over under the posts and almost immediately a smart inside ball from Watson put Dodd through a gap to score. Dodd converted on both occasions to put his side firmly in command.
The Lions moved further clear on fifty six minutes when Reay made a break down the left wing and he passed onto the supporting Hulse who then sent Foxen racing away to score under the posts and give Dodd a simple conversion but then the Wizards hit back when good work on the right saw stand off Ian Stephenson find centre Danny Shaw who rounded two defenders to score with Ayres converting.
The Wizards now had their tails up and some superb handling down the left by Ayres and centre Matt Taylor saw the ball reach winger Stuart Pirrie who scored wide out on the left and then straight from the restart Wizards’ Smith made a sixty metre break down the right and he ball was then swept right along the line and then back for Shaw to score a magnificent try on the right. Ayres goaled to narrow the deficit to twelve points but despite spending most of the final ten minutes in the Swinton half they couldn’t add to their tally and it was the Lions who hung on for a 34-22 victory.
After the game Wizards Player/Coach Chris Campbell was very proud of his sides’ efforts. He said, “The lads gave their all out on the field tonight and I was delighted with every one of them. We had a couple of chances early on that were ruled out but we kept plugging away and did manage to get ourselves in front at one stage. We had a spell at the beginning of the second half when we let Swinton move away from us but we never let our heads go down and came back strongly scoring three superb tries. We had a couple more chances to get even closer but we just failed to cross the line. We definitely finished the stronger side and Swinton were relieved to hear the final whistle.”
Campbell added, “We can now get ourselves prepared for the start of the RLC National campaign. We have six weeks now before our first game so we will make sure that we are in a position to hit the ground running. This Challenge Cup run has been great for us and the team spirit that we have created is unbelievable. Every one is playing for each other.”
WIZARDS
Chris Campbell, Dave Yii, Danny Shaw, Matt Taylor, Stuart Pirrie, Ian Stephenson, Warren Ayres, Tom Wild, Wez Lawton, Matt Clarke, Scott Davidson, Jono Smith, Alan Reddecliff.
Subs: Anthony Braide, Carl Leach, Shaun Gilmour, Nick Braide.
Attendance: 430
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Sunday 14th February 2010 - WARRINGTON WIZARDS 28 BRITISH ARMY 20
An absolute classic of a Carnegie Challenge Cup 2nd Round tie went the way of Warrington Wizards as they came back from the dead to defeat a very impressive British Army side at Wilderspool Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The Wizards trailed 14-0 at the half time interval and were ten points behind going into the final ten minutes but three late tries saw them snatch a memorable comeback win that had the large crowd enthralled throughout.
The Army took the lead after seventeen minutes when stand off Rob Smart’s put up a high kick on the last tackle and centre Viliame Marisewa outjumped everybody to collect and score wide out left with Smart adding the conversion and then five minutes later a chip through by scrum half Andy Gray bounced off a Wizards defender into prop forward Gareth Lodge’s arms for him to crash over.
Just after the half hour the Army increased their advantage when the ball was swept along the line through several pairs of hands for full back Rob Martin to go over on the left and give his side a deserved 14-0 half time lead.
The Wizards came out stronger in the second half and were rewarded six minutes into the half when a long ball from stand off Ian Stephenson cut out three defenders and found livewire substitute Dave Yii who broke out of tackle to score in right corner and Yii was then denied moments later when he crossed again but it was harshly ruled out for a double movement.
Warrington got right back into the game eleven minutes later when scrum half Warren Ayres dummied to take the ball from acting half back and loose forward Alan Reddecliff picked up instead to score. Ayres added the conversion to reduce the deficit to four points but then the Army responded when substitute Leigh Coe managed to keep on his feet in the tackle and force his way over at the side of the posts. Smart added the conversion to give his side a ten point cushion once again.
The Army had Martin sin binned for a high tackle close to his own line eleven minutes from time and the Wizards made them pay in a big way. From the resulting penalty a lovely flat cut out ball from Ayres found Reddecliff to romp over under the posts to give Ayres an easy conversion and then a scrum on the Army twenty metre line put the Wizards in a great position and the ball went out to second row Jono Smith who rounded the cover to score out wide on the right to level the scores. Ayres coolly slotted over the difficult goal attempt to put the Wizards in front for the first time.
The visitors then had a couple of sets on the Wizards line but determined defence meant that there was no way through and four minutes into injury time the Wizards made the game safe when Ayres broke down the left and found Reddecliff who raced over for a stunning hat trick try. Ayres goaled and the wild celebrations began as the referee blew his whistle for full time and the Wizards had triumphed 28-20.
The Carnegie Man of the Match went to Wizards inspirational captain Alan Reddecliff. He was supported very well by all of his teammates especially scrum half Warren Ayres who he linked up with superbly throughout and prop forwards Matt Clarke and Tom Wild who continually punched holes in the Army defence all afternoon.
After the game Wizards Head Coach Chris Campbell was ecstatic with his side’s fightback. He said, “That was an amazing second half show from the lads. We knew that we had been poor in the first half and that if we upped our game after the break then we could still get a result and that is how it panned out. The way that we went about our play was really pleasing and we got our just desserts in the end. The team spirit is fantastic with everybody playing for each other and that is showing in our results. We can now look forward to the draw for the 3rd Round on Tuesday evening.
The Wizards had a match collection after the game for the Help for Heroes Fund and raised £150. Thanks to everybody who contributed.
WIZARDS
Chris Campbell, Darren Forshaw, Shaun Gilmour, Matt Taylor, Stuart Pirrie, Ian Stephenson, Warren Ayres, Tom Wild, Wez Lawton, Matt Clarke, Scott Davidson, Jono Smith, Alan Reddecliff.
Subs: Scott Lyon, Carl Leach, Dave Yii, Nick Braide.
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Sunday 31st January 2010 - ROYAL AIR FORCE 24 WARRINGTON WIZARDS 28
Warrington Wizards earned a dramatic last gasp victory at the Royal Air Force on Sunday afternoon in an absolutely pulsating Carnegie Challenge Cup 1st Round encounter at RAF Cranwell.
The Wizards looked as if they were going to suffer a narrow defeat until captain Alan Reddecliff, playing in the stand off role, raced over for a superb try three minutes into injury time to earn a home tie against The Army in the 2nd Round.
Warrington opened the scoring in the eighth minute when loose forward Jono Smith broke through the middle on a forty yard run and he passed onto second row Shaun Gilmour who sent centre Danny Shaw away down the right to score in the corner.
The RAF hit back three minutes later when scrum half Garry Dunn broke clear before chipping the ball across field and it cannoned off a Wizards defender into substitute Matthew Watkins arms for him to score. Full back Scott Cash added the conversion, but the Wizards were level soon afterwards when Smith landed a penalty goal after the RAF were caught ball-stealing.
The home side retook the lead when the ball was swept along the line for centre Dale Jinks to score in the right corner and then second row Chris Gordon powered over from close range to open up an eight point gap.
A minute before the break the Wizards got themselves back into contention when substitute Carl Leach barged over after Shaw had been held just short. Smith goaled to reduce his sides deficit to just two points as they went in at half time 14-12 behind.
Three minutes into the second half good work by substitute Tom Wild saw him break through the line and he found scrum half Ian Stephenson who took the ball upto the RAF ten metre line before putting Shaw over in the right corner, but the RAF regained the ball straight from the restart and a couple of big drives paved the way for Gordon to go over. Centre Gareth Evans added the conversion.
As the game entered the final seven minutes the Wizards looked to have snatched victory when Reddecliff and Smith combined to put prop forward Scott Davidson over at the side of the posts. Smith goaled and the Wizards led by two points, but then a mistake by the Wizards deep in their own half allowed the RAF to get the ball and second row Alan Blewitt capitalised to score and put his side back in front at 24-22.
The drama was not yet finished and three minutes into injury time a break out wide by Davidson split the RAF defence and he found Reddecliff on his inside to race away and score a superb try. Smith goaled to round off a memorable 28-24 win.
The Man of the Match was awarded to Wizards centre Danny Shaw. He was very well supported by Jono Smith and Scott Davidson.
After the game Head Coach Chris Campbell was understandably delighted. He said, “We showed a lot of resilience to eek out a victory from the jaws of defeat. We weren’t at our best today but the lads really showed their mental strength to snatch the win at the death against a very well organised RAF side. This really was a massive win and every one of the side did their bit.”
Campbell added, “We now have two more weeks training before we take on the Army so hopefully we will be a lot better prepared for that game so that we can give ourselves the best possible chance of earning a crack at a professional side.”
WIZARDS
Chris Campbell, Darren Forshaw, Danny Shaw, Matt Taylor, Craig Middlemore, Alan Reddecliff, Ian Stephenson, Scott Davidson, Wez Lawton, Matt Clarke, Shaun Gilmour, Nick Braide, Alan Reddecliff.
Subs: Scott Lyon, Carl Leach, Craig Lyon, Tom Wild.
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Sunday 24th January 2010 - WARRINGTON WIZARDS 46 BIRMINGHAM UNIVERSITY 4
Warrington Wizards produced an excellent all-round team performance to defeat Birmingham University in the Carnegie Challenge Cup Preliminary Round at Wilderspool Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The Wizards were on top from the outset against a University side that showed plenty of guts and determination and never stopped for the full eighty minutes but the extra skill of the home side was enough to earn them a first round tie at the RAF next Sunday.
The Wizards opened the scoring in the third minute when slick passing along the line saw full back Dave Yii put centre Danny Shaw over on the right. Second row Jono Smith added the conversion.
They increased their advantage eleven minutes later when a good interchange between stand off Chris Campbell and Smith saw the ball reach Shaw who put winger Craig Middlemore over in the right corner. Smith goaled superbly from the touchline and then just before the half hour Shaw intercepted a Birmingham pass and found Smith who broke through the defence on a fifty metre dash to score. He added on the extras himself.
Three minutes later Wizards hooker Wez Lawton burrowed over from acting half back for an unconverted try, but then right on the stroke of half time Birmingham got a deserved try when a kick on the last tackle by scrum half Aiden Oakley saw loose forward Josh Reid react quickest to score at the side of the posts although the conversion hit the post and the Wizards went into the break with a deserved 22-4 lead.
The Wizards increased their advantage nine minutes into the second half when substitute Carl Leach powered through some weak tackling to score at the left of the posts and then five minutes later a nice offload from loose forward Alan Reddecliff put second row Nick Braide over under the posts. Smith goaled on both occasions.
Shortly after the hour good work by scrum half Ian Stephenson and Shaw kept the ball alive for substitute Anthony Braide to take advantage of a gap to score on the left. Smith converted to make the score 40-4.
Two minutes from time the Wizards had prop forward Matt Clarke sin binned for holding down but right on the final whistle A. Braide fed Reddecliff down the left and he put centre Matt Taylor over in the corner. Smith added another sublime conversion to round off a comprehensive 46-4 win for the Wizards.
The Man of the Match was awarded to Wizards second row Nick Braide. He was very well supported by Danny Shaw, Jono Smith and Anthony Braide.
WIZARDS
Dave Yii, Darren Forshaw, Danny Shaw, Matt Taylor, Craig Middlemore, Chris Campbell, Ian Stephenson, Scott Davidson, Wez Lawton, Matt Clarke, Jono Smith, Nick Braide, Alan Reddecliff.
Subs: Carl Leach, Shaun Gilmour, Anthony Braide, Mark Grady.
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