PROMOTION RACE DOWN TO THE WIRE (From Warrington Guardian)

PROMOTION RACE DOWN TO THE WIRE

Calder Vale RUFC 10

Warrington RUFC 10

WARRINGTON Rugby Union Club's outside chance of promotion were enhanced when a weakened side salvaged a late draw at Calder Vale in the last league game of the season.

Rivals Workington must now win their final game away at St. Benedicts, tomorrow, Saturday, to finish above Warrington.

Several late changes to the side meant Warrington were up against it as the Burnley based team raced into an early seven point lead with a converted breakaway try. Although Neil Harrison raced over in the corner to reduce the deficit, a penalty goal saw the home side increase their lead to 10-5 at the break.

With time running out Warrington gained the draw they deserved when flanker Richard Turner forced his way over in the corner.

A special mention must go to scrum half Gez Louden who came into the game with a bad shoulder injury and Dave Jolliffe who was pressed into action as an emergency prop.

Warrington RUFC 31

Sefton RUFC 10

WARRINGTON comfortably moved into the quarter-finals of the Lancashire Cup by beating Sefton and were rewarded with a home game on May Bank Holiday weekend against the winners of the Broughton Park and Rochdale game.

Warrington were in charge after a good start with wing Andy Higginson and prop Terry Blohm scoring early tries which Matt Drinkwater converted.

The visitors scored a converted try from close range but full back Ian Nicholson raced in for the first of his two tries to give Warrington a 19-7 lead going into the interval.

Sefton again hit back with a penalty goal before Nicholson's second try and a late one by Jim Keulemans.

Younger squad members Darren Geritas, Alex Park and Paul Milligan all caught the eye.

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