WARRINGTON were given a lesson in forward play as top of the league Rochdale became the first side to win at Bridge Lane this season.

The home side threatened throughout the first half and turned around 6-3 ahead thanks to two penalty goals by Andy James.

But in the second half Rochdale bottled up possession and played the game in the Warrington half. Untidy set scrums and collapsed rolling mauls eventually tried the referee's patience and Rochdale were awarded a penalty try.

Warrington tried to respond by moving the ball wide but, for the first time this season, they never looked like scoring a try.

Poor line-out throws and wrong tactical options added to their demise and, from a scrum against the head, the Rochdale right winger slid in at the corner.

Then Warrington began to lose their shape and discipline as Rochdale quickly moved the ball along the backs for the left winger to round a tired and dejected defence with the last move of the game.

Both the second and third team games were cancelled but the fourths ran out easy winners against Rochdale thirds, 66-5. Best on the day were Geoff Millington, Dave Woods and Dean Isherwood.

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