No excuses from coach Andy Roberts after Warrington's home loss to Rochdale

WARRINGTON lost only for the third time this season to a hungry and predatory Rochdale outfit on Saturday.

They have now dropped to fourth in North One West.

Although this was an off-form Warrington side, Rochdale showed a greater desire to win with an aggressive defence which continually denied the home side opportunities to demonstrate their free-flowing brand of rugby.

“No excuses,” said coach Andy Roberts. “Rochdale were on top form and we weren’t. Hopefully, we can sort things out before our 'derby' match this weekend at Widnes.”

The Rochdale back row was magnificent, winning turnover after turnover, starving Warrington of possession and ensuring that the majority of play took place in Warrington territory.

A period of early pressure on the Warrington line saw Rochdale cross for a converted try, with the lead extended courtesy of a penalty on the 30-minute mark.

Warrington defended their line heroically for the next 10 minutes but Rochdale used a set scrum 10 yards out to attack the blind side and score on the stroke of half time.

It seemed that the second half would see Warrington reprise their Lazarus act, as they started at pace and soon forced a penalty that was kicked by Darren Norman.

But this proved to be a false dawn as Rochdale resorted to their bullying tactics to rule the breakdown.

They finally put the result beyond contention when they scored their third try from a driving scrum.

Warrington had the last word when they scored the try of the match.

Steve Pilkington ghosted over after great approach work from Jonno Smith and Haydn Fraser, with Norman converting.

Wirral 2nd 42 Warrington 2nd 7

WARRINGTON'S second string were beaten for pace on the wide expanses of Wirral’s first-team pitch.

The home side wasted little time in taking a commanding lead as they scored two converted tries in the opening quarter.

Warrington knuckled down to their defensive task but were unable to prevent a third Wirral converted try shortly before the end of the first half.

The first 10 minutes of the second period saw Warrington enjoy a rare spell of territorial dominance and when their forwards produced quick ball from a series of rucks, the backs combined well to create sufficient space for centre Craig Byrne to barrel his way over. Andy Almond converted.

However, Wirral quickly returned to the attack and ran in three further converted tries to seal a convincing victory.

“There is no substitute for pace in rugby,” said captain Andy Almond.

“Hopefully, with the return of a couple of our young speedsters we can get back to winning ways at home against Bolton on Saturday.”

Liverpool St Helens 2nd 13 Warrington 3rd 12

WARRINGTON'S third team were on top in every phase of this game at Liverpool but poor finishing, and two missed penalties, meant that they lost a fixture they should have won easily.

The opening skirmishes saw Warrington quickly gain the upper hand in the forwards, where they dominated the set scrums and the lines and bullied the opposition at the breakdown.

Good ball from all phases allowed the backs to combine well and eventually the reward came when full back Will Larbey joined the line to create the extra man and glide over in the corner.

Against the run of play, Liverpool replied with a forwards’ try and a penalty to take the lead but a well-taken try from veteran centre Tony Fretwell, converted by Mark Tickle, saw Warrington turn round 12-8 ahead.

Warrington continued to rule the roost throughout the second period but an unfortunate defensive lapse saw the home side re-take the lead with a forwards’ try.

Once again, Warrington went on the attack and they managed to force two penalties in kickable positions in the closing stages of the match. Unfortunately, both kicks were missed and Warrington had to settle for the undeserved loss.

“We just couldn’t close down the game today,” said coach Lee Graham. “But I hope that we have learned a lesson.”