St Benedicts 8 Warrington 17

WARRINGTON’S two first-half converted tries and a Ben Hockenhull penalty proved sufficient to allow a stalwart second-half defence to earn a well-deserved victory in a physical battle of attrition.

The home side set out their uncompromising style from the kick-off but Warrington exerted the early pressure.

Persistent Benedicts offsides at breakdowns were eventually penalised with a sin-binning of a player and shortly afterwards Hockenhull exploited the pressure with a well-stuck penalty.

Warrington then forced a set scrum five yards out on the right and the ball was swiftly transferred to the backs.

Nathan Beasley left his right wing to join the line in midfield and took an exquisite line to score, with Hockenhull converting.

The visitors were denied a second try when Tom Arnold was given the ball 30 yards out with an open field in front of him but the pass was adjudged forward.

However, the second try eventually came when Josh Downes broke through tackles like a raging bull and Jack Morgan was on his shoulder to take the pass and touch down. Again, Hockenhull converted.

Benedicts then started to exert their own pressure and a couple of minor skirmishes occurred but Warrington showed coolness under fire.

The hosts forced a set scrum after one such fracas and crossed on the back of it to make the half-time score 17-5.

Perhaps the highlight of the second half was the introduction of colts skipper Harry Kellet making an excellent first-team debut, as the game developed into trench warfare.

But once again, the Warrington defence, superbly led by captain Sean Hughes, deservedly voted man-of-the match by the opposition, was magnificent.

“Sometimes you have to win ugly and this was such a game,” said coach Jon Callendar.

“The lads showed great character in refusing to be intimidated or bullied, while showing clinical finishing in the first half.

“And, as Northwich lost to Wilmslow, we have now moved to third in North One West.”

“We have a rest on Saturday before we face second-placed Stockport, at home, on November 25. Who knows, we could even move up to second!”