Burnage 20 Warrington 16

WARRINGTON fell just short of victory against Burnage on Saturday, their first North One West defeat of the season.

The visitors opened the scoring when Ben Hockenhull slotted over an easy penalty.

They increased their lead when Tom Wood’s long pass found Danny Griffith, who squeezed over in the corner. Hockenhull added the extras and Warrington looked set.

Hockenhull added another penalty on 30 minutes to stretch the lead further, but Burnage hit back with two unconverted tries.

The hosts scored again to take the lead and, after another Hockenhull penalty had reduced the deficit, a penalty goal gave Burnage a decisive four-point lead.

Warrington are on the road again on Saturday when they travel to Northwich, kick off 3pm.

Birkenhead Park 2nd 20 Warrington 2nd 32

AN excellent win over a strong Birkenhead Park side takes Warrington’s second string to second in the competitive Sale Sharks Division One.

Props James Jones and Jack Appleby gained early mastery of heavier, more experienced opposition, while captain Shaun Yoxhall provided good possession from the lineouts to enable full back Nick Roberts to cash in with two tries.

But Park would not go away and responded with two unconverted tries and two more forwards efforts after elusive Mark Tickle scored a brilliant individual effort and Josh Downes drove through three tacklers to cross from a lineout.

The result was sealed when Tickle scorched over for his second touchdown from Warrington’s signature backs move.

Yoxhall said: “A great team effort but with special mention for Nick Roberts and Josh Downes, while our young flankers Keenan Beatie and Matt Gregory were everywhere.”

Altrincham Kersal 3rd 76 Warrington 3rd 28

WARRINGTON’S third team were overrun in the second half by a rampant Altrincham back line.

Tries from Sam Nichols, who later completed a hat-trick, Andy Almond and Lewis Horrocks – along with two Nichols conversions – kept Warrington on level terms for 30 minutes.

Altrincham piled on the pressure in the last 10 minutes of the first half to score two further unconverted tries.

The second half saw the Altrincham backs assume total control.

“This game showed once again that there is no substitute for pace,” said Dave Nichols, who had dragged his ageing 6ft 3in frame out of retirement to play one last game with his son.

“Mind you, it was great to see Sam claim a hat-trick.”