Wizards magic keeps it close at the top (From Warrington Guardian)

Warrington Wizards hot the heels of Conference Three leaders

2:57pm Thursday 12th July 2012 in Amateur RL

FLYING high off a record of nine victories in 11 league games, Warrington Wizards stay hot on the heels of National Conference Three leaders Hemel Stags after their victory against visitors Coventry at Wilderspool Stadium.

This week they have the chance to keep up the pressure on the league leaders, who hold a three-point advantage, when they travel to lowly St Albans Centurions on Saturday, kick off 2.30pm.

Wizards’ head coach Nick Owen said: “Although St Albans were heavily beaten last weekend at home to league leaders Hemel Stags, they will be very keen to turn that around this week against us.

“We have to make sure that we go into the game with the correct attitude, keep our discipline and respect the ball when we are in possession.”

The coach leaves The Village Hotel at 9am for any supporters wishing to travel. Please contact Nikki Whalley on 07889 170895 to secure your place.

Warrington Wizards 36 Coventry Bears 16

WIZARDS kept the pace with Hemel Stags and Underbank Rangers thanks to winning a quality contest at Wilderspool Stadium.

Bears tested Wizards throughout and even opened the scoring in an end-to-end encounter, crossing in the third minute after Wizards conceded back-to-back penalties.

Wizards replied in style, hitting back through Ryan Jones, Craig Middlemore and Hayden James in the following 20 minutes to open a 16-6 lead after Graham Healey had added two conversions.

Wizards stretched their lead before the break, Paul Alcock running a nice line to the left of the posts and Sean Conway, filling in at centre, side-stepping his way over to make it 26-6 at the turnaround.

Bears regrouped at half time, rampaging back into the game in the second with two tries to drag themselves back within 10 points of the hosts.

But Wizards’ experience and class shone through in the final stages of the game, Ian Stephenson and Mike Stout crossing to make the final score 36-16 after Healey has added a conversion.

Wizards: Danny Gregory, James Rosson, Mike Stout, Ryan Jones, Craig Middlemore, Ian Stephenson, Graham Healey, Dan Crampton, Hayden James, Sean Conway, Paul Alcock, Paul Reynolds, Alan Reddecliff. Subs: Warren Ayres, Craig Woolvine, Dan Stubbs, Christian Froggatt.