Bolton 26 Warrington 33

WARRINGTON returned to winning ways despite witnessing Bolton salvage two bonus points from the fixture.

Three good tries for the visitors, supported by the unerring boot of Luke Wood, saw them through to a much-needed win.

Coach Darren Abram said: “It was a much-improved performance.

"We competed well up front, especially on the ground, and our backs ran strongly with purpose.

"It’s just a shame we couldn’t find the fourth try.”

The hosts engineered a three-man overlap to score a converted try early on, before Warrington went close through Dan Abram.

Warrington began to rule the breakdowns and gained good possession from the lineouts. This flow of good ball eventually forced Bolton mistakes and Wood duly punished them with two penalties.

The forwards’ patience paid off when Ashley Rockey put in a tackle-breaking 30 yard run and Zak Lythgoe was on hand to score. Wood converted.

Bolton exploited poor Warrington defending and scored from halfway, taking a one-point lead which they increased with another try on the stroke of half time.

A Wood penalty reduced the deficit and after good work from Paul Thompson, Tom Wood dummied his way between the posts.

Bolton again replied with a converted try, but it was to be their last of the afternoon as Steve Pilkington set up Andy Roberts for Warrington’s response.

Wood added the extras and with moments to go added a penalty to bring his personal tally to 18 points.

Widnes 2nd 5 Warrington 3rd 15

WARRINGTON strengthened their grip on fourth spot in the table with a win at neighbours Widnes.

Tries from Paul MacKay and Tony Fretwell proved enough alongside a penalty from skipper Shaun McDermott.

The captain said: “This goes to show a week is a long time in rugby.

"Last Saturday we scrambled around for players and this week we had 19, including some who had their interest revitalised when they turned out against Chester. The future looks bright.”