Warrington 31 New Brighton 37

WARRINGTON suffered defeat to a New Brighton outfit fighting for survival on Saturday.

The hosts soon had the scoreboard ticking over when they opened their account within five minutes. An attempted clearance kick was charged down by Sean Hughes and the live-wire hooker pounced over the line. Luke Wood converted.

New Brighton responded with a penalty and then took the lead after creating space for their inside centre to ghost over for the lead.

Warrington's reply saw Tom Wood pick up from a ruck, feint to go and feed Zak Lythgoe to stroll over. Luke Wood converted from wide out.

New Brighton retook the lead after the interval, and furthered it with a controversial long-distance score that the hosts felt should have seen a Warrington penalty awarded.

Tom Wood took a quick tap penalty but was illegally halted within two yards.

A penalty should have been signalled as Warrington continued to play the ball until a pass was intercepted.

At this point, the original penalty should have been given.

However, the New Brighton player was allowed to run 90 yards unopposed and suddenly what should have been seven points to Warrington became seven points to the visitors.

The visitors furthered their lead before Kev Jones replied, but despite another score for Steve Pilkington New Brighton held on.

“This was a game we should have won,” said coach Darren Abram.

“Perhaps our handling was a bit sloppy at times and perhaps we didn’t have luck with us.

“However, New Brighton came here to play rugby and we wish them all the best for the rest of their season. We now have some big games in front of us before our season ends on April 25.”

The second team were 24-14 winners at Altrincham Kersal after opening a 19-point lead by the break.

Teenage wing Max Caldwell scorched over for the first of his three first half tries, with fellow teen wing Nathan Beesley adding a second-half effort.

Prodded by the fraternal combination of Tom and Ben Hockenhull at half back, Warrington’s talented back line started to take control.

With Craig Byrne and Mrek Kobus in the centres creating the space, it was not long before Max Caldwell sprinted over for his second try, converted by Ben Hockenhull and this was quickly followed by a repeat performance from the winger and the scrum half.

The second half saw a spirited revival from Altrincham, who managed two converted tries to threaten Warrington’s lead.

However, some stern defence, with Mike Bellerby and Steve McKendick to the fore, stemmed the tide and the game was finally closed off when Warrington’s other teenage wing, Nathan Beesley, got into the act to score a typical Beesley try.

“This was a great performance from a totally committed side,” said skipper Andy Almond.

“We are still very much in the hunt for promotion, with just one point separating the three sides chasing Lymm.”

The thirds lost 7-24 to Crewe and Nantwich seconds. Prop Sam Bennett powering over from 10 yards.

Matt Drinkwater converted.

Warrington were then treated to a short cameo performance from chairman Richard Woodward, who even managed to steal an opposition lineout, but the visitors had the last word when they scored a good breakaway try.

“This was very much a scratch side,” said skipper Shaun McDermott.

“But they came together well for the second half.

“And it was good to see the club chairman putting on his boots to help out.”