Warrington 11 Northwich 13

SOME “extraordinary” officiating played a part in Warrington’s first home defeat of the season on Saturday, coach Sean Callendar said.

The loss to Northwich was their second in succession as Nick Baldwin’s penalty with the game’s final kick ensured the visitors’ win.

However, Callendar, whose side drop to fourth in the North One West, admitted he was far from impressed with the refereeing at Walton Lea Road.

“We did not play our usual high-speed game today and gave away too many penalties, but the leniency shown in the refereeing of the scrums was extraordinary,” he said.

“However, I was impressed with our defensive mettle, which was impenetrable at close quarters.”

“We now look forward to returning to winning ways in the new year.”

After early pressure from the forwards, Ben Hockenhull put Warrington ahead with a penalty before Baldwin replied in kind the level matters.

The hosts controlled possession and territory, but Northwich blunted their attack with their tackling and were rewarded with the game’s first try as Joel Barber scored in the corner.

Baldwin’s conversion ensured Warrington trailed by seven points at the break.

It was Northwich’s turn to attack in the second half, but Warrington held them out despite repeatedly being penalised at the set scrum.

With 10 minutes remaining, however, Callendar got them into the Northwich 22 and Tom Wood’s intelligent pass allowed Jamie Thompson to cross, but Hockenhull’s missed conversion meant they still trailed.

As the clock moved into added time, Hockenhull landed an excellent drop goal and it looked like Warrington had secured victory, but they were penalised from the restart and Baldwin broke their hearts with the boot.

Warrington return to action in the new year as they welcome Burnage to Walton Lea Road on Saturday, January 6, kick off 2.15pm.

Warrington 2nd 13 Broughton Park 2nd 27

A SCORELESS second half meant Warrington’s seconds slipped to a home defeat on Saturday.

Andy Almond had crossed to give the hosts an early lead, with Ben Dixon adding the conversion.

Dixon then added two penalties to ensure the sides went in level at the break, but 14 unanswered points earned the spoils for the visitors.