NEVER write off The Wire!

However, thank you from all devoted supporters to those who did so vociferously because it helped a young and almost entirely British Wolves side make history on Friday.

Embarrassed by blowing a chance against Wigan to lift the League Leaders’ Shield a week earlier, the players – minus the injured Kurt Gidley, Chris Sandow, Ben Westwood, Ben Currie and Ryan Bailey ¬– were in no mood to let it happen again.

Inflicting upon Hull their widest margin of defeat at home this season earned 14 of Warrington’s 17 on show the first silverware of their top-flight careers, sealing the club the League Leaders’ Shield for only the second time in Super League history.

Their defence was top class and they were fairly clinical in attack too, showing Super League why they have ended the 30 rounds with a far superior points difference to all their rivals.

To deliver like that on a night when seven selection or positional changes were made to the starting line-up was testament to the week’s preparation work – as was the lack of stage fright in an inhospitable atmosphere generated by a 17,000 crowd live on TV when you consider a number of Wire’s men have played much of their rugby on Victoria Park this year.

It proved to be an incredible story that Tom Lineham returned to his old stomping ground after being overlooked for the past nine games and not only scored the opening and winning touchdowns but pulled off two crucial try-saving tackles too.

Similarly Kevin Penny’s return on the other flank paid off too, as his kick returns were strong to help get the team on the front foot, he was sound defensively and he bagged the other try.

The team’s performance was not faultless, as some of their handling errors and penalties conceded dangerously let Hull off the hook but the passion and desire to counteract any mistakes highlighted the spirit, character and willingness to work for each other in the common goal.

When Hull cut the 10-0 half-time deficit to four points early in the second half there were fears of the outcome being a repeat of last month’s Challenge Cup Final but Dec Patton, whose penalty kicks edged Wolves to a 16-6 cushion, and Stefan Ratchford managed the situation commendably.

We all saw what the win meant to the team with the crazy celebrations to Lineham’s decisive try late on and the supporters had a party as they lapped up the Shield presentation at the end.

STATS SPOT:

Only the second time Wolves have finished top of the table in the Super League era, the first being 2011

Wolves' first silverware since the Challenge Cup success over Leeds Rhinos in 2012

Seven selection and positional changes in the starting Wire 13 marks the biggest reshuffle of the season

Two tries from Tom Lineham, recalled after nine games, currently make him Wolves' third highest try scorer of the year

Fewest points Hull have scored in a home game this season

Hull's widest margin of defeat at home this year

Wolves' first victory over Hull in four attempts in 2016

MATCH FACTS:

Super 8s, Round Seven, Friday, September 23, 2016

Hull FC...6 Warrington Wolves...23

Hull FC:Jamie Shaul, Steve Michaels, Mahe Fonua, Kirk Yeaman, Fetuli Talanoa, Carlos Tuimavave, Marc Sneyd, Scott Taylor, Danny Houghton, Liam Watts, Mark Minichiello, Sika Manu Gareth Ellis Interchange: Jordan Thompson, Dean Hadley, Josh Bowden, Frank Pritchard.

Wolves: Matty Russell; Tom Lineham, Rhys Evans, Ryan Atkins, Kevin Penny; Stef Ratchford, Dec Patton; Chris Hill, Daryl Clark, Ashton Sims, Sam Wilde, Jack Hughes, Joe Westerman. Subs: George King, Toby King, Joe Philbin, Morgan Smith.

Scoring: Lineham try, 6mins, 0-4; Penny try, 13mins, 0-8; Patton penalty, 16mins, 0-10; Tuimavave try, 43mins, Sneyd goal, 6-10; Patton penalty, 57mins, 6-12; Patton penalty, 62mins, 6-14; Patton penalty, 72mins, 6-16; Lineham try, 75mins, Patton goal, 6-22; Patton drop goal, 78mins, 6-23.

Penalties: Hull 11 Wolves 10

Referee: Ben Thaler

Attendance: 17,453

Top man: Matty Russell