SPIRIT OF 55: Back to basics is paying dividends (From Warrington Guardian)

SPIRIT OF 55: Back to basics is paying dividends

11:09am Tuesday 1st May 2012 in Wolves news

CLEARLY Wolves have dropped down a few gears in terms of expansive play, in order to try and get the engine running and fine tune it.

They still play with great width, give the ball plenty of air and always look like scoring tries.

But for now at least, the outrageous offloads and the trying to go sideways before they go forwards has been reigned in.

It looks like they still desperately want to play that style that is so entertaining, but have acknowledged they were maybe guilty of trying to run before they could walk.

Ideally, when the last few decisive games of the seasons arrive, enough of the key players will be bang in form to allow the creative play to flourish at its devastating best.

Until that time though, grinding out a few wins on the bounce seem to be having the desired effect of building the confidence of the team.

Once again the defence was impressive, solid in general and brilliant in its desperation when close to their own line.

Injuries and suspensions have allowed Mr Smith to use a lot of players from his big squad and the great thing is none of them have been found wanting, or look as if they would be likely to let the team down in a big game.

If all the squad is ever available for selection at the same time then that will create every coaches favourite problem of having too many excellent players to pick from.

Bradford looked exactly what they are this season, a decent mid table team.

The sort of team that are good enough to take advantage of a poor Warrington performance, but one that is always likely to be beaten by a Wolves side anywhere near their best.

At times in the second half they briefly appeared to be mounting a comeback, but never truly looked like doing so.

Hopefully they’ll be able to survive the financial mess they are in and never face similar circumstances again.

All those fans who nip off for a pint or something to eat whilst the action is going on, must do so knowing that no matter what the situation of the game is they are likely to miss a Warrington try.

I’m sure several missed Riley’s try just before half time, Bradford having the ball with just seconds to go before the half ended, only for Riley to pounce on a loose ball and race 50 yards or so untouched for a try between the sticks.

Anybody who wonders why rugby league still bother with scrums, need to watch a few Warrington matches.

Almost every time they have the put in at a scrum they look likely to create something, from having the situation of their backs having almost the entire field to go up against the opposition backs in.

In this game a piece of straight forward, but brilliant, footwork from Atkins was enough to add to the already impressive tally of tries the Wire have scored from a scrum this season.

It is that ability to score tries from absolutely anywhere at any time, along with their brilliant goal line defence, that are the biggest reasons to believe that when the trophies are awarded this season Warrington will always have a chance, no matter how good their form at the time.

Plus of course the factor of playing with the spirit of ’55.