Warrington Wolves 20 Bradford Bulls 36.
SUNDAY'S match got away from Wolves in the third quarter because of a lack of composure.
Wolves laid the platform for success despite the absence of four internationals, with Martin Gleeson and Vinnie Anderson joining Adrian Morley and Chris Bridge on the sidelines.
Losing winger Richie Barnett two minutes into the second period with a torn ankle ligament was a further blow but perhaps a steadying influence amid some frantic and explosive action could have made all the difference.
Although Warrington applied some pressure in the first half built around Lee Briers' excellent kicking game, better control of the ball could have led to a more convincing lead than the 14-6 they gained.
Some good breaks were wasted because one pass too many cost them possession.
After failing to learn the lesson in the first half and Bradford roaring 18-14 ahead on the strength of a Paul Deacon 40/20 early in the second period, Wolves then paid the ultimate price.
Shontayne Hape's knock-on on the halfway line should have been the relief they needed to turn things around after 13 minutes of constant Bradford possession and pressure.
Five drives and a punishing kick should have been the next ploy but Wolves appeared to panic on the back of falling behind for the first time.
Brent Grose's rushed pass to Henry Fa'afili was ruled forward and handed possession back to Bulls - and the next time Warrington hands touched the ball they were 30-14 behind.
Wolves looked threatening again when they were finally able to complete some sets.
And when Sam Burgess was sin-binned for kicking at Rob Parker's play-the-ball there was hope of a comeback after Chris Leikvoll ploughed over from short range for only the third try of his Wolves career, leaving 12 minutes to score two converted tries.
But the contest was finally over when Bradford counter-punched from a Grose chip kick over the top of Bradford's defence.
Warrington players and supporters bellowed at referee Ashley Klein for an obstruction by Leslie Vainikolo on Grose after his kick but Platt recovered the ball and completed a satisfactory day's work for himself with his hat-trick try from 80m.
