Manchester 32 Warrington 0
FOLLOWING their humbling at Manchester, Warrington head coach Andy Roberts has admitted their clash with Firwood Waterloo on Saturday, kick off 2.15pm, has now become a must-win game.
Roberts watched his side kept off the scoresheet in a defeat that also saw scrum-half Tom Wood dismissed to compound their misery.
Warrington now drop to 10th in the North One West – just above the relegation zone – and 12th-place Waterloo could leapfrog them with a victory at Walton Lea Road.
They beat Manchester earlier in the season – scoring 48 points in the process – but Roberts admits they were not ready for what they had to throw at them on Saturday.
“We beat Manchester 48-22 earlier in the season, but the side we faced today was totally different and we didn’t play to our potential," Roberts said.
“Next week, we face Waterloo at home in a game we must win.”
Much of the damage was caused by Manchester’s Samoan rugby sevens international Jay Saema, who booted over a long-range penalty to extend their lead following an early try.
Saema then broke through to set up a second Manchester try, which he converted before kicking another penalty to give them a commanding 20-0 lead at the break.
Warrington started the second half well, but they found Manchester’s defence too much to breach and the hosts got back on the front foot to score again.
The visitors then lost Wood for reacting badly to a refereeing decision and Manchester took advantage to score a final try.
Warrington 2nd 19 Sedgeley Park 2nd 15
SOME cross-code recruits from Woolston Rovers helped Warrington’s seconds return to winning ways.
Dan Griffiths got their opening try before Kirk Drummond crossed in the corner to extend their lead.
Nick Stevens then pounced on Theo Holt’s delicate chip to give Warrington a 19-3 lead, and they just about held on despite a late fightback from the visitors.
Warrington u15 31 Waterloo u15 5
RORIO Zheng ran in a hat-trick as Warrington’s under 15s brushed aside Lancashire Cup group leaders Waterloo.
Jack Darbyshire scored a try and a conversion, with Warrington’s other try coming from Leo Zheng. Matty Hope also chipped in with a conversion.
Action from Warrington under 15s' win over Waterloo. Pictures by Gail Surplice
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