DESPITE edging closer to securing a play-off spot, Warrington Wolves’ under 19s need to be more “composed and ruthless” according to head coach Paul Anderson.

Neighbours Widnes Vikings were beaten 36-26 at Victoria Park on Saturday thanks in no small part to a devastating spell before half time, during which the young Wire scored five tries.

With Wigan, St Helens and Leeds already assured of top-four places, Anderson’s side know that wins in their last two games will ensure they join them in the end-of-season shake-up.

However, the academy head coach made it clear that he wants to see a lot more from his players before then.

“It wasn’t our best display by any means but we managed to get the win,” he said.

“We only really performed for twenty minutes before half time where we scored five tries, but we were a little passive for the rest of the game.

“I though our goal line ‘D’ was good in the closing 15 minutes where we had to defend for long periods, but that was due to us making unforced handling errors.

“Widnes had a real dig, but we need to be more composed and ruthless in our play than what we have shown.

“We will work on this and get ready for our next game in a fortnight at home to Bradford Bulls.”

Riley Dean – fresh from his first-team debut against St Helens on August 8 – crossed twice in that period, with Tayler Brown, Reece Hamlett and Jamie Abram also scoring to put the hosts in full command.

Widnes staged a second-half fightback and got to within four points, meaning the lead was not safe until Joe Barnes’ last-minute try.

The next under 19s game sees The Wire take on Bradford Bulls at Victoria Park on Saturday, August 31.

Wolves: Josh Thewlis; Sam Thackeray, Callum Green, Reece Hamlett, Lewis Hall; Riley Dean, David Gibbons; Tayler Brown, Jamie Abram, Jacob Chamberlain, Ellis Longstaff, Connor Wrench, Jacob Gannon. Subs: Joe Barnes, Ben Ivory, Daniel Harper, Alex Pendlebury