NOT for the first time this season, Andy Roberts felt his Warrington RUFC side’s performance did not get its deserved reward.

In the first of five straight games against high-flying opposition, they had to be content with a losing bonus point against Birkenhead Park, who left Grappenhall Sports Club with a 19-13 victory.

Roberts was rueful of the chances his side missed to add to Tom Arnold’s try plus a Luke Gilooley conversion and two Darren Norman penalties.

With a trip to second-place Burnage coming up on Saturday, things are not getting any easier for Warrington, who remain second from bottom of the North One West and deep in relegation trouble.

“All in all, this was a very good performance,” Roberts said.

“However, we made too many mistakes when scoring chances were on offer.

“Next we travel to Burnage, who are currently second in the league so that will be a real test.”

Warrington were in complete command of the early stages and when Arnold crossed following some impressive handling from hooker Alex Stewart, it gave them a lead they deserved.

However, Park soon made use of their physical advantage as their pack rumbled over for their opening score before a well-worked backs move put them into the lead with their second try.

The hosts had missed two penalty kicks at goal in the first half but went back on the offensive after the break, with Darren Norman kicking a penalty before Max Caldwell was forced into touch just feet from the try line after finding a gap.

Park weathered the storm and after stealing a Warrington lineout, scored their third try to seemingly put the game beyond the hosts.

Another Norman penalty put Warrington back to within a score, but they could not find another.

Meanwhile, the seconds were beaten 10-5 by their Rochdale counterparts, with Andy Almond scoring the only Warrington try.