A FIRST game at their old home ground for more than two decades for Warrington RUFC was marked in proper fashion – but not without a scare.
The Lancashire Trophy semi-final clash with Broughton Park was the first senior team game to be held at Bridge Lane since 2002.
Poetically, Broughton Park formed the opposition that day and ran out 36-18 winners but thankfully from a Warrington perspective, the result was different on Saturday as they held off a second-half fightback to win 24-19.
The hosts took an 18-0 lead at half time thanks to tries from Josh Downes and Jack Barker as well as a conversion and two penalties from the boot of JP Hudson.
However, the second half was a different affair and thanks to two quickfire tries in the opening stages, the deficit was down to six points and the visitors were back in the game.
A third Hudson penalty was welcome to easy nerves until another Broughton try frayed them again, with Warrington’s lead now standing at just two points.
Hudson again gave them breathing space from the kicking tee and despite some late pressure from the visitors, Warrington were able to hold out for victory.
“We worked hard in training during the week to reinforce the strengths in our game,” head coach Richard Park said post-match.
“Line speed in defence and our ability to move the ball wide from breakdowns, at speed, were two focus areas and it served us well in the first 30 minutes.
“I think we caught Broughton Park by surprise and it took them almost until half time before they could adjust and get back on the front foot.
“Our discipline in defence, both in the tackle and around the ruck, loosened off in the second half but I think our resolve and willingness to play a focussed 80 minutes served us well in the end.”
It is back to league action for Warrington on Saturday as they travel to Thornton Cleveleys.
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