Warrington Wizards 22 Swinton Lions 34
WARRINGTON Wizards gave Swinton Lions an almighty scare in a thrilling Carnegie Challenge Cup third round tie at Wilderspool Stadium.
It looked as though Lions were going to run away with the game but a purple patch by Wizards saw them score three tries in five minutes to shake their higher league opponents.
Wizards coach Chris Campbell was proud of his side, saying: “The lads gave their all and I was delighted with every one of them.
“We definitely finished the stronger side and Swinton were relieved to hear the final whistle.”
Swinton opened the scoring in the 12th minute when slick passing along the line stretched Wizards’ defence and winger Dave Hull squeezed over.
Wizards hit back 11 minutes later when Jono Smith went on his own from acting half back and burrowed over but it was short lived as Swinton responded with tries from Hull and Anthony Stewart.
Swinton were reduced to 12 men before the break when Hull was red carded and Swinton were temporarily reduced to 11 men when Neil Rigby was sin binned.
Lions moved further clear on 56 minutes in controversial fashion.
An offside Lion cleared 40 metres to touch down but Wizards soon responded with Danny Shaw rounding two defenders before some superb handling released winger Stuart Pirrie to score wide out.
Straight from the restart Wizards’ Smith made a 60 metre break and the ball was then swept back for Shaw to score a magnificent try .
Ayres goaled to narrow the deficit to 12 points but they could not add to their tally.
Wizards: Chris Campbell; Dave Yii, Danny Shaw, Matt Taylor, Stuart Pirrie; Ian Stephenson, Warren Ayres; Tom Wild, Wez Lawton, Matt Clarke, Scott Davidson, Jono Smith, Alan Reddecliff. Subs: Anthony Braide, Carl Leach, Shaun Gilmour, Nick Braide.
