Warrington Wolves academy players pile on the points at Victoria Park

Both the academy and scholarship teams picked up crushing victories – the under 18s thrashed Wakefield 54-4 while the scholars ran up a century against London Broncos, winning 114-0.

Danny Evans’ academy side were looking to bounce back after suffering their first loss of the campaign against St Helens last time out.

They did just that as they put in what their head coach described as “a very good all-round team performance.”

Centre Zack Gardner starred with a hat-trick of tries, with prop forward Tom McKinney touching down twice.

Zack Gardner touches down for one of his three tries (Image: Bob Brough)

Noah Booth scored a try and kicked seven goals from the wing while Wire’s other tries came from Logan Raughter, Sam Marshall, Pat Irwin and Cai Taylor-Wray.

The hosts had actually fallen behind thanks to Brook Stanley’s early try for Wakefield, but that was as good as things got for the Yorkshiremen.

Evans hailed the return of skipper Lucas Green from the first team and another key player from injury in second rower Nolan Tupaea as key for his side.

With players starting to return to contention, he feels they are in a good place to kick on ahead of their next outing – the hosting of London Broncos on May 20.

“The lads talked in the week and set some defensive goals and we achieved them,” Evans said.

“To only concede one try, from a kick, when Wakefield average 28 points per game speaks volumes about their efforts.

“We scored some really nice tries with our forwards laying the platform and the backs finishing the try-scoring opportunities.

“The return of Lucas Green from the first team and Nolan Tupaea from injury was a big boost for us.

The under 18s could once again call upon skipper Lucas Green, who has made two first-team appearances in recent weeks (Image: Bob Brough)

“The lads have trained hard since the Saints defeat and we got back to where we want to be.

“Players are slowly returning to the squad after injury and that increases competition for places which is healthy and good to see.”

Wolves: Cai Taylor-Wray; Dylon Braddish, Zack Gardner, Jake Thewlis, Noah Booth; Pat Irwin, Joe Hickey; Logan Raughter, Ben Hartill, Tom McKinney, Stephen Antrobus, Nolan Tupaea, Lucas Green. Subs: Adam Whalley, Peter Scott, Joe Bajer, Sam Marshall, Isaac Reid

Once that game had finished, the scholars took centre stage and blitzed London Broncos with a 22-try demolition to make it four wins out of four for 2023.

Rafael van Osselar scored four tries, with Flynn Holden running in a hat-trick and kicking seven goals for a 26-point personal haul.

Daniel Regan also scored 20 points encompassing two tries and six goals while Jake Ramsden, Kaden Johnson and Isaac Holdsworth all scored two tries each.

Further touchdowns came courtesy of Noah Broadbent, Oliver Evans, Ewan Irwin, Lucas Tyrer, Charlie Walker, Ben Pearce and Matthew Johnston.

Ryan O’Brien’s side are next in action on Wednesday, June 14, when they travel to Bradford Bulls.

This weekend, O’Brien will turn his attention to the club’s reserve side as they welcome London Broncos to Victoria Park, kick off 1pm.