Warrington Wolves have beaten York Knights in an enthralling contest that ended 38-30, as Sam Stone crossed twice to help the Wolves to victory.
Wire remain unbeaten in all competitions this year, in what is a much improved showing compared to last season.
For York, it was another game where they could have provided an upset, but it was a step too far tonight, and Warrington proved to be worthy winners in round four.
Here are the major talking points from the game, as Wire provisionally move up to second in the table, joint on points with leaders Wigan.
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York Knights v Warrington Wolves Talking Points
Game of four quarters:
In what was quite a sensational 80 minutes, momentum certainly played it’s part in the contest, and no one knew who would come out on top until the very end.
Warrington started the better of the two sides, scoring three tries in the opening 20 minutes, before York got three tries back prior to the half-time break.
In the second 40, again the Wolves got on the front foot, reaching 32-18 ahead, but York again managed to get back into the game, and two quick tries made the scores 32-30.
Josh Thewlis’ try with 10 to go made it an eight-point game, and that would eventually be enough for the two points.
Attack wins matches:
The usual cliché is that ‘defence wins matches’, but in this game, one team simply had to score more than their opponent to win, as defence certainly wasn’t either side’s strong point.
With 40 points scored in the opening 40 minutes, the second half proved to be less fruitful, but a further four tries in the second half meant that this game was the highest scoring in the competition so far.
Knights come up short:
York once again put on a valiant effort, the same showing that saw them earn wins over both Hull clubs. However, it wasn’t to be for Mark Applegarth’s side, who didn’t quite get enough right to secure the win.
Warrington showed their class with ball in hand, scoring seven tries to York’s five. That being said, five tries would usually be enough to secure a win, just not on this occasion for Super League’s newest outfit.
Cai Taylor-Wray and Sam Stone shine:
Taylor-Wray’s name has been in the headlines after every Warrington game, and his efforts will earn him the plaudits yet again.
Scoring a try and bagging an assist in the opening 40, the full-back made an incredible 80 metre break in the second stanza that led to Ben Currie being able to crash over later in the set.
There are still some errors in his game, and those were on show tonight as he dropped the ball with no-one around him leading to Ben Jones-Bishop’s try, but on the whole the youngster had another outstanding game.
Teammate Sam Stone also had a stormer of a game, scoring twice and assisting Thewlis’ match-winner. The ex-Salford man provided some strong carries, was tough in defence, and has cemented his spot in Burgess’ 17.
Shades of 2025:
Ultimately, Warrington got the win, and after being 16-0 up on 15 minutes they looked in complete control. But, their inability to keep hold of that lead came back to bite them, and by the half-hour mark they found themselves two points behind.
It may only be early into the season, but Wire have been a totally different side to that of last year. However, the way they blew a three-score lead, before allowing York back into the game in the second half showed how the club still have some traits of their former selves – something Burgess will be looking to rectify.
