WARRINGTON RUFC stuttered in their ability to sustain their free-flowing style of rugby and succumbed 21-16 against a beefier Littleborough side who consistently had Warrington under the cosh at the set scrums.
The visitors led 14-3 at the break, with the home team’s only points coming from the boot of JP Hudson with an early penalty.
Early in the second half a return to their open, quick recycling style of play earned Warrington’s first try when centre Kyle Cherrett barged over.
Warrington, however, found it difficult to get quick possession from the rucks and were, thus, up against an organised defence which denied them space and curtailed their ability to move the ball wide.
Littleborough scored their third try midway through the half to lead 21-8.
Five minutes later, a break from Joe Craven led to the ball being kept alive and James Hartill from the full-back slot crossed for Warrington’s second try.
With time beginning to ebb away, Hudson added a penalty to put Warrington within the losing bonus-point margin.
With ten minutes to go Warrington were beginning to show some of their accustomed flair and skilful interchanges leading to Hudson touching down.
The referee appeared to award a try but a scuffle broke out after the score, back rower Whalley got his marching orders, the try was rescinded and the visitors awarded a penalty!
The last minutes of the game saw Warrington attacking desperately but the Littleborough defence held firm.
