Irwin’s Performance and Warrington’s Victory
Warrington Wolves secured a 30-10 victory over York Knights at the Halliwell Jones Stadium. Teenager Ewan Irwin, 18, was a standout performer for Warrington, contributing a try and kicking five goals. This win moves Warrington into third place in the league standings, four points behind leaders Leeds Rhinos.
Other try-scorers for Warrington included Josh Thewlis, Sam Stone, Danny Walker, and Arron Lindop. The match was the first of three games for Warrington within a 10-day period.
York Knights initially took the lead twice in the first half, with tries from Paul McShane and Jon Bennison. Cody Hunter was involved in York’s opening try, and later set up Bennison’s score with a grubber kick.
Warrington responded with Thewlis scoring a converted solo try. Sam Stone, returning after three months due to injury, grounded a kick from George Williams. Irwin then scored a try, giving the home side a 16-10 lead in the 33rd minute, and added a penalty before half-time.
Second Half Action and Coach Reactions
In the second half, Warrington extended their lead when Danny Walker scored, with Irwin converting. Irwin had another try disallowed by the video referee for a knock-on. York’s Cody Hunter also had a try ruled offside.
Warrington’s final try came in the 66th minute, when Williams kicked for Albert Hopoate, who knocked the ball inside for Lindop to score. Irwin kicked his second penalty in the final minute of the game.
Warrington head coach Sam Burgess commented on the team’s performance, stating that they are aiming for the top of the league. He acknowledged that it was a “risky night” with three players returning from injury and noted that the team was “a little bit scrappy with the ball” and “not as physical as we could have been” defensively, but expressed satisfaction with securing the two points.
Regarding Ewan Irwin’s performance, Burgess described him as a “great kid” with talent, highlighting his character as his “greatest attribute.”
York head coach Mark Applegarth reflected on the game, stating that his team started with energy but Warrington “showed their class.” He noted that York had chances but lacked execution and composure in the second half, which he identified as the “next level” his team needs to reach.
Upcoming Fixtures and Squad Updates
Warrington aims for home advantage in the play-offs, having won 10 of their past 11 games at the Halliwell Jones Stadium. Their next match is against fifth-placed Hull KR on Tuesday.
Sam Burgess indicated that the team for the Hull KR match was largely set, with George Williams expected to play after completing 80 minutes against York. However, a decision on full-back Cai Taylor-Wray’s involvement is pending, as he may feature for the Reserves against Wakefield Trinity on Saturday to build fitness.
Burgess mentioned that Taylor-Wray needs more time to recover and is making progress towards a sustained first-team return, having been limited to seven appearances this year. The coach also noted that players like Liam Byrne, Luke Thomas, and Ben Currie, who have played significant minutes, require careful management during this period.
Following the game against the Knights, Warrington players underwent cryotherapy sessions for recovery. Burgess reported that initial medical assessments indicate all players are available for the upcoming match, with training focused on recovery before Tuesday’s game.
The Warrington squad for the match included Thewlis, Hopoate, Lindop, King, Ashton, Williams (c), Irwin, Thomas, Walker, Harrison, Bentley, Stone, and Currie. Interchanges were Holroyd, Sipley, Crowther, and Wood, with Hayes as the 18th man.
The York squad featured Mata’afa, Bennison, Wood, Williams, Nofoaluma, Hunter, McShane, Martin, Inman, Va’a, Dee (c), Field, and Hingano. Interchanges included Balmforth, Vaughan, Thompson, and Foster, with Buchanan as the 18th man. The referee for the match was Tom Grant.
Source: bbc.com
