Round 27
Warrington Wolves 26 d. Hull FC 14

2006 English Super League Index [Table] [Draw] [Player Stats] [Club Headlines]

Location: United Kingdom > National > First Grade Competition: English Super League

Warrington secure Finals position
Mon September 11, 2006
Warrington has sealed their position in the engage Super League Finals with an impressive 26-14 victory against 2nd placed Hull FC at Halliwell Jones Stadium.

Richie Barnett and Chris Bridge crossed for tries in the opening half to open up a 14-2 lead for the Wolves at the break with Hull FC grabbing the early points through a penalty goal.

Hull FC struck back in the second half when Gareth Raynor scored to bring the margin back to a converted try and nearly equalised except for a remarkable try-saving tackle from fullback Stuart Reardon. Warrington worked their way back up field and Ben Westwood backed up a break from Martin Gleeson to score.

Motu Tony gave Hull FC hope that they could steal the game trailing 20-14 but an intercept try to Warrington captain Lee Briers sealed the match and a Finals position for the Wolves.

Warrington made the Finals last year and were welcomed with a guest appearance from Newcastle Knights and Australian legend Andrew Johns.

Hull FC had 2nd position sealed before today's game and couldn't move to 1st or 3rd.

After the match, Warrington coach Paul Cullen said, "It was a breathtaking display from Stuart Reardon.

"He was man of the match by a mile. He is an outstanding athlete who returns the ball as good as any fullback in the country.

"Our overall display was a great improvement.

"It has been a tough week to rebuild the confidence on the back of the good hiding we got at Headingley. The players ran their legs to water, it was a great effort."

Hull FC coach Peter Sharp said, "I'm sure they were a bit comfortable but Warrington played very well, the best I've seen them play in a long while.

"We had six or seven chances in the second half to score and didn't take any of them.

"That's the story of the game, but hopefully we'll learn some lessons."

Warrington are now in 6th position and take on Minor Premiers and Challenge Cup champions St Helens in the final round. Leeds are currently in 3rd position and Bradford are in 4th position and neither of those sides can be moved. Salford who are equal on points with Warrington but have a 53 points better difference travel to the Capital to play Harlequins in the final round. It's likely that Warrington will face Leeds in the opening week of the Finals with the Rhinos winning the last clash 54-16, which was played just last week.

St Helens and Hull FC as the top two sides will get next week off.

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