Wakefield Trinity battled to a 25-18 victory over Warrington Wolves in the penultimate round of the Super League season at the DIY Kitchens Stadium. The win for Daryl Powell's side means they are still in with an outside chance of finishing third because the win moves them within two points of Warrington. The Wolves remain on 38 points and Wakefield are now on 36 in fourth spot.
Warrington, meanwhile, will need a win in Round 27 against Toulouse Olympique to wrap up third spot. Warrington led 14-6 at half-time thanks to two Leon Hayes penalties and tries from Josh Smith and Matty Ashton, Hayes sending over the conversion for the second as the hooter went. Wakefield went over through Tom Johnstone and Max Jowitt added the extras.
Wakefield hit back in the second half as Isaiah Vagan found a double, Cam Scott went over and Mason Lino added a drop goal along with perfection off the tee from Max Jowitt. That meant a solitary unconverted Albert Hopoate try was not enough for Warrington to hold on for the win. It was a battle between third and fourth and so attrition was expected to be the word of the day as these two teams tried to pick up a crucial two points in front of a packed out stadium.
That back-and-forth completion ensued early on as both sides traded territory and possession with minimal interference until the 10th minute when Hayes slotted over a penalty to put the visitors 2-0 up. Another penalty followed just three minutes later for a late hit off the ball and Hayes duly obliged with the boot again to move the Wolves 4-0 up. Once again, nothing could separate the two outfits until the 28th minute when Wakefield got a penalty, went through hands to the left, and Johnstone put the step on Josh Smith to go over.
Jowitt converted to put Trinity 6-4 in front. With just over five minutes remaining of the first 40, Warrington hit back. Some nice hands to the right, started by George Williams, saw Smith get one back on Johnstone for his earlier effort.
Hayes could not convert from the touchline and so Warrington had a narrow 8-6 lead. Burgess' side were not done there and with more territory, Williams put through an exceptional grubber which Ashton superbly jumped on in the corner. With that, and Hayes' conversion, Warrington led 14-6 at half-time.
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