A man-of the-match performance from Warrington Wolves stand-in full back Stefan Ratchford (pictured above) saw Warrington Wolves secure a 48-22 victory over St Helens at the Magic Weekend extravaganaza at the Etihad Stadium.
Ratchford filled the boots of the injured Brett Hodgson at full-back and was at the heart of Warrington’s attacking play as well as landing eight from eight conversions.
It took just one minute for the Wolves to open the scoring as Chris Riley went over for his 10th try of the season after Saints had been penalised for holding Simon Grix down. Ratchford added the extras from wide out.
Then on five minutes a superby weighted kick by Ratchford was collected by Ryan Atkins who out jumped the Saints defenceto touch down, with Ratchford again on target to make it 12-0 to the Wolves.
Sainst hit back on 17 minutes when a sweeping move saw Ade Gardner go over in the corner with Tommy Makinson adding the extras to make it 12-6.
When Jordan Turner went over on 25 minutes a Saints come back looked on the cards but Makinson’s conversion hit the post makingit 12-10.
From the kick off Warrington hit back as a great break by Simon Grix was finished off by Riley with Ratchford landing a superb touchline conversion to make it 18-10.
Warrington continued on the front foot with Lee Briers going over for his first try of the season on 37 minutes, recording his 150th try for the Wolves, with Ratchford adding the extras to make it 24-10 and then right on the half time hooter great handling skills saw Trent Waterhouse go over from a length of the field move, with Ratchford keeping his hundred per cent kicking record to make it 30-10 at the break.
Saints briefly rallied after the break after a Ratchford knock on allowed Jordan Turner over for his second try from the scrum with Makinson adding the extras.
Another sweeping move from Saints narrowed the gap to 30-22 but then Warrington hit back as Trent Waterhosue stretched over for his second try eight minutes from time.
Then Simon Grix went in at the corner on 76 minutes with Adrian Morley completing the scoring in the final minute after good work from Mickey Higham.
Ratchford maintained his 100per cent kicking record to esnure Warrington ran out victors 48-22.
Chris Riley scores in the corner
Trent Waterhouse stretches out to score
Adrian Morley heads for the try line
Morley’s try was popular with his team mates
The players applaud the fans
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