WARRINGTON Wizards were crowned 2010 Champions when they defeated Huddersfield Underbank Rangers 23-18 in an absorbing and high quality Co-operative Rugby League Conference National Grand Final at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
It was the Wizards first trophy since their inception in 2005, although as Warrington Woolston Rovers they were inaugural winners of this competition in 2003.
In front of a very healthy crowd, the Wizards emerged victorious in a pulsating encounter that was in the balance until the very end; even after the hooter had sounded Rangers kicked the ball down field to try and snatch a last gasp win but the Wizards calmly snuffed out any chance of that and sparked off wild celebrations.
Huddersfield had taken an early lead through an Adam Carroll try that was converted by Neil Barrett, but the Wizards hit back when Player/Coach Chris Campbell sprinted seventy metres from a quick tap restart and then tries followed by Alan Reddecliff and Jono Smith that were both goaled by Warren Ayres to give the Wizards a deserved 16-6 interval advantage.
The first 20 minutes of the second half were scoreless as both sides cancelled each other out before the Wizards edged further ahead with an Ayres penalty, but then Underbank produced a gallant fightback with two tries in four minutes by Joe Worthington and Sam Housley, both converted by Barrett, to level the scores at 18-18 with ten minutes remaining.
The Wizards refused to panic and managed to regain the lead with five minutes left on the clock when Smith coolly slotted over a drop goal and then shortly afterwards a lovely high cross field kick on the last tackle by Matt Taylor saw Dave Yii collect and superbly slipped the ball out to Graham Healey who squeezed over in the right corner.
The drama wasn’t over as Huddersfield managed to win a scrum against the head in the final minute and then get awarded a penalty, but the Wizards managed to stay strong and get the win their efforts so richly deserved.
After the game Head Coach Chris Campbell said: “This is absolutely fantastic. We have worked so hard all season for this and we have done it. The lads were magnificent out there but it is not just about the 17 on duty, it is a squad game and there were lads missing today who have played a vital part in getting us to this stage and this was for them as well as the backroom staff and management.”
Assistant Coach Mike Grady added: “To win the final in our home town is very special and will take a while to sink in. It has been a superb season and this caps it off nicely. The game was first class and you have to give Huddersfield praise for the gallant effort that they put in that contributed to such a spectacle. We will enjoy the night for sure!!!”
For more pictures from the final CLICK HERE
Wizards crowned champions!
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About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
