Stormy clash of neighbours ends in a Warrington victory
Published: 27 October 2026, 11:25:11
Collected Photo
WARRINGTON RUFC’s clash with neighbours Winnington Park was a closely-contested one in atrocious conditions brought about by Storm Boelo.
However, it was one that went their way with the men in red and green edging to an 18-11 victory at Grappenhall Sports Club.
It was not quite the maximum-point victory they were hoping for as they fell short of a four-try bonus point, but it was a second victory in their last three league outings nonetheless.
The hosts made an excellent start and opened the scoring when Jonny Evans powered over having claimed a lineout before the two sides traded kicked penalties – JP Hudson booted over Warrington’s – to leave the score at 8-3.
However, Winnington drew level when number eight Robin Lowndes, who had earlier had a try ruled out, sprinted home from just inside the Warrington half to level the scores midway through the first half.
Just as the teams prepared to turn around for half time, however, Warrington regained the lead when Archie Kellett moved the ball wide to the right and slipped a clever pass for winger Tom McEniff to shimmy over the line.
Play continued to go back and forth after the break without any further score until the game hit the hour mark, when Kellett went from provider to scorer to give the hosts more breathing room as he touched down after Will Morgan, Dan Fleming and Sam Bennett had all been held just short of the line.
Winnington added a late penalty to put themselves into losing bonus point territory and give themselves an opportunity to snatch a draw, but Warrington secured possession for one final passage of play and opted to kick the ball into touch to secure the win as opposed to chasing a bonus point of their own.
The victory leaves them seventh in the Regional Two North West table ahead of another clash of neighbours on Saturday in which they make the short trip to Widnes.
Warrington: T Green, S Bennett, J Lloyd, W Morgan, D Fleming, An Kellett, J Evans, S Callendar; J Whittaker, JP Hudson; J Hartill, Ar Kellett, R Newton, T McEniff, W Uttley. Subs: L Turner, J Lightfoot, J Downes
