Warrington v's Hoylake - Match Report

Warrington 9
Hoylake 29

Hoylake travelled to Warrington, determined to secure their first away victory of the campaign, particularly because a poor run of results before christmas and the recent last gasp loss to Sale, had drawn them into the relegation battle.

Prior to the match, Hoylake's selectors had some difficult decisions to make , particularly in the forwards althought here were still some notable absentees in the backline including Chris Whiteley and veteran centre, Dan Baldock.

Despite some confusion with the kick-off time, Hoylake started strongly putting their opponents on the back foot immediately. A penalty from Captain, Steve Young, gave the visitors the advantage before Warrington took advantage of a couple of Hoylake mistakes and levelled things up with a penalty of their own.

The visitors continued to dominate but couldn't break the resolute Warrington defence until Skipper, Young danced his way through a seemingly non-existent gap to score under the posts. He converted his own try to give Hoylake a well-earned 10-3 lead. Hoylake spurned a couple of other opportunities and turned down a certain 3 points leaving Warrington within touching distance at half time.

After 10 minutes of the second half, Hoylake scored an unconverted try through winger Tom lavin after quick hands from Rob Kurton and Joe Lavin at the base of a scrum. Warrington came back with a well-struck drop goal before replacement winger Gary Hummerstone was on the end of two excellent, long range tries to seal the points for Hoylake. Young converted both and Warrington could only reply with a late penalty.

Hoylake's Coach, Gareth John, was well pleased with the defensive effort of the team but felt that Hoylake could have scored more tries with slightly more composure in attack.

There were stand out performances from Guy Byatt at blindside and the returning Will Selby-Milic at second row, who both put in strong performances, particularly at the breakdown. Joe Lavin again impressed at scrum half, linking well with cousin Jack. The two 18 year olds are one of Hoylake's youngest ever halfback combinations but they have more than enough class to hold their own in this league. Tom Selby-Milic also had a good, solid game at fullback whilst Gary Humemrstone had a dream 25 minutes, scoring two tries and putting in several clinical tackles.

Man of the Match though, went to feisty openside, Matt O'Hanlon (pictured), who again belied his diminutive stature with another towering performance.

Next week, Hoylake aim to build on their first victory on the road with another away win when they travel to Oswestry in the rearranged league encounter.