Wizards break Army spell

Report: Richard Long
Pictures: Eileen Bright

HOPES of a prolonged run for the Army in this season’s Rugby League Challenge Cup were dashed by a stunning second-half performance from Conference National side Warrington Wizards.

The Reds built a commanding 14-0 interval lead in their second round clash at the Wilderspool Stadium, an effort that looked to have formed the foundations of a comfortable win.

But their experienced opponents ruthlessly exploited their home advantage to stage a remarkable fightback that saw them conjure a 28-20 victory from the jaws of defeat.

The Army started the match in fine defensive form with captain Pte Gareth Lodge (4 Para, pictured below on the ball) leading from the front with a ferocious tackle rate.

After missing a fifth-minute penalty the visitors opened the scoring when LCpl Mags Marangon (RE) collected a beautiful cross-field kick to crash over the line, leaving Cpl Rob Smart (RAMC) to add the extras with a superb kick from the touchline.

The score energised the Service stars and within minutes of the restart they were knocking at the host’s door once again.

A fantastic drop-off carved the Warrington defence open and gave Lodge the opportunity to touch down.

After repelling a series of home attacks an excellent run by winger Pte Sam Speight (RA) created the Army’s third try, which was scored by fullback Sgt Rob Martin (RA), but a missed conversion left the score at 14-0.

Warrington emerged for the second period in a determined mood but Lodge drove his side forward from the kick-off only to fall agonisingly short.

Shaun Gilmour showed good pace to sprint in at the corner within five minutes of the restart to spark the Wizards’ comeback and powerful forward Alan Reddecliff smashed his way over for a second score that was followed by a successful conversion.

Spr Lee Coe (RE) momentarily stopped the rot when he did well to battle over the line following excellent play from Marangon.

Smart kicked the extras and the Army looked in control once more.

The game turned on a controversial decision from the touch judge.
Speight charged through to dive onto a loose ball in the goal area
only to be told it had not been grounded correctly.

Martin was then sin-binned following a succession of poor penalty decisions and Reddecliff made the most of the numerical advantage to score his second try.

With a vocal home crowd providing the extra impetus, Warrington bossed a crucial final ten minutes.

Second row Nick Braide crossed to level the match and the subsequent conversion saw the Wizards leading for the first time.

Substitute Tom Wilde delivered the hammer blow to secure a third round tie against Swinton.

The next Army fixture is the All Gold Cup Cheltenham Nines tournament on Saturday, April 24.