Warrington Wolves Reserves secured a home semi-final tie after a strong second-half comeback against Wakefield Trinity Reserves at The DIY Kitchens Stadium on Saturday afternoon, winning 28-18.
The victory saw Warrington finish second in the league table and earn a semi-final encounter with third-placed Leeds Rhinos. Leaders Wigan Warriors will face Wakefield Trinity in the other playoff game, with the highest-placed winner of the two ties hosting the Grand Final.
First Half
Wakefield opened the scoring in the fourth minute when Harry Ratcliffe collected a loose pass and raced thirty metres to score wide on the right. Max Jowitt converted.
Warrington's James Duffy then picked up a loose ball midway through the first half and scored after running forty metres. Daniel Regan converted to level the match.
Kian McGann responded for Wakefield, collecting a blocked kick and racing ninety metres to score wide out on the left, with Jowitt converting again.
Ben Hartill's dummy-half scoot set up Pat Irwin to force his way over under the posts, with Regan converting. Just before half-time, Ashton Winks collected a pass that appeared behind him, spun round and broke through to score on the right after a penalty had brought Wakefield into the Wolves half. Jowitt converted to give Wakefield an 18-12 half-time lead.
Second Half Turnaround
Ten minutes into the second half, Charlie Walker stretched out to score wide on the right after collecting a pass from Cai Taylor-Wray. Regan converted to level the match at 18-18.
Warrington took the lead for the first time fourteen minutes later when Taylor-Wray sent a long cut-out ball to winger Jake Thewlis, who acrobatically leapt to score in the left corner.
With ten minutes remaining, the Wolves extended their lead when Hartill found Irwin on the last tackle, who passed to Taylor-Wray. Taylor-Wray's catch and pass put James Duffy over wide out on the left. Regan converted to secure a 28-18 victory.
