Much-needed win for Wolves
With Michael Monaghan to the fore, Warrington have claimed a 40-24 Super League victory against Harlequins.
Last Updated: 09/06/08 6:12pm
James Lowes made a successful start as Warrington's caretaker coach, with the Wolves claiming a 40-24 Super League victory against Harlequins at The Twickenham Stoop.
Michael Monaghan was the architect of the visitors' victory - a much-needed one against play-off rivals and one which also allowed Warrington to halt their recent slide down the table.
Kicking off in a searing heat, both sides nevertheless displayed their attacking intent from the outset and had to call upon some great defence in order to keep the scoresheet blank.
The first chance came for the home side after Will Sharp made a break, with Henry Paul subsequently being held up inches short.
Then, as the visitors fought back, both Chris Melling and Danny Orr were forced into making try-saving tackles.
It was the Wolves who drew first blood, however, taking the lead after a quarter of an hour when a break led by Jon Clarke allowed the speedy Chris Riley to scamper over, with Chris Hicks converting.
Warrington could then have gone further ahead courtesy of Matt King, but he instead knocked on with the line at his mercy.
However, their lead was doubled moments later when Monaghan made a break and Louie Anderson was on hand to cross over.
Response
Two tries down, Harlequins finally provided a concrete response and, with both Scott Hill and Melling showing great hands, Tony Clubb scored with Rob Purdham converting.
They then drew level at the end of the first half, Melling breaking clear before offloading to Michael Worrincy, who dropped over the line.
But Warrington then produced the game's telling blows in a stunning 20-minute second-half burst as they ran in four tries - Quins' defence being left in tatters.
Martin Gleeson and Monaghan struck within seconds of each other, with further tries from King and Clarke opening up a 24-point gap.
Gareth Haggerty and Rikki Sheriffe scored late tries for Harlequins but their response was insufficient to constitute a fightback, with Riley's second score sealing Warrington's win.
