Wolves savage Crusaders

Warrington climbed to second spot in Super League as they recovered from a slow start to record an emphatic 46-12 home victory over Crusaders.

The Welsh outfit were without the services of new signing Gareth Thomas, who will start training with his team-mates this week, and the former British Lion did not make the trip to watch the match, remaining instead in South Wales.

Thomas would have been impressed as Crusaders surged into an early 12-6 lead as both Mark Bryant and Lincoln Withers touched down.

However, Warrington, without first-choice half-backs Lee Briers and Richie Myler, rallied to claim their fourth win in five matches this term with Matt King producing another outstanding display.

The Australian winger scored two tries and set up a couple more with Ben Westwood also grabbing a brace and Simon Grix, Michael Monaghan, Chris Hicks and David Solomona crossing as well.

Indeed, man-of-the-match King should have scored a hat-trick but made a mess of touching down Chris Bridge's kick over the line seven minutes from time.

But it was Crusaders who were on the board first on five minutes as Bryant took a return pass from Peter Lupton to notch his first try since arriving from Manly two years ago.

Warrington drew level with Bridge's burst setting the platform for Ryan Atkins to send King over for his first.

Wake-up call

But Crusaders restored their lead shortly afterwards with Lincoln Withers quickest to react to Michael Witt's kick after 16 minutes.

But that served as something of a wake-up call for the hosts and they finally clicked into gear when Grix forced his way over to tie up the scores again at 12-12.

Two tries in two minutes then ensured Warrington headed into the break with a stranglehold on proceedings with King again playing a leading role.

The Australian raced onto Bridge's pass to give Warrington the lead for the first time, before then setting up Westwood's opener.

The same player grabbed his second soon after the restart to all but kill off any hopes Crusaders had of forcing their way back into the contest.

Gareth Raynor did squeeze in at the corner, but saw his try for the visitors chalked off for a forward pass.

There were no such problems for Warrington who extended their advantage through Monaghan after he had created the opportunity with a 40-20 kick.

Crusaders were penalised after a couple of skirmishes before King put Hicks in at the corner with Bridge booting the touchline conversion - and Solomona also crossed to complete the rout.