Wolves scrap past Rovers

Warrington recorded their eighth straight home win but were forced to battle every step of the way by a fired-up Hull KR.

Lee Briers scored two tries as the Wolves cut the deficit on Super League leaders Wigan to two points and thoughts of a league and cup double remain very much alive at the Halliwell Jones.

Hull KR are clinging on to their place in the top eight but the spirit they showed here bodes well for the regular season's concluding rounds.

Rovers made their aggressive intentions evident from the outset, conceding three penalties inside the first two minutes.

Tempers flared after a high shot from Clint Newton on Louis Anderson but Rovers survived three sets in front of their own sticks when Matt King was forced into touch.

The visitors had to show more steely defence throughout the first 15 minutes, but when they finally forced some pressure of their own, they made it count.

The forwards drove Michael Dobson within range and his cultured boot knocked the ball into the in-goal area, it sat up perfectly and Kris Welham was on hand to touch down.

Dobson missed the conversion but a 4-0 lead was excellent reward for what had so far been largely a defensive effort from the Robins.

But they were pressing for more points when they were hit by a sucker punch on 23 minutes.

Interception

A set move was brilliantly anticipated by interception king Lee Briers and the veteran scrum-half stole into the line to pick off a pass and race 80 metres to score.

Briers added the extras from the touchline - once he had recovered his breath - and Warrington continued to dominate.

But Rovers continued to defend valiantly and cleverly, Welham's try-scoring interception on his own line summing up their efforts.

The one-way traffic continued after the interval, and so did Hull KR's heroic defence of their line.

But after Newton was sin-binned for a high tackle, Louis Anderson went in from close range at dummy half and the floodgates opened.

Briers and Ryan Atkins quickly added further scores and although Mike Ratu hit back for Rovers from Briscoe's pass, the game was essentially over.

Insurance

Nevertheless, Briers added the extra insurance of his 68th drop goal for Warrington with 10 minutes left.

Both sides were understandably tiring fast in the closing stages and Michael Monaghan took advantage to weave his way over from 15 metres out.

Ben Fisher hit back after a powerful break from Peter Fox, beforer Matt King putt the gloss on proceedings for the Wolves with a determined try from the game's final move.

Briers fittingly added the extras to take his personal tally to 19 points on the night.