Warrington walkover for friendly win

Warrington has spanked Widnes 40-0 away from home in a festive friendly derby.

The likes of Kevin Brown, Chris Houston, Chris Bridge, Rhys Handbury, Patrick Ah Van, Charly Runciman and Gil Dudson were left out by the Vikings.

Chris Sandow, Chris Hill, Joe Westerman, Ryan Bailey and Stefan Ratchford did not feature for the Wolves.

The Wire took a huge squad to the Select Security Stadium for the friendly with a 12-man bench, while Widnes had eight substitutes.

Warrington broke the deadlock with young centre Toby King climbing high to collect a Declan Patton bomb to score. New signing Kurt Gidley notched his first points for his new club with a conversion.

Both sides were understandably scrappy with a handful of knock-ons and promising attacking moves breaking down.

Hooker Brad Dwyer claimed a quick double of tries in a three-minute spell to put the visitors 18-0 ahead.

Winger Tom Lineham then scored on debut and Declan Patton added another try right on half-time to give themselves a dominant 30-0 lead.

Widnes almost hit back after the interval but couldn’t ground a dangerous grubber in the Warrington in-goal area.

Some outstanding defence from both teams kept the scoreline the same deep into the second half as the rain tumbled down.

Jack Johnson finally got over the line in the 60th minute after a frenetic piece of play. Rhys Evans flung the ball back inside after a cross-field kick for Johnson to touch down easily.

Patton couldn’t convert from out wide but it mattered little with the Wolves 34-0 in front.

Widnes battled to break through but Warrington’s line remained firm in front of the crowd of 5,177 supporters.

Harvey Livett scored with two minutes left on the clock to make it 40-0 and ending with the Vikings scoreless at home.