Rugby

Free-scoring Warrington Wolves topped the half-century mark for fourth time this year to return to the top of engage Super League with a 14 - 58 victory over the Bradford Bulls at a sun drenched Odsal Stadium.

Mick Potter’s men were unlucky not to take something from their Easter derby with the Leeds Rhinos but their fans could not take consolation from today’s one-sided affair.

The visitors were leading 48-0 after 56 minutes before Bradford eventually got over the white wash to give the home support something to cheer about.

Wolves Full-back Brett Hodgson led the scoring spree with 22 points from two tries and seven goals as Warrington bounced back from their shock home defeat by Hull FC to claim a third win from their last four matches, although they could lose top spot if St Helens beat Hull at the KC Stadium tomorrow.

Little went right for the Bulls as they gifted their opponents seven of their tries while, in the blustery conditions, Patrick Ah Van twice kicked out on the full to give the Wolves excellent attacking positions.

With five regulars already on the sidelines, Bradford’s injury woes increased with winger Shaun Ainscough and second rower Olivier Elima both being helped off by half-time.

Bradford had no fewer than five kicks charged down in the first half, three of them producing immediate rewards for the visitors with long-range breakaway tries.

Wolves hooker Michael Monaghan was never far away from the ball and it was his charge-down of Marc Herbert’s attempted clearance kick that set up second-rower Louis Anderson for the first of his two tries.

Centre Ryan Atkins went over from 70 metres after picking up a loose ball and Michael Monaghan showed deceptive pace to go in from even longer range after charging down Elima’s kick.

Grateful for their gifts, the visitors also managed to carve out scoring opportunities themselves which enabled Matt King to grab his first try of the season and fellow winger Joel Monaghan his 11th.

With Hodgson converting four of his side’s six tries, Warrington led 32-0 at half-time and they added to their tally within five minutes of the re-start when the veteran Australian dummied his way over for a seventh try.

Former Bradford forward David Solomona then produced a trademark offload to get King into his stride and Atkins spun out of full-back Shad Royston’s tackle to score his second try.

Bradford’s misery was summed up when Herbert fumbled under no pressure and Warrington’s replacement hooker Mickey Higham was allowed to pick up and race 60 metres for another soft score. 

Bradford at least produced a spirited rally which brought consolation tries to prop Craig Kopczak, hard-working captain Andy Lynch and second-rower Elliott Whitehead.

But Warrington had the last say when ex-Bradford centre Chris Bridge scored another breakaway try and Hodgson then went over for his second try jusr before the hooter.