Super League: Wakefield Trinity 18-8 Warrington Wolves - Gareth Widdop's Wire debut ends in defeat

Gareth Widdop was a crucial part of England's run to the final of the 2017 Rugby League World Cup

Wakefield battled to victory in tricky conditions to ensure Gareth Widdop's Warrington debut ended in defeat.

The England half-back looked to be set for a debut win when Stefan Ratchford scored and converted the game's first try with more than an hour gone.

But the hosts roared back in the final 10 minutes as Matty Ashurst and Tom Johnstone crossed in quick succession.

Ryan Hampshire converted both tries to take his goal tally to five for the day and clinch victory.

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It secured Trinity, who avoided Super League relegation by beating London Broncos in their final game of last season, their first win of the campaign.

Chris Chester's side were arguably better prepared for a gruelling contest played in testing, muddy conditions, having had a fortnight to prepare for it following the postponement of their round two match at Catalans Dragons because of Storm Ciara.

And that freshness perhaps told in the closing stages, when after an opening 60 minutes in which the only eight points came from the boots of Ratchford and Hampshire, they were able to respond to falling behind.

Rather than give Warrington the momentum to win the game, Ratchford's converted score only served to inspire a late Wakefield surge.

Ashurst somehow forced his way over from close range when it did not seem possible, and then in their very next set Johnstone burst clear out wide to slide home and send the Wire home with nothing.

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Wakefield Trinity: Johnstone, Tupou, Lyne, Miller, K Wood, Ashurst, Westerman, Pitts, Kopczak, Arundel, Jowitt, Hampshire, Tanginoa.

Interchanges: Batchelor, Tangata, J Wood, Navarette.

Warrington Wolves: Ratchford, Lineham, King, Charnley, Austin, Widdop, D Clark, Cooper, Currie, Murdoch-Masila, J Clark, Philbin, Mamo.

Interchanges: Akauola, Davis, Walker, Burrell.