Warrington thrash Huddersfield to keep pace at top

Betfred Super League

Warrington (18) 48

Tries: Vaughan, King, Wrench, Drinkwater, Nicholson, Dufty, Ratchford, Tai Goals: Ratchford 8

Huddersfield (0) 0

Warrington Wolves thrashed Huddersfield Giants to maintain pressure at the top of Super League.

It was an comfortable night's work for the Wire, starting with Paul Vaughan's early score and by half-time it was 18-0.

George Williams and Matt Dufty combined throughout to make life difficult for Huddersfield, who face a battle to reach the top six.

There were eight tries and eight separate scorers on an emphatic evening for Sam Burgess' side who are third in the table and four points behind leaders Wigan.

It took just two minutes for Warrington to go ahead, when Vaughan grabbed his first try of the season.

He forced his way over the line after an early maul, exposing a weak Huddersfield defensive line. Stefan Ratchford's kick was straightforward, but he was successful.

On 15 minutes, the lead extended. Toby King applied the finish in the left corner after a swift passing move and a perfectly-weighted Josh Drinkwater kick. Ratchford's conversion was perfect.

Matt Dufty was one of eight try scorers for Warrington

The third try came on the half-hour mark. Superb feet from Dufty created space for Connor Wrench to cross right on the right touchline. Ratchford was on point with his kick again.

Just like the first half, the second began with a Wolves try. Drinkwater crossed under the posts leaving another simple kick, which Ratchford duly placed between the posts.

Williams' patience and kicking precision opened up a chance for Matty Nicholson on 52 minutes, and he ran through for a fifth try, which Ratchford converted again for 30-0.

Four minutes later, Williams turned provider for Dufty for try number six, which was given with the help of the video referee after it was initially disallowed for offside. Ratchford continued his 100% kicking record for the night from close range.

The winger then got himself a try. He crossed on the left after some excellent link-up play with Williams and Dufty and added his seventh conversion.

More individual magic from Dufty helped Rodrick Tai onto the scoresheet to close the match out in the corner.

Warrington: Dufty, Tai, Wrench, Ratchford, King, Williams, Drinkwater, Harrison, Walker, Vaughan, Nicholson, Fitzgibbon, Currie

Interchanges: Musgrove, Holroyd, Powell, Whitehead, Green

Huddersfield: Connor, McGowan, Halsall, Bibby, Wallis, Lolohea, Clune, Ikahihifo, Milner, Greenwood, Rushton, Livett, Yates

Interchanges: Deakin, Wilson, Savelio, Slabio, Russell

Referee: J Smith