Warrington pass feisty Toulouse test to seal third place

Betfred Super League

Warrington (8) 26

Tries: Lindop 2, Webster, Wood, J Smith Goals: Hayes 2, Yates

Toulouse (8) 14

Tries: Ulberg, Pons, Tropis Goals: Rouge

Arron Lindop scored a try in each half as a youthful Warrington Wolves edged out Toulouse in a pulsating final game of the regular season to clinch third spot in the Super League table and a home eliminator against Hull KR.

Toulouse bossed possession and territory in the first period and twice led, but a classy early Paul Ulberg try in the corner was cancelled out by Lindop's simple score.

And although Mathieu Pons touched down after a great catch from a high kick, Lachlan Webster went over after a slick team move to make it 8-8 at the break.

Romeo Tropis put the visitors ahead for a third time, but Wolves came again and their spirit, bravery and quality controlled the latter stages of an increasingly feisty game.

Max Wood, Lindop and Josh Smith all crossed and the home side saw out a memorable win despite Charlie McKler being sin-binned for a huge hit on Tropis.

McKler was perhaps lucky to avoid further punishment, his brutal charge at full tilt smashing into his opponent's shoulder and head.

Players scuffled, grappled and grabbed before order was restored by referee Tom Grant.

The late anger and controversy slightly marred a thrilling game in which Toulouse paid the price for a series of handling errors in defence and attack, with both Lindop tries coming from glaring mistakes and several excellent opportunities wasted near the Warrington line.

They had started brightly and threatened to overrun an inexperienced Wire side, Pons having a breakaway try disallowed within three minutes when a brilliant tackle by Jake Thewlis forced a double movement.

But Toulouse's bright start was rewarded when Ulberg showed great pace and finishing prowess to scamper into the corner and touch down Cesar Rouge's perfectly weighted kick for his 11th try of the season.

Wolves, whose squad featured 11 players aged 21 or younger, were never overawed and were quickly on the scoreboard.

Toulouse were guilty of overplaying close to their own try-line and some excellent collective pressure culminated in Webster's strong challenge releasing Lindop for a clear run to the line.

The rest of the first period mainly had Wolves defending with a combination of aggression, organisation and a measure of desperation as they repelled numerous attacks.

Wolves, who have now won 12 of their past 13 home games and five games in a row, held out until six minutes before the interval when Pons leaped highest to grab a Thomas Lacans kick and touch down.

However, the hosts made the most of a rare attack in the final minute when Webster rounded off a lovely team move to skillfully score in the right corner to leave the game at 8-8.

Toulouse upped the urgency in the second half and another sustained spell of pressure resulted in Romeo Tropis crossing.

But just when it appeared as though the French side's greater experience and nous could see them start to dominate, Warrington dug deep and showed their physicality.

Wood dived over from close range after taking a sharp pass from Lacans in his stride before Lindop pounced on another error at the back to gather the ball and cross.

And Josh Smith rounded off a wonderful night for the home side when a Hayes kick through bounced favourably and he was able to collect the ball cleanly and touch down.

Wolves will face Hull KR in the second eliminator on Saturday, 19 September, after Wakefield Trinity host Leigh Leopards on Friday, 18 September.

Warrington: Taylor-Wray; Webster, J Smith, Lindop, Thewlis; Irwin, Hayes; Yates, Powell, Harrison, Holroyd, E Smith; McKler.

Interchanges: Wood, McKinney, Hartill, Coop.

Toulouse: Polselli; Pons, Tropis, Jussaume, Ulberg; Lacans, Rouge; Belmas, Hands, Roumanos, O'Kane, Grossemy, Cator.

Interchanges: Marion, Chan, Butler, Garrigues.

Referee: Tom Grant.