Burnage 6 Wilmslow 13

WILMSLOW will go into next Saturday’s crucial game against Northwich in winning form after a late try from Sean Street earned them victory at Burnage.

Wolves welcome their Cheshire rivals to the War Memorial Ground for a game that has the potential to decide who finishes second in North One West behind runaway leaders Kirkby Lonsdale.

Birkenhead Park are currently strong favourites to take the runners-up spot, but after losing to Northwich and with a game against the leaders to come for them, Wolves will feel the door is ajar.

However, as well as crucial league points, the game will also double up as a Cheshire Vase semi final to give it even more significance.

Saturday’s low-scoring victory secured another four points towards their target and coach Rick Jones thinks his side’s endeavours after half time merited the win.

“It was almost a scratch side we had to put out. A lot of them were out of position but the way they played for each other and stuck to their task,” he said.

“It wasn’t pretty but it showed how far spirit, effort, grit and commitment can take you.

“I think we deserved it for the way we took the game to them in the second half and for the way we refused to buckle.”

Wolves were on the board after one minute of play when they earned a penalty, which skipper Bob MacCallum slotted over.

However, the visitors infringed from the restart and Rhys Evans took the chance to immediately respond and level the scores with a penalty of his own.

Wilmslow were the aggressors for the next fifteen minutes but careless handling meant opportunities were squandered.

The pendulum then turned in Burnage’s favour as Wolves gave away several penalties, with Street earning time in the sin bin, but they too could not make the most of their pressure.

MacCallum kicked another penalty as the interval approached and Wilmslow held their 6-3 lead until the break.

There was little to choose between the sides in the second half, with Burnage just edging it as they managed to break the defensive line and create the better scoring chances.

It looked as if they had earned a share of the spoils when Evans kicked a penalty to level matters at 6-6.

However, with the game’s penultimate play, Street was able to wriggle over for the game’s only try and MacCallum added the extras to secure Wilmslow’s win.

With just four games of the season left, they are now guaranteed to finish no lower than fourth but will have their sights set much higher.