Wilmslow Wolves have play-offs destiny in own hands

WILMSLOW’S destiny is now in their own hands.

Nine points from two remaining games would guarantee them second place in North One West and a play-off for promotion against the North One East runners up, Driffield or Penrith.

This arises from Saturday’s slender victory over old foe Manchester along with promotion rivals Northwich losing 57-22 at champions Vale of Lune, who visit the Memorial Ground for Wolves’ final game.

But first up, Wilmslow have an awkward looking fixture on Saturday at Carlisle, who banished their relegation fears at Waterloo at the weekend.

With 10 tries shared, only a first-minute penalty goal by Bob MacCallum separated Wolves and Manchester in a thrilling encounter enjoyed by the biggest attendance of the season.

Manchester’s backs showed some deft touches to score all of their points. In contrast, Wilmslow had a lot to thank their powerful pack for as they eventually wore down their opponents in the final quarter.

Trailing 15-24, the deficit became a 34-24 advantage thanks to three hard earned tries, the last of which put them out of sight with just two minutes left to play.

Scrum-half Sean Street, who has been on fire in recent weeks, added another three tries to his tally, while prop Jordan Ayrey and James Coulthurst

Former Sale Sharks centre Johnny Kennedy was the talisman whose play got the Wolves back into it when they most needed to and was instrumental in setting up at least two of the Wolves tries.

His brother Danny came on as a second-half substitute and made his presence felt, as did another back-row in the shape of Jack Masters.

The Taylor brothers put in influential shifts as did hooker Alex Donaldson, prop Jordan Ayrey, second row Max Wortley and blindside Seb Pemberton.

Coach Rick Jones always felt that his team had enough in the locker to come back and win it.