Mathers finally makes his mark
Richard Mathers scored two tries on his Warrington debut in the Challenge Cup on Sunday.
Last Updated: 10/05/09 4:10pm
Richard Mathers scored two tries on his Warrington debut as the Wolves eased past Featherstone 56-8 on Sunday and booked their place in the Carnegie Challenge Cup quarter-finals.
The Wolves ran in 10 tries in total at the Chris Moyles Stadium, with the prolific Chris Hicks also grabbing two tries.
It was a perfect start for full-back Mathers in his first game since making the move from Wigan on April 6, while Hicks, who also kicked eight goals, has now scored 94 points in four games.
Rovers claimed an early lead through Tom Saxton but were soon worn down as Simon Grix, Michael Monaghan, Paul Wood, Chris Riley, Ben Harrison and Chris Bridge also got on the scoresheet.
Gift
Featherstone, boasting former Wolves star Iestyn Harris in their side, held their own in the early stages and they deservedly went ahead after nine minutes when an Andy Kain pass meant for centre Tom Haughey missed its target but bounced kindly for Saxton, who powered over in the corner.
The hosts were pushing for a second try when Warrington were gifted their route back into the game as Richard Blakeway's pass was picked off by Grix for a 70-metre interception try.
The Wolves followed up with a second touchdown just three minutes later as Monaghan broke clear from a Jon Clarke pass and set up Mathers for a simple try.
Warrington quickly turned defence into attack to claim a third try as Ben Westwood, albeit fortunately after a deflection, seized a Clarke kick and Monaghan finished the move.
Featherstone continued to take the game to their opponents but failed to make the most of good possession and they were punished when Monaghan burst through several tackles to set up Wood to establish a 20-4 lead at half-time.
Dominance
The Wolves maintained the pressure after the break with a flowing move sending the ball through the hands of Monaghan and Clarke before Hicks touched down.
The game seemed as good as over for Rovers but they battled on and pulled one back when Saxton brilliantly kept Andy Kain's kick infield and Haughey went over.
Normal service was resumed soon after though as Hicks jumped to reach a Clarke kick for his second and Mick Higham then pierced the Rovers line to create another for Mathers.
Another Higham burst provided the impetus for Monaghan to set up Harrison just after the hour and the Wolves then pounced to set up Riley after Stuart Kain lost the ball.
Hicks' conversion brought up the half-century but there was still more to come as Bridge intercepted Harris' pass to break from halfway and score.
