Wolves sink brave Leopards

Rob Smyth sets up another try for the Wolves.

Warrington 32-0 Villeneuve

Plucky Villeneuve gave a good account as Super League Warrington made hard work of their progress to the Silk Cut Challenge Cup semi-finals.

The French champions proved every bit the equal of the Wolves at Wilderspool but the extra fitness and experience of the professional side eventually paid dividends.

Lee Briers ran in a hat-trick of tries for the Wolves and winger Rob Smyth went over twice, but the scoreline flattered the hosts.

Warrington appeared to have the measure of their opponents from the start with Allan Hunte crossing after just two minutes but the effort was chalked off for a forward pass.

It proved no more than an early scare for the Leopards, who matched the out-of-sorts home side until they fell behind after 15 minutes.

Steve McCurrie is held back by the Leopards' defence.

Even after Smyth's opener, the Leopards trailed only 4-0 until the dying seconds of the first half.

And the story could have been different had referee Rob Connolly not disallowed Freddie Banquet's seemingly legitimate try.

The former Wakefield, Featherstone and Sheffield full-back barged his way over after 26 minutes but the score was ruled out for an earlier knock-on.

It was harsh on Villeneuve, who were clearly revelling in their status as the first French side to reach the quarter-finals of the competition.

Clearly subdued after their stormy Super League opener against Wigan last weekend, the Wolves lacked inspiration.

Five-try response

But when Briers wriggled through for a second try before the break, they effectively put the tie out of reach.

Darryl Van de Velde clearly ordered his sided to step on the gas after the interval but their five-try response was more than they deserved.

Kiwi David Kidwell bagged the first after good work by Allan Langer and Steve Georgallis, before the old master Langer himself jinked his way over.

Briers than helped himself to another before Smyth took a high ball well to finish off in the corner.

Wales star Briers then completed matters with his third.