It is often said that it does not matter how you win games, provided you do win them, and for Warrington following their win over the Catalan Dragons, that was exactly the case – with coach Tony Smith labelling his side’s win as ‘ugly’.
Regarded as a bruising encounter at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, it was the Wolves who came away with the victory, as they ended the Dragons unbeaten streak, winning the game 24-16.
It was not a fancy win, however, with ill-discipline rife among both teams, with Smith acknowledging that.
“It was horribly messy and scrappy. It spoilt what could have been a good game. There was a lack of control and we got dragged into it,” said Smith.
“It was a bit like a dripping tap and sometimes you have got to turn it off.
“There were a couple of nasty incidents in that game. There is a difference between nasty stuff and tackles that go wrong.”
The ill-discipline cost both teams in the end, as they finished with with 12 men each, after Brent Webb and Ben Westwood were sent to the sin-bin with eight minutes remaining.
“I am good mates with Webby. I have coached him and have a lot of time for him as a player but he lost his rag there,” said Smith.
“I didn’t want Bennie to get dragged back into it. It’s a shame we are talking about that. It was good tough footy for a lot of parts.
“I thought we did a bit but still conceded too many points. We are still working our way into the competition. We are going to get stronger and better as we go on.”
Dragons coach Laurent Frayssinous conceded that his side has to improve their discipline, with the Frenchman critical of his team’s performance.
“We need to be more disciplined with the ball, in defence and with the ref as well. We had a lack of discipline and concentration.”