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Fantastic Fitzpatrick

Liam Chronnell
3/ 2/2005

Friendly
Warrington Wolves 26
Salford City Reds 24

KARL Fitzpatrick grabbed a superb first-half hat-trick as the Reds slipped to a narrow defeat in their final warm-up game against Warrington.

The livewire full-back crossed three times in the first 40 minutes but, as Karl Harrison rang the changes after the break, the home side fought back.

However, the Salford coach could take plenty of positives out of the game at the Halliwell Jones Stadium - especially the form of Luke Robinson.

The scrum-half was outstanding and, until he was forced to retire before half-time needing six stitches to a head wound, he kicked Warrington into submission.

Fitzpatrick was the first to benefit when the full-back raced onto his deft chip for the opening try on five minutes.

Robinson was again instrumental as his pass sucked in two Wolves players and Sean Rutgerson shipped the ball on for Fitzpatrick to go over.

Andy Bracek replied for the shell-shocked hosts, but Fitzpatrick completed a fantastic hat-trick when Andy Coley brushed aside Warren Stevens before off-loading to his supporting team-mate.

After the break, Harrison took the opportunity to use his full squad, including giving John Clough the full second half in place of Malc Alker.

Warrington improved significantly and Ben Westwood and Henry Fa'afili went over. Gareth Haggerty responded with a brilliant solo effort, but a Brent Grose double ensured the Wolves nicked it at the death.

WARRINGTON: Grose, Fa'afili, Martin Gleeson, Westwood, Gaskell, Briers, Wood, Lima, Clarke, Hilton, Swann, Wainwright, Grix. Subs: Appo, Mark Gleeson, Wood, Stevens, Bracek, Pickersgill, Kohe Love. Tries: Bracek, Westwood, Fa'afili, Grose (2). Goals: Briers (3).

SALFORD: Fitzpatrick, Stewart, Littler, McAvoy, Hodgson, Beverley, Robinson, Highton, Alker, Rutgerson, Sibbit, Shipway, Jonkers. Subs: Charles, McGuinness, Haggerty, Dickens, Baynes, Brocklehurst, Coley, Clough. Tries: Fitzpatrick (3), Haggerty. Goals: Robinson (3), Fitzpatrick.

Referee: Steve Ganson.