Matty Ashton has scored nine tries this season for Warrington
Tries:Ashton, Hopoate, BentleyGoals:Irwin 3
Tries:Lipowicz, Cotric, DoddGoals:Aispuro-Bichet 2
Warrington overcame injury problems to move level on points with Leeds Rhinos at the top of Super League with a gutsy win over Catalans.
The Wolves, who lost Arron Lindop. Josh Thewlis to injury, had to play the entire second half at the Halliwell Jones Stadium with a reshuffled backline, but they dug deep to hold out against the big French side.
Stand-in full-back Ewan Irwin. who crucially kicked three conversions out of three, was the hero, with the 18-year-old producing a brilliant try-saving tackle on Guillermo Aispuro-Bichet late on to clinch the win.
It was an important bounce-back victory for head coach Sam Burgess's side after last week's heavy defeat by the Rhinos.
Warrington dominated the opening 20 minutes. man of the match Matty Ashton gave them a deserved lead with a well-worked try, but the first half hydration break changed the momentum of the game.
Within two minutes of play restarting. the Dragons were on level terms through a try by Zac Lipowicz after an aerial kick from Toby Sexton had caused confusion in the Warrington ranks.
Six minutes from the interval. the visitors took the lead through a try from Nick Cotric created by a lovely pass from Lewis Dodd, which cut out three Wolves defenders.
With Lindop going off with a knee injury sustained in a wrestling match with Aispuro-Bichet which saw the Catalans centre put on report,. then Thewlis unable to come out for the second half because of a hip problem, Warrington were up against it.
But their response was outstanding, with a terrific muscular finish from Albert Hopoate edging them ahead 12-10.
James Bentley stretched the home side's lead from Ashton's inside pass with 16 minutes left,. Irwin goaled superbly from wide out to put Warrington two scores clear.
Dodd pulled a try back for Catalans with 10 minutes left. Aispuro-Bichet looked like he would win it for the French side, but Irwin - moved from half-back because of the disruption - had the final say.
Warrington:Thewlis, Ashton, Lindop, Smith, Hopoate, Irwin, Hayes; Thomas, Walker, Byrne, Bentley, Currie, Harrison.
Interchanges:Powell, Crowther, Wood, Tanginoa, Holroyd (18th man, used)
Catalans:Staines, Cotric, Aispuro-Bichet, Faataape, Marc, Sexton, Dodd, Allen, Leeming, Navarette, Maria, Lipowicz, Garcia.
Interchanges:Satae, Condon, Wilson, Laguerre.
Referee:Marcus Griffiths.
**Author: Betfred Super League**
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