Academy suffer first defeat of the season

First Half

Warrington would open the scoring just three. A kick from Jack Pendlebury wasn’t dealt with, and the Wolves started a fresh set of six 20 metres out. Isaac Holdsworth drove towards the line and got himself down and over the line to score under the posts. Oliver Bishop stepped up and converted, 0-6.

The Saints responded, and responded quick through Fin Haigh. After some strong carries got the Saints up field, Chris Matagi sent Liam Nixon through the line with a great subtle pass, he then held his run until Haigh caught up in support who raced around on the outside to score right of the field. Jack Campbell converted from an awkward angle, 6-6 the score.

Pendlebury would go in just after the 20 minute mark, as he attacked the Saints line and got through, and was perceived to have grounded the ball despite the efforts from the Saints to hold him up. Bishop converted, 6-12.

But again, the Saints responded. Tyler McGann attacked the line, poked his nose through and found Ollie Roby in support back inside. He carried on the attack towards the line from halfway, where he found Campbell who raced away to finish the try just to the left of the posts. He converted his own score to level up the game, 12-12.

But, Wire would score next, with a late score. With McGann down in back field, Warrington found the extra space, with Dobbs the ball to the line, coming back inside before offloading to Pendlebury who got his second. Bishop converted, 12-18.

Saints thought they were heading in to the break with a try just before the break, A spilled bomb from George Welsh was kicked on by Leon Davies, with Cavell Kibula jumping on top of the loose ball in the in-goal scoring, but the ball was called to be knocked on, leaving the Saints trailing at the break despite their best efforts to level.

Second Half

The Saints started the second half well, and got in the arm wrestle, but Warrington would pinch the first try. 11 minutes in Holdsworth took a strong drive to line and he crashed over to get his second try. Bishop converted to double the lead for Warrington, 12-24. Warrington would go over again, just seven minutes later. On the last tackle Holdsworth ran the ball before tipping on to Ed Williams who went over to score right of the sticks. Bishop converted, 12-30.

Saints wouldn’t go down without a fight, and started their comeback through Kibula. The Saints got themselves downfield, with a strong carry from Tyler Mills getting the Saints 10 metres out. A kick play the ball from the Welshman allowed Campbell to jump down the left short side, firing a ball across to Kibula who dove in at the corner with a great finish to score. Campbell converted with a brilliant conversion from the side-line, 18-30.

It would a try in the next set for the Saints, who attacked from deep in their own half. The ball came wide to the left to Campbell, who broke down the left, he found McGann back on the inside who sprinted away to score under the posts and continue to Saints fightback. Campbell converted, 24-30.

The Saints continued to fight, coming close through Campbell and Kibula, but right at the death, Warrington got their way back into Saints territory, and a crash over ball to Ellis Livesey saw him score. Bishop converted to seal the game, 24-36.

FT | A valiant effort by Under 18 Saints who are suffering a lot of injuries, but it's the Wolves who take the win in Round 2 of the Academy season

Second half tries from Kibula and McGann, with two conversions added by Campbell#COYS pic.twitter.com/B3wielh2Ga

— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) March 22, 2026

A strong performance from our Academy, who battled hard despite losing more middles in game due to HIA, in a battling performance. Our Academy face Hull KR next up, away from home on Wednesday 22nd April.

Match Summary

Saints Team: 1. Jack Campbell, 2. Cavell Kibula, 3. Bobby Tyerman, 4. Luke Brighouse, 5. Noah Carter, 6. Fin Haigh, 7. Tyler McGann, 8. Dec Lyon, 9. James Patterson, 10. Liam Nixon, 11. James Moss, 12. Oscar Knox, 18. Chris Matagi.

Bench: 14. Leon Davies, 15. Ollie Roby, 16. Callum Holmes, 17. Tyler Mills.

18th Man: 13. Jack Hill.

Tries: Fin Haigh, Jack Campbell, Cavell Kibula, Tyler McGann.

Goals: Jack Campbell (4 from 4).

Warrington Team: 1. George Welsh, 2. Jack Fallon, 22. Reece Dobbs, 4. Alfie Poles, 5. Alex Wilson, 6. Ethan Holt, 7. Jack Pendlebury, 8. Isaac Holdsworth, 9. Leyton Haddrell, 10. Ellis Livesey, 11. Brady Bottomley, 12. Oliver Bishop, 13. Tom Marshall.

Bench: 14. Max Mulqueeney, 15. Jamie Coop, 16. Ed Williams, 17. Zak Brand.

18th Man: 18. Regan Parkman.

Tries: Isaac Holdsworth (2), Jack Pendlebury (2), Ed Williams, Ellis Livesey.

Goals: Oliver Bishop (6 from 6).

HT: 12-18

FT: 24-36