YORK Knights led twice but ultimately fell to their 16th defeat of the season in a 30-10 loss to Warrington Wolves.
The Knights had been up against it pre-match by travelling to a Warrington side flying high in the Betfred Super League, but referee Tom Grant found himself subject to controversy with York being left frustrated by some of the decisions that went against them.
With just one win in their last five now, Mark Applegarth’s side remain in tenth ahead of the rest of the Super League fixtures this weekend, with four games to go of their campaign.
Paul McShane had fired the visiting Knights ahead after just two minutes in a dream start, but Josh Thewlis’ converted try not long after had Warrington edge in front.
The Knights again led though with Jon Bennison maintaining his superb vein of form, but again, the lead was short-lived as Sam Stone marked his return to the Warrington side with a try.
Ewan Irwin bagged an impressive solo try before adding an additional two points before half-time from a penalty, and Warrington pulled even further ahead in the second-half, as Danny Walker weaved his way through.
Irwin would be denied second try after a video referee overturned the effort, but it did little to deter Warrington’s dominance, with Arron Lindop scoring a 66th minute try, and Irwin slotted home a final two points with just two minutes to go.
A try-less second-half for the Knights saw them slip to back-to-back defeats, but the travelling fans remained well until after the hooter to let the players know of their appreciation.
Applegarth had named two changes to his starting 13 as David Nofoaluma was welcomed back into the York camp after a lengthy lay-off, replacing Scott Galeano.
Bennison slotted into Galeano’s role on the right, whilst Matty Foster dropped to the bench in a direct swap for Jesse Dee.
Warrington have had a good season so far, now sat in third after winning 16 of their 22 matches in 2026.
Sam Burgess’ side have therefore been receiving a lot of praise, with Applegarth outlining his respect for Warrington in his pre-match press conference.
He had also lambasted a slow start against the Wolves in the reverse fixture, so no one will have been happier with how York begun their game than the head coach.
Just two minutes into the contest, a swirling high kick from Cody Hunter was taken well by Sam Wood, who offloaded to Bennison, and the winger was able to pick out McShane to charge through for the opener.
Bennison’s conversion was just wide, but the Knights held an early four point advantage.
Warrington quickly responded and within five minutes, edged ahead. Highly-rated England international Thewlis scooped up a bouncing pass from 10 meters out and weaved through to initially level the scores.
Irwin’s added extras put the Wolves just ahead.
Warrington went close to extending that lead as Oli Field was forced into an impressive last-ditch challenge to keep out James Harrison.
York took advantage of their good defending and as a Hunter kick caused problems for Warrington, Bennison pounced to ground the ball, scoring his fourth try in two games.
He converted, making it 10-6 after 20 minutes.
Unfortunately for York, that would be the end of their scoring on the day, as Warrington went on to bag four unanswered tries.
The first of which came for Stone, who raced onto George Williams’ kick and managed to squeeze the ball down just ahead of the dead ball line.
Irwin added the extras.
Irwin himself then scored an impressive try, showcasing some silky footwork to dance his way through the York defence from 40 meters out, before breaking through to score.
His conversion effort floated wide.
Before the break, Irwin would add two further points, after the Knights were caught offside, he slotted home from the penalty.
Warrington started the second-half as they had ended the first, and quickly scored again when numerous penalty decisions went against the Knights, before Walker spun through to ground the ball.
Irwin converted once again.
Lindop then added his name onto the scoresheet for the final try of the match after Albert Hopoate had kept a high kick in play, allowing the outside back to breakthrough.
Irwin couldn’t convert on this occasion, but he would score two final points.
A penalty decision again went against York, this time for a high tackle, and Irwin stepped up to add two final points and to carry Warrington across the 30 point mark.
The Knights are next in action on Sunday, August 23, when hosting Leeds Rhinos at the LNER Community Stadium (3pm).
WARRINGTON WOLVES: Thewlis, Hopoate, Lindop, King, Ashton, Williams, Irwin, Thomas, Walker, Harrison, Bentley, Stone, Currie
INTERCHANGES: Holroyd, Sipley, Crowther, Wood
TRIES: Thewlis (9), Stone (27), Irwin (34), Walker (52), Williams (66)
GOALS: Irwin 5/7
YORK KNIGHTS: Mata’afa, Bennison, Wood, Williams, Nofoaluma, Hunter, McShane, Martin, Inman, Va’a, Dee, Field, Hingano
INTERCHANGES: Balmforth, Vaughan, Thompson, Foster
TRIES: McShane (2), Bennison (20)
GOALS: Bennison 1/2
POINTS SEQUENCE: 0-4, 4-4, 6-4, 6-8, 6-10, 10-10, 12-10, 16-10, 18-10, 22-10, 24-10, 28-10, 30-10
HALF TIME: 18-10
Share