Rugby League: LOWES IS ON A HIGH

Sunday Mirror, Aug 3, 2008 by DAVID BURKE

WARRINGTON 22

LEEDS 12

TEENAGER Lee Mitchell grabbed a wonder-try to ensure Jimmy Lowes passed his first major test as Wolves boss with flying colours.

Lowes was rewarded with an 18 month contract last week after steering Warrington to six wins in seven matches since taking over as caretaker coach from Paul Cullen.

But none of the victories had been against top five opposition, with world champions Leeds providing the toughest challenge so far before Saturday's daunting derby at St Helens.

It was another disappointment for early season pace-setters Leeds after last week's Challenge Cup semi-final heartbreak against Saints.

Skipper Adrian Morley and Ben Westwood were inspirational for rejuvenated Warrington, who consolidated fourth spot despite trailing 6-4 at the break.

Chris Hicks, who scored two touchdowns, missed five of his six goal shots to spare Leeds further embarrassment.

But it was 19-year-old back rower Mitchell's 50-metre solo scorcher 14 minutes from time which demoralised the Rhinos.

Lowes beamed: "A lot of names have been bandied about for Man of Steel but Mozza has been doing it all year and has to be up there. Simon Grix was outstanding and Lee showed great pace, backed himself and took his try fantastically.

"The boys have rolled up their sleeves and reaped the rewards.

It was a great effort to restrict Leeds to two tries."

But Warrington, already without Vinnie Anderson for the rest of the season with a shoulder injury, lost younger brother Louis with a suspected broken arm.

Rhinos boss Brian McClennan said: "We were flat in periods and made some poor decisions but there are still a few twists and turns left in the season."

WARRINGTON - Tries: Hicks 2, King, Clarke,

Mitchell. Goal: Hicks.

LEEDS - Tries: Leuluai 2. Goals: Sinfield 2.