Warrington Wolves overcame a major scare to beat Kingstone Press Championship side Halifax 22-8 to make it three straight victories in the Qualifiers Super 8s.
After comfortably beating fellow Betfred Super League team Catalans Dragons last week, Tony Smith's side were made to work harder for the result against Richard Marshall's men.
Part-time Halifax produced a stirring first-half performance to go into the break level at 4-4 after Chester Butler cancelled out Peta Hiku's 22nd-minute try.
#Super8s
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) August 19, 2017
A huge effort from @Halifax_RLFC but @wolvesrl make it 3 wins from 3 in the Qualifiers pic.twitter.com/xKtP8A6OJt
Chris Hill's converted effort in the opening minutes of the second half edged Warrington back ahead, only for Butler to cross for his second to get the visitors back to within two points.
The game remained in the balance until 15 minutes from time, when Matty Russell finished spectacularly in the corner to calm any Warrington nerves.
Declan Patton knocked over a penalty to push the Wolves two scores clear and Andre Savelio powered his way over two minutes from time to seal a hard-fought win.
Resilient and brave peformance from Halfiax but we just come up short. Thank you for your continued support, safe journey back #FaxOnTour 🔵⚪
— Halifax RLFC (@Halifax_RLFC) August 19, 2017
Warrington head coach Tony Smith said: "We were a little flat in the first half and we had to respond in the second half and we did.
"Halifax haven't given up all year and that's why they are in the position they are in terms of making it to the Qualifiers and Richard has done a great job with them there.
"I'm not too down on my players. They have been playing pretty well lately and everybody's entitled to be a little bit flat from time to time."
MATCH REPORT as Wire make it 3 from 3 with win over Halifax ⬇https://t.co/yjxDuutNe1 pic.twitter.com/GZg3bh3Cke
— Warrington Wolves (@wolvesrl) August 19, 2017
Halifax coach Richard Marshall said: "We are a proud bunch and I'm a proud coach today and I thought we had the opportunity to win the game.
"Warrington have some world-class players, but I thought our enthusiasm was world class and our attitude to defend for your team-mates was outstanding and that goes a long way with me.
"We didn't win the game but we certainly got a few wins internally in that performance."
