GLOUCESTERSHIRE Warriors moved off the foot of the Co-operative Rugby League Conference Midlands Premier division this weekend thanks to the two points given them from Derby City’s withdrawal and the cancellation of this weekend’s fixture with the Warriors.

The Warriors have just two league games to go but these will be two of the hardest games of the season.

Next Saturday, they travel to leaders Coventry Bears and follow that with a visit to derby rivals Bristol Sonics who currently sit in third place and need the points to secure second spot and a home tie in the play-offs.

Friendly Match GLOUCESTERSHIRE WARRIORS 48 – 36 WILTSHIRE WYVERNS The Warriors grabbed a morale-boosting ten try win over new side the Wiltshire Wyverns who showed plenty of promise in only their second ever game. The Warriors had the skills of Hartpury trio Dylan Rodriques, Jean Botha and Halita Molitika while Nick Davies showed impressive distribution in his first game of rugby league to keep the Warriors moving forward.

For the Wyverns, Kyle Newman ran hard for his two tries and he was well-supported by Sean Johnstone and Ross Burton and their direct, no-nonsense approach brought dividends for the Wyverns, especially in the second period when they outscored the Warriors 24-14.

The Warriors had the better of a scrappy opening passage of play and opened the scoring through Ben Broady who just beat the cover to score in the corner. Five minutes later, Neal Broadbent made the break and Broady finished well for his second try, Alex McEwan converted.

They were soon in again as Davies ran at the defence and sent Molitika clear for a fine try that McEwan improved for a 16-0 lead. The Wyverns’ hard running earned its reward after 18 minutes as Newman powered over for a try he converted himself.

Stung by that score, the Warriors produced some impressive rugby to build a commanding lead and Molitika was at the heart of it. Firstly, good handling from the Tongan put Rodrigues away for a try before Botha ran a good line off him to score. The right side proved profitable again five minutes later as Molitika’s sharp hands sent Alex Bailey racing away to the line before Botha returned the compliment to the Tongan, presenting him with his second score of the game to give the Warriors a 34-6 lead.

The Wyverns pulled a score back before the interval, Joe Knight scoring after an interception in midfield.

The second half opened with an exchange of tries, Davies sneaking over from close range for the Warriors, Johnstone similarly for the Wyverns. The Warriors immediately won a scrum and Molitika completed his hat-trick charging over from the back; but again the Wyverns responded, Josh Kelly, on loan to the Wyverns, showing good strength to score under the posts before Newman grabbed his second try to close the gap to 44-30.

Mike Beswick profited from more good handling skills to extend the Warriors’ lead but the Wyverns notched the final score of the game, Kelly collecting the restart to weave his way to the posts to end a satisfactory day for both sides.

GLOUCESTERSHIRE WARRIORS: John Strutt, Mike Beswick, Ben Broady, Ashley Lewis, Josh Kelly, Nick Davies, Alex McEwan, Kirk Lewis, Marcus Brown, Ben Brinkworth (Capt.), Neal Broadbent, Dale Cook, Haloti Molitika. Replacements: Shay Lewis, Alex Bailey, Jean Botha, Dylan Rodrigues.

Scorers: Tries; Ben Broady (6, 11), Halita Molitika (14, 34, 50), Dylan Rodrigues (22), Jean Botha (26), Alex Bailey (31), Nick Davies (43), Mike Beswick (67). Goals; Alex McEwan 4 from 10.

WILTSHIRE WYVERNS: Matt Bye, Jack Stalin, Joe Knight (Capt.), Ross Burton, Kyle Newman, David Newan, Alex Cox, Kev James, Shane Johnstone, Mark Kilby, Rich Flaherty, Nick Westaway.

Scorers: Tries; Kyle Newman (18, 64) Joe Knight (38), Shane Johnstone (48), Josh Kelly (58, 69). Goals; Kyle Newman 6 from 6.

Referee: Ray Taylor Man of the match: Warriors: Haloti Molitika Wyverns: Kyle Newman Penalties: Warriors 6, Wyverns 7.

Scoring sequence: 4-0, 10-0, 16-0, 16-6, 20-6, 24-6, 30-6, 34-6, 34-12, (HT), 40-12, 40-18, 44-18, 44-24, 44-30, 48-30, 48-36, (FT).

OTHER RESULTS: Birmingham Bulldogs 30 – 12 Bristol Sonics Coventry Bears 36 – 18 Leicester Storm WARRIORS FIXTURES (2.30pm unless stated) 1 May Bristol Sonics (H – L26-39) 8 May Leicester Storm (H – W18-10) 15 May Derby City (A – L22-54) 22 May Coventry Bears (A – L10-50) 5 June Birmingham Bulldogs (H – L24-31) 12 June Bristol Sonics (A – L14-38) 19 June Leicester Storm (A – L10-58) 26 June Derby City (H – W24-00) 3 July Coventry Bears (H – L24-60) 10 July Birmingham Bulldogs (A – L4-70) 17 July Leicester Storm (H – L24-42) 24 July Derby City (H – W24-00) 24 July Wiltshire Wyverns (Friendly) (H – W48-36) 31 July Coventry Bears (A) 7 August Bristol Sonics (A) 14 August Play Offs The Warriors new website at www.pitchero.co.uk/clubs/gloucestershirewarriors.