Hungry Wolves put the bite on their title rivals

The Castlecroft men gave their title hopes a huge boost on Saturday by completing the double over promotions rivals Camp Hill.

And this coming Saturday provides them with the opportunity to double their lead at the top of the table to 10 points when they play their game in hand, against visiting Moseley Oak.

Coach Ian Harley was delighted with the 32-13 triumph over Camp Hill, which was secured by tries from George Smailes (two), Alex Bird, Liam Holder and Adam Ellis – alongside a penalty and two conversions from Holder.

It was Wolves’ 11th victory in a row with their only loss coming on the opening day of the season.

“We’re very pleased with the win,” said forwards coach Harley.

“We went into it thinking the pressure was more on Camp Hill as we have our game in hand.

“There were still some nerves from our lads going into the game, which I think is a good thing, and they responded well – the early try settled us down, too.

“We were in control for 80 minutes despite a couple purple patches from Camp Hill.

“We had them on fitness and we felt we were doing well.

“We were carving them open and they couldn’t handle us, so we’re very pleased to do that against a good side.

“It’s a big statement and puts us in a great position.”

Wolverhampton are involved in the only league game of the upcoming weekend when they welcome Moseley Oak.

And Harley is aware of the opportunity it gives his side to increase their lead at the top of the table.

“Hopefully we can prove we are above anyone else in this league,” he said.

“To win anything in this league you have to have consistency.

“We go into every game wanting four tries and knowing that more often than not you’ll win the game.

“We want to be pleasing to watch – we have a good set of young backs who like to throw the ball about and play attacking rugby.

“If we win, it’s a nine point lead and 10 if we get the bonus point,” he said.

“For the teams below to look up and think they need to make up at least nine points, it’s a tall order.

“We still have to play Stafford away and Leek at home, but the other teams still need to play each other again.

“They’ll have to beat us, get maximum points themselves and hope we drop more points elsewhere.

“But the league isn’t over and we’re still taking it game by game.

“We have a few injuries to deal with, open side Morgan Fereday broke his collarbone so it’s unlikely we’ll see him again this season.”

“It could be just him, or it could be up to four players out with knocks – but players in our second team are chomping for a place and a chance, and they might get it.”