Warrington look to sustain confidence

Rugby League

DAVE HADFIELD

Warrington's new-found confidence faces another test this afternoon when they take on Leeds in the fifth round of the Silk Cut Challenge Cup.

A dispirited side benefited from a surge of adrenalin at Oldham in the fourth round last week in their first game under Alex Murphy and John Dorahy, but the measure of that partnership will be in whether that mood can be sustained. "Everyone was justifiably pleased with their efforts last week," Dorahy said. "But we don't expect Leeds to be as complacent as they were against Swinton."

Leeds will be spurred on by the prospect of a third successive Wembley appearance. "We certainly do not want our season to end just yet," Dean Bell, their coach, said.

Bell changed his team following yesterday's training session, dropping Alan Tait and Barrie McDermott and bringing in Tony Kemp after satisfying himself that he was fit to resume in place of the injured Garry Schofield. Francis Cummins moves to full-back, with Harvey Howard coming in at prop.

Warrington will be without their second-rower, Ian Knott, who injured an ankle playing for the Great Britain Academy team in mid-week. Dorahy moves Paul Sculthorpe to second row and Kelly Shelford to loose forward with Mike Ford, a substitute against Oldham, starting at scrum-half. "He did well when he came on and deserves his chance," Dorahy said.

Tomorrow's programme is dominated by Wigan's visit to Salford, where four players and the entire coaching staff are plotting against their former club. "They are all fit and and eagerly looking forward to it," said their coach, Andy Gregory. Andrew Farrell will start his first match this year after recovering from a hernia operation.

Hull's forward, Andy Fisher, will be able to play for them against Keighley after escaping suspension following his sending-off for tripping last week.