Tony Smith again got the better of older brother Brian as Warrington Wolves defeated Wakefield Trinity Wildcats 34-16 to move top of First Utility Super League.
Tony earned family bragging rights last year, when the Wolves beat the Wildcats in the first head-to-head coaching clash of brothers in Super League, and two tries apiece from Ben Currie and Chris Sandow maintained Warrington’s 100 per-cent record this season.
The hosts raced into a 12-0 lead inside 10 minutes, Currie racing over 80 metres to score before Kevin Penny crossed, but Craig Hall’s converted effort halved the deficit in the 14th minute.
However, Warrington went into half-time 24-6 ahead after Kurt Gidley, who also kicked five goals, crossed from close range and Sandow then latched on to his own chip kick over the top.
Despite Anthony Tapou giving Wakefield brief hope with a touchdown eight minutes after the interval, the Wolves hit back as Sandow and Currie both recorded their second tries. Jon Molloy then scored a consolation try for Wakefield two minutes from time.
Despite their third consecutive win, Warrington boss Tony Smith says his side can improve further.
“The results are ok but we know there is a lot more to come,” he said. “A few of our players were off their game but Wakefield played very well. They are a huge improvement on last year and I’m not saying that because my elder brother is their coach!”
Star man Gidley, signed from Newcastle Knights, left the field with concussion on the hour mark and is unlikely to feature in Thursday’s clash with Salford Red Devils.