Hero Ryan sees Wolves Home to a crucial victory

Home was a late call-up to the Wolves squad on the morning of the match, but returned to Castlecroft the hero of the hour after his last-gasp try clinched a 34-32 victory.

Wolves made the trip knowing they needed to win their final four games to have any chance of overhauling second-placed Tamworth and pinching the play-off place.

And they looked down and out when they trailed 32-22 with just under 10 minutes left on the clock.

But Alex Bird gave them some hope with a late try that was converted by Ben Barnes before Home scored with the final play of the day.

The victory left Wolves two points behind Tamworth, who have champions-elect Ludlow to play in one of their final three games.

“The lads were absolutely buzzing after the game,” said Wolves spokesman Ian Harley.

“I think that would have been season over had we lost. To win after being 10 points down with less than 10 minutes left was a miracle escape.

“I don’t think we are controlling games as we would like when we get in front, but the lads showed plenty of character and self belief.

“They knew they couldn’t afford any mistakes during that last play and that they had to keep the ball in play.

“Ryan was actually selected to play in the seconds on Saturday, but was called into the first team squad after a late cry-off.

“He then climbed off the bench to score the winning try and ended up the hero of the day.”

The pressure will be on Wolves again on Saturday when they host Walsall as they go in search of another five-pointer.

“No disrespect to Walsall but we have got to go looking for a bonus-point win,” added Harley.

“We are only two points behind Tamworth now and bonus points could be massive. We have to keep the pressure on Tamworth.”

Wolves started last Saturday’s clash brightly and led through a Matt Acaster try, which was converted by Barnes.

Barnes added a penalty to Wolves’ tally, but it was Newcastle who led 15-10 at the break following two tries, a conversion and a penalty.

Luke Brough crossed early in the second half to level the scores, but two unconverted tries put the hosts back in charge.

Wolves fought back with Bird making a break down the blindside to give Pete McMahon an easy run-in. But Newcastle immediately hit back with a converted try to lead 32-22.

But there was still time for some late drama as, first, Bird touched down with Barnes adding the extras, and then Home grabbed the glory.

Walsall were also involved in some late drama in their clash at Vesyans.

But unfortunately for the Delves Road outfit they were pipped at the post when a penalty from Matt Gillick clinched a 26-24 success for the hosts with the last kick of the game.

Walsall had scored tries through Will Hennessey and Matt James while the ever-dependable Roger Weston added a conversion and four penalties, the last of which had seen Walsall lead by a point with two minutes left.