A LONG-range try by Josh Smith and a late touchdown to 18-year-old Ewan Irwin took Warrington to the top of Super League after a bruising encounter at St Helens.
The scores were tied 6-6 at Brewdog Stadium for halftime as Saints attempted to arrest a slide and their neighbours aimed to continue a recent ascent which saw them in second place.
Newly re-signed Saints utility Tristan Sailor opened the scoring in the 16th minute by kicking for himself to score.
He had moved into the halves for Jonny Lomax, who was immediately hospitalised with an ugly jaw injury.
The Wire lost one of their own, Zack Gardiner, to a shoulder injury around the same time.
Warrington’s Albert Hopoate managed a try just short of halftime in a big boost to the visitors who looked destined to go to oranges six down.
Then came Smith’s breakaway in the 53rd minute and finally Irwin’s outrageous step off his right foot after Jack Welsby fumbled in front of his posts.
The Wolves leapfrogged Leeds into first place with the rest of the round to play, Saints losing their first league game at home this year.
Warrington’s Josh Thewlis finished the game in the sin bin for a professional foul.
WARRINGTON 18 (Hopoate Smith Irwin tries Irwin 3 goals) bt ST HELENS 6 (Sailor try goal) at Brewdog Stadium.
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