St Helens remain undefeated at the head of the First Utility Super League table after defeating Warrington Wolves 32-24 tonight at Langtree Park, their first home victory against the Wolves since moving to their new home.
St Helens, well led by captain Jon Wilkin, came out of the blocks quickly, scoring three first-half tries, all converted by Travis Burns, whereas Warrington could only score one try in the first half from an opportunistic touchdown from Daryl Clark from dummy-half close to the Saints line.
Saints opened the scoring in the 18th minute, when Joe Greenwood got over the line after smart passes from Mose Masoe and Wilkin.
Clark replied to level the scores seven minutes later, but then Saints moved ahead again when Jordan Turner kicked ahead twice and the ball bounced into Wilkin’s hands, with the Saints skipper scoring, and then giving a superb long pass to Adam Swift who touched down in the corner after 33 minutes.
In the second half the Wolves threatened to get back into the contest with a try from Micky Higham, again converted by O’Brien.
But Saints then took a grip on the game when James Roby, who had started the game on the bench, put Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook over from close range, and Tommy Makinson scored in the corner after a great break from Atelea Vea, with Burns adding a fine touchline conversion.
Warrington weren’t finished, however, and fought back with tries from Kevin Penny from long range, before Chris Hill sold an outrageous dummy to go over from a play-the-ball. with less than four minutes remaining.
But the Wolves couldn’t add to that score, and instead Penny conceded a penalty and Burns kicked the penalty for an eight-point margin, with Saints now having a four-point cushion at the top of the table.
A full report, analysis and photos will feature in the next edition of Rugby League Express.
