St Helens booked their place in the Challenge Cup semi-finals with a thrilling 25-22 win over Hull FC.
Regan Grace and Mark Percival scored a pair of tries apiece for the hosts, who ended the Black and Whites’ hopes of a third straight Challenge Cup triumph.
But Lee Radford’s courageous side showed huge guts, with their heavily depleted side being challenged during the game as they received three yellow cards and suffered injuries to Dean Hadley and Danny Houghton early in the game.
Saints hit the front early through Percival and Grace before Hull went 12-10 ahead after Albert Kelly and Chris Green scored.
But with Houghton and Danny Washbrook in the bin, Saints left edge duo grabbed their braces for a 23-12 lead as Richardson kicked a drop goal.
But Hull wouldn’t give in. Scott Taylor scored after the break, and although a Richardson penalty extended the lead, which came after Masi Matongo was sin-binned, Hakim Miloudi’s try set up a nervy finish.
But Justin Holbrook’s side held on.
A full report and reaction will be in Monday’s League Express.
Saints: Barba, Makinson, Morgan, Percival, Grace, Lomax, Richardson, Amor, Roby, Thompson, Peyroux, Taia, Wilkin. Subs: Knowles, McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Douglas, Fages.
Tries: Percival 2, Grace 2
Goals: Richardson 4
Drop goal: Richardson
Hull: Shaul, Faraimo, Logan, Tuimavave, Miloudi, Kelly, Connor, Green, Houghton, Taylor, Minichiello, Manu, Hadley. Subs: Matongo, Fash, Washbrook, Paea.
Tries: Kelly, Green, Taylor, Miloudi
Goals: Connor 3
