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1999 SLGF
2001 WCC
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COACH : Mick Potter (2009-01-01 : 2010-12-31 ) |
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MATCH REPORT |
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MATCH REPORT : ST HELENS continued their dominance in the Challenge Cup by defeating Leeds Rhinos 22-18 at Headingley Carnegie Stadium. Saints, who were without influential half back Sean Long, scored four tries and added two converted penalties, to put themselves into the draw for the fifth round of the Carnegie Challenge Cup. Mick Potter had to shuffle his team around to accommodate the absence of Long, by putting second rower Jon Wilkin at stand off. This move seemed to work as Wilkin put in a man of the match performance in front of a 17,689 packed stadium. It was Saints who opened the scoring on thirteen minutes. An ‘out the back door’ pass from Matt Gidley sent Ade Gardner over in the corner, after Gardner had made the original break that lead to the try. Wellens couldn’t convert. Leeds hit back quickly. And after consultation with the video referee Richard Silverwood, Jamie Jones-Buchanan was awarded a try on the twentieth minute, which was converted by Kevin Sinfield. Ade Gardner was denied his second try soon after, the lines man flagging for a forward pass. But that didn’t put the Cup holders off, as substitute James Roby sliced through the Leeds defence, beating three Rhinos’ markers to score next to the post. Wellens converted to give them a 10-6 lead. Both defences were strong in the first half, and Saints nearly had their third try of the afternoon just before half time. A magnificent 40-20 kick from Wilkin got Saints into the perfect position, but they could not capitalise on it and Saints went in 10-6 ahead at half time. Saints continued their dominance in the second half, and with only five minutes on the clock, Saints were awarded a penalty after the ball was ripped in a two man tackle. Wellens converted, which took Saints one converted try ahead. On form Wilkin then produced another superb 40-20 kick to gain field position for his team. A slick handling move involving Roby, Pryce and eventually try scorer Wellens put Saints even further ahead on the fifty first minute. Wellens missed with the conversion, but Saints were ahead 16-6. Centre Matt Gidley was next on the score sheet five minutes later. Another quick passing move from Cunningham and Wilkin put Gidley over to secure the win for the away team. Wellens missed with the conversion but Saints were in control and leading 20-6. Leeds did hit back with twenty minutes to go, with a try from Brent Webb, with Sinfield converting, bringing the score closer to 12-20. But Saints always looked in control, and this was clear when Wellens opted for a kick at goal after Leeds were penalised for a high shot from Luke Burgess. Saints were back to a ten point lead. Leeds did grab a late consolation try from Keith Senior, also converted by Sinfield but it was never going to be enough, as Saints ran out eventual winners 22-18. |
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