Round 25
St Helens 32 d. Harlequins 10

2007 engage English Super League Index [Table] [Draw] [Player Stats] [Club Headlines]

Location: United Kingdom > National > First Grade Competition: engage English Super League

Wellens takes the plaudits
Sat September 1, 2007
Source: www.superleague.co.uk

St Helens coach Daniel Anderson paid tribute to Paul Wellens after he claimed his 24th try of a remarkable season in the 32-10 engage Super League victory against Harlequins RL at Knowsley Road.

Wellens, the reigning Man of Steel who looks a decent bet to retain the prestigious award, crossed the line in the second half to give the Challenge Cup winners some much-needed breathing space.

The Great Britain full-back was on the scoresheet in last week's 30-8 cup final win against Catalans at Wembley, and his typically predatory score in the 53rd minute edged Saints 18-10 ahead.

From there they never looked back and Chris Flannery and Lee Gilmour scored to add to first-half efforts from Jason Cayless and James Graham.

"I don't think I've seen him (Wellens) play poorly," admitted Anderson. "He threw away a couple of passes in the first half but as usual he was in the right position to defuse every kick.

"And he got another try, so it keeps him there or thereabouts for top try-scorer.

"In terms of him winning Man of Steel, I wouldn't argue with that, but it's difficult to pick someone over the course of the year at St Helens because so many players have played well.

"I was really pleased with the performance because they just refused to be slack in the second half."

The victory edges Saints two points clear at the engage Super League summit to encourage hopes of finishing top and claiming the league leaders' shield ahead of the play-offs.

"Finishing top is an advantage and if we keep on winning games then we'll be champions," added Anderson. "But we're more concerned with just playing well."

The visitors' play-off ambitions are receding by the week after six games without a win, but they asked some testing questions of Anderson's men in the first half.

Quins wing Ricki Sheriffe scored two tries - his second a brilliant individual effort - as Saints struggled to find their customary rhythm after last Saturday's Wembley success.

Quins coach McDermott, who revealed Rob Purdham sustained a potentially serious shoulder injury, said: "We couldn't match them in the second half and in terms of the play-offs our chances are very slim.

"Mathematically we can still get into the play-offs but realistically it's over.

"There's the slimmest of slim chances that we can still get in there - and we will be going for it - but in all reality the play-offs have gone."

Report source: www.superleague.co.uk

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