Round 12
Warrington Wolves 22 l. St Helens 30

2008 engage English Super League Index [Table] [Draw] [Player Stats] [Club Headlines]

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

Saints edge Wolves in Super League classic
Sat April 26, 2008
Source: www.superleague.co.uk

A hat-trick from Paul Clough eclipsed another from Warrington Wolves' Kevin Penny as St Helens edged out their rivals in an engage Super League classic, winning 30-22.

The Wolves looked like finally breaking their Saints hoodoo as Penny completed a magical treble and Jon Clarke followed him over in early in the second half at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

Yet, as they had done twice previously on a dramatic night, Saints came from behind to snatch a memorable victory with two late tries.

Warrington had gone into the game looking for only their second win over Saints in 32 meetings in the summer era, and on the back of a poor run of form.

Saints could have scored on their first possession as Jason Cayless was held over the line but Warrington's determination to put their recent woes behind them soon became evident.

The Wolves, fired up after losing their last three engage Super League games, made most of the early running and were rewarded as a great handling move led to Penny claiming the opening try on the left.

The move actually started on the right with a weaving run from Chris Riley before the ball was worked across the field and Monaghan combined with Matt King to put Penny over.

Things got worse for Saints as Paul Sculthorpe left the action with just eight minutes on the clock with what looked like it could have been an arm or shoulder problem.

Fellow forward Maurie Fa'asavalu also failed to see out the first half and was helped from the field, although by the time he took his exit, Saints had battled their way back ahead with two quickfire tries.

Both came in the right-hand corner, the first after King had flapped at a Sean Long kick and the resulting pressure led to Clough spinning over for his first from a Keiron Cunningham pass.

Cunningham was the provider again moments later as Ade Gardner crashed over from close range.

Yet, on a night where the action rarely relented, Warrington stood up well and went back in front when King found space out wide and put Penny over for his second try.

The hosts pushed for another before the break but were punished as Francis Meli seized on a wayward Michael Monaghan pass to sprint the length of the field and score.

Long converted to give Saints a four-point cushion with the last kick of the first half but the match swung back in Warrington's favour as Penny completed his treble within moments of the restart.

Saints had been pressing but Lee Briers broke from deep inside his own half and, as the Wolves powered forward, space opened up invitingly for King again.

The former Melbourne star quickly fed his winger and Penny did the rest, producing a magical burst of pace to skip past Gardner and score.

The Wolves grabbed another as Ben Westwood broke the line and put Jon Clarke over, with more goals from Hicks giving the hosts a 22-14 advantage.

Saints appeared to be paying a heavy price as Kyle Eastmond left the field injured but, typically, they responded with another try as Clough powered over from close range.

Saints then stretched the hosts again and got back level as a long pass from Long put Gardner in the clear out wide for a simple touchdown.

Long's touchline conversion edged the visitors ahead and they secured a remarkable victory when Clough cut inside to score again with eight minutes remaining.

It was another disappointing finish for the Wolves, who must play Saints again in the Carnegie Challenge Cup in a fortnight.

Report source: www.superleague.co.uk

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