A SPIRITED late fight back papered over the cracks as Warrington Wolves lost out 32-24 at table topping and still unbeaten St Helens.
Trailing 30-12, two converted tries in the last 10 minutes set up an exciting finish but Wolves’ boss Tony Smith will have been left concerned by some defensive frailities as Warrington were a shadow of the side which defeated Leeds Rhinos last week.
To make matters worse the Wolves also lost young forward Ben Evans who was taken to hospital after suffering what appeared to be a serious hamstring injury.
Warrington started the brighter with Ryan Atkins making a great break with Kev Penny in support but the Saints defense recovered well to hold Ben Westwood short of the line.
Saints eventually broke the deadlock on 17 minutes as Greenwood saw the gap to score and Burns added the conversion to make it 6-0.
The Wolves were back on level terms on 25 minutes when Daryl Clark scored from close range and Stefan Ratchford added the simple conversion.
But Saints were soon back in front through Wilkins who finished off a kick and chase move. Burns was again on target to make it 12-6.
Then on 33 minutes Saints made it 18-6 as Swift went over unchallenged in the corner as Bridge and Penny left acres of space out wide. Burns again converted from out wide.
Warrington needed to be first on the scoresheet after the break and were when Micky Higham darted over from close range. O’Brien added the extras to make it 18-12.
Warrington then lost Evans and Saints extended their lead as McCarthy Scarsbrook forced his way over from close range. Burns added the goal to make it 24-12.
Penny was unfortunate not to score a spectacular try as he was denied by the base of the corner flag but then Saints extended their lead in the 64th minute as Vea powered up the field with Makinson finishing off out wide as the Wolves were stretched. Burns again goaled and it appeared game over at 30-12.
But to their credit Warrington continued to battle and were rewarded when a charge down fell kindly for Chris Bridge, who fed the juggling Penny, who somehow kept control of the ball to sprint clear and score on 69 minutes. O’Brien added the goal to make it 30-18. The with the clock ticking down Chris Hill sold an outrageous dummy to side step through the Saints defence to touchdown by the posts in the 77th minute and O’Brien quickly added the extras to close the gap to one converted try.
But Saints kept their nerve and landed a penalty in the last minute to secure the victory.
Saints:
Wellens, Makinson, Turner, Dawson, Swift, Burns, Wilkin, Walmsley, Hohaia, Armor, Greenwood, Vea, Thompson.
Wolves:
Ratchford, Penny, Currie, Atkins, Russell, Bridge, O’Brien, Hill, Clark, Sims, Philbin, Laithwaite, Westwood.
Subs: Asotasi, Ben Evans, Higham, King
