Wolves throw away half-time lead and suffer Magic Weekend defeat to Saints

WARRINGTON Wolves threw away a half-time lead as they lost out 16-20  to St Helens at the Magic Weekend in Newcastle.

First half tries from Stefan Ratchford, Ben Harrison and Ryan Atkins put Warrington 16-8 in front at the break  but failed to score in the second half as Saints scored 12 unanswered points

St Helens had the first chance on five minutes when Makinson raced clear but Ben Currie was able to get his hand to the ball to prevent a certain try.

Saints influential hooker James Roby was left seeing stars on eight minutes during a three man tackle on Gene Ormsby and within a minute of being led from the pitch Warrington opened the scoring as full-back Stefan Ratchford timed his run perfectly to open up the defence. But he was unable to land the conversion from out wide.

With Warrington enjoying possession they doubled their lead on 15 minutes with a great reverse kick from Declan Patton opening up the Saints defence for Ben Harrison to dive on the ball to touchdown for his first try of the season. Ratchford was again wide with a relatively simple conversion attempt, making it 8-0.

From the kick off Saints were on the front foot as Patton took the ball out on the full. Then Richie Myler knocked on and Saints took full advantage as McCarthy Sacrsbrook touched down with Makinson making no mistake with the conversion. With Roby returning to the field Saints were suddenly back on level terms as Makinson landed a penalty after Ben Westwood was penalised for holding down in the tackle on 23 minutes .

But then Saints were penalised for off-side and Warrington took full advantage with Patton sending Ryan Atkins through the gap. Chris Bridge took over the goal kicking duties and duly converted making it 14-8.

Then just before the break Saints were penalised for off-side and Bridge took the two to make it 16-8.

Saints had one last chance before the break as Westwood was again penalised for holding down but a great defensive line saw winger Swift taken into touch.

But Saints started the second half on the front foot as Westwood missed a crucial tackle allowing Swift to get in at the corner. Makinson was wide witht he difficult conversion making it 16-12. It took a try saving tackle by Ormsby to keep Makinson out in the corner as Saints piled on the pressure.

Then a rush of blood saw Roy Asotasi throw the ball in the air on the first tackle giving possession back to St Helens who eventually capitalised as Jon Wilkins forced his way through a three man tackle to score on 56 minutes. Makinson added the extras and suddenly Saints were leading 16-18.

Warrington thought they had scored on 71 minutes when Ratchford broke to send Ormsby in for another stunning effort in the corner – but it was ruled out by the video referee for an incident in back play, when Harrison released the ball in the tackle.

On 73 minutes Makinson landed another penalty to make it 16-20 but still Warrington pushed for a match winning try as Atkins just failed to get to a Patton kick.

The Wolves continued to pile on the pressure but couldn’t find a way through as Saints held on for their first Magic Weekend victory in five years.