Wolves in to Challenge Cup semi-finals with thrilling victory over Saints

Pictures Eddie Whitham

WARRINGTON Wolves progressed to the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup as they repeated last season’s Wembley win with a thrilling victory over St Helens.

A missed conversion from Lachlan Coote meant the Wolves held on to win 20-18 thanks to Josh Charnley’s try 15 minutes from time, which was set up by Anthony Gelling who drew plaudits from coach Steve Price after the game.

They had to overturn an 8-0 deficit in the first half, as Saints led through Jonny Lomax’s try and two Coote goals.

Gelling pulled one back on the half-hour and Charnley grabbed a second soon after, with Stefan Ratchford’s conversion nudging the Wolves ahead.

The Wolves made it three tries in 10 minutes ahead of the break, a blistering score from Matty Ashton, who was put away by Ratchford after a break in the middle, for a 16-8 half time lead.

Despite Regan Grace’s converted try pulling Saints back, Wolves kept their opponents at arm’s length with Charnley’s response, and when Coote failed to convert Kevin Naiqama’s 71st minute score, the Wolves maintained a two point lead which they wouldn’t relinquish.

They now go on to face Salford Red Devils in the semi-final to be played on Saturday 3 October. Venue and KO time TBC