PERCIVAL ON MARK
Saints star’s late try is Justin time for Holbrook
MARK PERCIVAL’S dramatic late try sealed a brutal derby clash and extended Saints coach Justin Holbrook’s honeymoon.
The Australian coach had overseen a remarkable turnaround in fortunes in his first week in charge, as Saints beat Hull 45-0 just seven days after losing 53-10 at Castleford.
He looked certain to be heading for defeat in his second match when bandaged Tommy Leuluai kicked a 72nd-minute drop goal for Wigan.
But England centre Percival – who was outstanding throughout – then outjumped Lewis Tierney to score in the dying stages.
And it was enough to send a revitalised Langtree Park into raptures the day after the club signed banned Aussie star Ben Barba.
It was a compelling clash between two local rivals that refused to give an inch at any stage.
Wigan led 14-12 after a breathless first half.
Shaun Wane’s side trailed early on when Ryan Morgan beat Liam Marshall to take Matty Smith’s kick and score.
But the Warriors had the better of the next half hour, establishing an eight-point lead.
Full-back Tierney was involved in both tries, first chiming into the line to send right-winger Tom Davies over.
Tierney then supported a superb break through the middle by Sam Powell to cross under the posts.
Two George Williams conversions and a penalty made it 14-6 before the home side hit back before the break.
Again a Smith kick created their try, this time Zeb Taia touching down a well-weighted grubber.
The teams then played out a tense third quarter before Wigan struck just after the hour mark.
Saints winger Adam Swift should have dealt with Williams’ kick through, but he hesitated, and Joe Burgess pounced on his blindside to just ground the ball in time.
Moments later, Saints were level. After a spell of brutal Wigan defence the home side somehow kept the ball alive and Percival stepped through for a try he converted himself.
Leuluai then looked to have clinched it – before Percival stepped forward again.