DANNY THE DESTROYER
Saints’ schemer breaks achy Wakey hearts
Wakefield 16 St Helens 41
YOUNG gun Danny Richardson continued his impressive rise as Saints dumped Wakefield out of the top four on the final day of the regular season.
The playmaker, 20, darted over for a try, kicked a cheeky last-second drop goal and provided an intelligent kicking game in a vital win for the visitors.
It leaves Justin Holbrook’s side just a point off the top four heading into the Super Eights, as their improvement under the Australian coach continues.
And the Saints boss admitted Richardson could give him a selection headache when the injured Matty Smith and suspended Ben Barba are available. Holbrook said: “Danny is loving playing and it’s great having him there.
“He’ll continue to play if he carries on the way he’s going. It was a really good performance from us.”
Finishing in the top four for the first time since 1968 would have guaranteed Trinity four home games in the Super Eights and an estimated extra £70-80,000 in revenue. Coach Chris Chester said: “It hurts like hell but if someone had said at the start of the season we’d finish fifth I’d have snapped their hands off. We’ve made progress.
“Saints taught us a few lessons, but I’m confident we’ll come back stronger.”
Chester’s side trailed 24-6 after half an hour, with Richardson, James Roby, Tommy Makinson and Regan Grace crossing for Saints.
Matty Ashurst had responded for Trinity and Scott Grix closed the gap at the break.
It was briefly down to 16-26 when Mason Caton-Brown touched down, but Saints pulled clear in the final 10 minutes.
Forwards Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook and Zeb Taia added tries before Richardson’s drop goal.