TOM THUMP HITS SAINTS
Two-try Lineham’s a real good ’un
St Helens 13 Warrington 18 TOM LINEHAM’S dramatic double sent Warrington to Old Trafford – and continued St Helens’ semi-final nightmares.
League leaders Saints looked set for the Grand Final when Danny Richardson’s third drop goal nudged them 13-12 ahead.
But Lineham – who jokingly calls himself the Flying Pig – escaped down the left wing and forced his way over for a second try in 16 pulsating second-half minutes.
It was enough to book a second final of the season for Steve Price’s men, and they will be desperate to make amends for their Wembley heartache against Catalans.
For Saints, defeat meant yet more heartache at the final hurdle having lost their last six attempts to reach a final – covering the Super League play-offs and Challenge Cup.
The first ever try-less first half in Super League play-off history ended with the freakish scoreline 3-2. Tyrone Roberts and Richardson traded penalties as Warrington enjoyed the better of the early attacking chances.
Although the home side should have made more of clean breaks from Luke Thompson and Tommy Makinson.
Richardson edged his side ahead with a drop goal moments after Stefan Ratchford had missed at the other end, before the contest exploded into life after the restart.
Saints broke the deadlock when Richardson’s kick caused havoc and Luke Douglas pounced to score, only for Jack Hughes to respond almost immediately after stepping past Jonny Lomax and Mark Percival.
Richardson slotted another penalty for Hughes’ unnecessary block on Lomax, before Wolves took the lead for the first time.
Good hands from Kevin Brown and Bryson Goodwin gave Lineham just enough space to dive early and scramble over in the corner.
Roberts’ touchline conversion made it 12-11 in Wire’s favour.
As the drama heightened, Richardson pulled a penalty wide, but equalised with his second drop goal moments later and then put St Helens in front again.
But the decisive final word went to the outstanding Lineham.