MAKNIFICENT
Tommy guns down Wolves to keep Saints flying high at summit
DEFIANT champions St Helens withstood a valiant challenge to move four points clear at the top of Super League.
Saints winger Tommy Makinson, in his 250th league appearance, made a dramatic try-saving tackle on Warrington flier Connor Wrench in the dying seconds to secure the points.
Kristian Woolf ’s side had to dig deep to hold off their derby rivals, who finally found the spirit they have lacked too often this term.
Warrington trailed 12-4 at the break after a shoddy first half. But when George Williams scored a brilliant try in the 58th minute, the Wolves faithful sensed their team might come alive.
Peter Mata’utia fielded Jack Welsby’s deep kick and instantly sent full-back Gareth Widdop haring through the middle with a perfect flat pass. Williams raced up to finish, Stefan Ratchford’s conversion leaving the hosts just two points behind.
But just as Wolves felt they were on the up, Matt Davis spilled a pass on his own line to instantly relieve the pressure. Matty Ashton, though, produced a brilliant weaving run from deep to raise hopes again, Jonny Lomax finally bringing him down.
However, there was no glorious finish and Daryl Powell’s side have now lost four of their last five games.
Warrington struck first in the 13th minute. Mata’utia fired a cut-out pass to unleash Wrench, the winger speeding clear before Widdop finished off.
But they were behind in bizarre and embarrassing style nine minutes later.
In retro-style, Saints shoved them back on their own 10m scrum. Surprised Wolves star Daryl Clark fumbled trying to pick up and Alex Walmsley scored.
Makinson converted and improved his own score, from Agnatius Paasi’s pass, in the 37th minute.
In the second half, Hurrell went close with an intercept before James Roby bounced the ball when stretching over. Then came Williams’ classic score, but the champions held on.