BEATEN WANE’S IN PAIN
SHAUN WANE claims it will take him a year to get over the end of his side’s hold over Saints.
Wigan were looking for a ninth successive Good Friday win over their rivals and led with 14 minutes left.
But Super League leaders Saints refused to buckle and, after pulling level with a penalty, went for glory.
Their gamble to go for a try, rather than a drop goal, paid off with Regan Grace pouncing with four minutes remaining in this thrilling derby.
Danny Richardson then added the goal and a drop goal and it proved just enough in the face of another Wigan fightback.
Joel Tomkins set home nerves fluttering with his late second try but Saints had done just enough to end the jinx.
Wane said: “I cannot put into words how bad I feel and the players are devastated because this is a really important game in our calendar.
“We had a lot of disruption and when I watch it back I will be okay with this – in about a year or so.”
Saints coach Justin Holbrook praised his side for hunting the late try in a bold bid to kill off their opponents. He said: “Both sides were run off their feet. I thought there would be another try so the boys’ instincts were great.” Saints led 12-2 at half-time after tries from Ben Barba and Zeb Taia. Wigan had lost Sam Tomkins with illness before the game and had to replace him with Morgan Escare, who had also been sick. The Frenchman then went off injured but the Warriors coped well and came out firing in the second half. Tomkins stormed over for his first try and Willie Isa then pounced on a loose ball for another touchdown. George Williams added the conversion to sneak Wigan into the lead, but Saints held their nerve and struck back. Holbrook said: “It means so much to so many people at the club and in the town to win this game. I am really happy.”