DOUBLE ACT
Welsby and Dodd stars of the show
JACK WELSBY and Lewis Dodd offered a glimpse into St Helens’ future in a thrilling Super League clash.
The young duo started alongside each other at half-back for the first time in the absence of injured Jonny Lomax and Theo Fages, and played crucial roles in a gripping win.
Welsby, 20, created two tries and Dodd, 19, scored a memorable effort of his own, ensuring they won their personal battle with experienced duo George Williams and Gareth Widdop.
It all but cements a crucial top-two spot for Saints in the play-offs, meaning a week off and a home semi-final to reach Old Trafford.
And the game provided a timely reminder of Super League’s biggest strengths – a high-intensity clash that was played in front of a lively atmosphere. The first 40 minutes were among the best of the season, with both sets of half-backs taking centre stage.
The first quarter belonged to Welsby and Dodd.
It was Welsby’s delayed pass that allowed Kevin Naiqama to open the scoring, before his partner took over.
Dodd’s inside pass released Lachlan Coote, and the teenager then supported and left Widdop and Josh Thewlis colliding in a heap on the floor to score.
With Warrington seemingly on the ropes, Williams stepped forward.
First he appeared on the left to make a half break and send Ben Currie racing to the line.
Then he started and finished a sensational try just before the break.
It was Williams’ decision to run the ball on the last tackle inside his own half, resulting in Ellis Longstaff and Jake Mamo sending Thewlis down the right touchline.
When he kicked inside, Williams took the ball on the bounce at full speed to evade Coote and dive over.
Stefan Ratchford kicked the touchline conversion and a penalty right on half-time to put his side 1410 ahead.
When Saints hit back after the restart through Mark Percival it was against the run of play.
Then Welsby’s kick took a wicked bounce to allow James Bentley to score the decisive try.
The game finished with a flurry of late yellow cards to Tom Lineham, Widdop and Bentley as tempers boiled over.