Anderson hails super Saints
Paul Wellens scored a try today
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Saturday, 25, Aug 2007 08:52
St Helens coach Daniel Anderson paid tribute to his all conquering team after they claimed their second Challenge Cup trophy under his guidance with victory over Catalans Dragons at Wembley today.
Despite leading 12-4 at half time, the Saints failed to showcase the kind of form which has seen them dominate club rugby over the last couple of years. But they showed their class in the second half and scored three tries to power to a 30-8 victory.
"I can't think of anyone that didn't play well out there," said Anderson. "It was a great all-round team performance."
"I was concerned as we kept getting so close to their line but couldn't get over. But I have a huge debt to pay to the players and everyone at the club."
Full-back Paul Wellens, who was named joint man-of-the-match with team-mate Leon Pryce, admitted his team weren’t on top form.
"It's a fantastic effort," said Wellens. "I don't think we played our best rugby but grit and determination got us through.
"We've got to credit Catalans. They're a tough side and very physical and managed to force errors."
St Helens were humbled 21-0 by today’s opponents in the Super League a fortnight ago, but Dragons captain Stacey Jones reflected that his side had probably lost to the best club side in the world.
"It's very disappointing to lose in a final," said Jones. "We were just beaten by probably the best club team in the world. They're just experienced at these sort of games and it just wasn't our day."