Anderson "thrilled" to get Wembley farewell
Daniel Anderson will be heading back to Wembley
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Saturday, 26, Jul 2008 09:03
Departing St Helens coach Daniel Anderson was delighted that he will get a chance to lead his side out at Wembley one last time.
The Saints powered their way to a 26-16 win over bitter rivals the Leeds Rhinos in the semi-final of the Challenge Cup today.
Anderson is looking to win a hat-trick of Challenge Cup trophies after he guided St Helens to victory in 2006 over Huddersfield and last year over the Catalan Dragons.
"I'm thrilled," said Anderson. "Those games are so difficult. We lacked rhythm but that is as much to do with Leeds and the conditions out there.
"We had so many opportunities to put the game to bed, but Leeds were very courageous. They lost a couple of players before the game and a few more during it.
"We showed our professionalism today when we needed to. It is great to go back to Wembley. It's very exciting and we are very satisfied because we have worked very hard this year."
St Helens were strolling to the final after they led 18-2, but Leeds, who were without key duo Clinton Toopi and Rob Burrow for much of the game after they suffered injures, came back fighting and got to within six points.
Leeds coach Brian McClennan was a proud man despite the fact his team lost, saying: "The players can look at each and know that the man next to them gave their best. That is important because we are all very disappointed.
"It was a competition we wanted to do well in but we weren't good enough. St Helens were very good. They kept winning territory and were clinical."
St Helens will face either Wakefield Wildcats or Hull FC in the final after the two teams compete in the second semi-final tomorrow.