Saints finish season top of the table after dramatic draw
Friday, 05 Sep 2008 22:14
St Helens made it a memorable seven days following their Challenge Cup triumph last Saturday.
St Helens fought back from 12-0 down to draw 16-16 with Wigan to clinch the Super League leaders' shield at the GPW Recruitment Stadium.
The Saints looked to heading to a rare defeat when James Graham was sin-binned, with George Carmont and Joel Tomkins crashing over the Warriors.
Matt Gidley scored the home side's try as they trailed 12-6 at the break. Pat Richards' goal extended Wigan's lead with a goal before St Helens took the lead for the first time when Ade Gardner and Gidley touched down.
But Richards' long-range penalty gave the Warriors a share of the points but the Australian missed a last-gasp drop goal that would have given the visitors victory.
The draw sees the Saints finish top of the table by one point. That was despite rivals Leeds ending the regular season with a 30-12 win over Wakefield at Belle Vue.
The reigning champions continued their impressive form ahead of the playoffs with tries from Jordan Tansey, Scott Donald, and Brent Webb while Ali Lauitiiti scored a brace.
Wakefield, who were level at 12-12 at the break, were led by a brace from Scott Grix with Danny Brough slotting over two penalties.
The win sees the Rhinos finish the regular season in second place with 21 wins from 27 games.