The penultimate round of the Super League XIV season saw one of the burning issues confirmed as the final places in the top eight were secured by Catalan and Widnes but at the top just a couple of points separates second and sixth.
Wolves Deny Saints Success
Thursday night saw St Helens host Warrington with the Saints knowing anything other than a loss would see them secure the League Leaders Shield for the first time since 2008.
The hosts made a perfect start as they went ahead inside four minutes with a try from Shannon McDonnell and with regular kickers Luke Walsh and Mark Percival unavailable, Tom Makinson took charge of the duties and converted for a 6-0 lead.
Warrington responded with a try from Stefan Ratchford just four minutes later but in failing to convert his own effort the score moved to 6-4 before the game was halted in the 18th minute when Simon Grix suffered an horrific injury with the Wolves on the attack and he let the field to applause from both sets of fans.
The injury seemed to unnerve the hosts more than the visitors as Warrington went ahead in the next set as a dummy from Michael Monaghan saw him fool the Saints defence and cross for a try which Stefan Ratchford converted successfully for 10-6 .
Warrington took control with two further tries in the space of two minutes as Gareth O'Brien and Joel Monaghan crossed for tries that Stefan Ratchford converted successfully for a 22-6 lead which was reduced in the 31st minute as Willie Manu crossed for the hosts and with Tom Makinson converting the score was 22-12.
The visitors were wary of a Saints comeback in the second half so added an extra point just before the interval with Richie Myler kicking a drop goal for 23-12 but it was Myler himself who claimed the first try of the second half in the 47th minute but with no conversion the lead was still strong at 27-12.
Saints would have to wait for the League Leaders Shield as Warrington all but confirmed the win with a second try of the evening for Joel Monaghan in the 53rd minute and an effort from Ryan Atkins which was subject to a video review but was given with Stefan Ratchford and Gareth O'Brien converting both for 39-12.
Warrington looked to have reached the 40 point mark when Mick Higham crossed for a try in the 77th minute which was subject to a video review and was chalked off meaning a final score of 39-12. An incorrect result and failed prediction of 24-22 to St Helens.
Warriors Defeat Rhinos On Memorable Night
After suffering defeat to Widnes in the last away trip of 2014, Wigan returned to the DW Stadium for their penultimate game of the regular season as Challenge Cup Winners Leeds visited on Friday night.
The main event saw to late changes for Wigan with Joe Burgess and Jack Hughes replacing Anthony Gelling (illness) and Dom Manfredi (rib injury) but on what would hopefully be a joyful night for Wigan, Leeds looked to spoil the party early on.
Kallum Watkins took advantage of a good position from a second minute penalty to threaten the Wigan line but fell just short of claiming the first score of the night and Wigan responded with Matt Bowen going close twice in the space of five minutes but the scoreboard remained blank.
However in the 13th minute, Wigan made a breakthrough as a superb grubber kick from Blake Green found Joe Burgess who collected the ball and touched down for a well-worked try which was soon followed by a conversion from Matty Smith for a 6-0 lead.
Leeds looked to stage a rapid response but were forced to dropout from in goal before making a huge mistake after regaining possession as a pass from Zak Hardaker sailed nicely into the hands of Matty Smith who broke through the Rhinos defence and dashed clear to score a stunning try which he successfully converted for a 12-0 lead after 23 minutes.
Wigan breathed a sigh of relief with just three minutes left in the first half when a high kick from Kevin Sinfield found Ryan Hall who looked to cross for a textbook try but he offloaded to Josh Charnley which saw the move break down.
The Rhinos fell further behind just seconds before half-time as Wigan were awarded a penalty in a good position and time against them, elected to kick at goal and a powerful attempt from Matty Smith ensured a 14-0 half-time lead for the Warriors.
A frantic start to the first half saw both sides make errors but in the 44th minute, a set of chase and fumbles akin to a circus routine by the duo of Josh Charnley and Ryan Hall resulted in the Leeds winger picking out Liam Sutcliffe who raced over for a try with Kevin Sinfield converting for 14-6.
Both sides pushed for the next score with a number of grubber kicks on the attack being easily collected by the defences but Wigan looked to have scored just after the hour mark as Dan Sarginson seemed to have touched down but after a video review the try was disallowed .
Wigan did extend their lead in a style fitting of a ballroom rather than a rugby pitch as a clever spin and turn from Ben Flower saw him fool the Leeds defence and cross for a try and Matty Smith was on hand to convert well for a 20-6 lead with eight minutes remaining.
Leeds were unable to master a scoring response and in the final minute, Matty Smith rubbed salt in the Rhinos wounds by successful kicking a drop goal for a final score of 21-6. A correct result and a bit off with the prediction of 22-18.
Vikings Fightback Stuns Bulls
Widnes travelled to face Bradford knowing a win would guarantee their participation in the end of season play-offs and a top eight finish as a result and they made a perfect start with two tries in the first eight minutes through Paddy Flynn and despite neither being converted, Widnes led 8-0.
Bradford responded with a try from Tom Olbison in the 11th minute with Luke Gale converting for 8-6 before the Bulls went in front in the 24th minute with an effort from Chev Walker which Luke Gale converted successfully for 12-8, a lead that held firm into the interval.
A try-scoring double from Stefan Marsh in the space of three minutes saw Widnes regain the lead at 20-12 despite neither try being converted and Bradford's hopes of a win seemed to be slipping away after a good comeback.
Widnes wrapped up the win and their place in the top eight with three tries in the final ten minutes with Stefan Marsh completing his hat-trick ahead of Patrick Ah Van and Lloyd White crossing for tries with Cameron Phelps converting twice from three attempts for a final score of 32-12. A correct result and not far off with the prediction of 28-16 to Widnes.
Huddersfield Comeback To Deny Hull
Huddersfield kept up their hopes of a top four finish with a superb comeback at home to Hull who seem destined to finish outside of the top ten.
The visitors made the perfect start with Danny Houghton crossing for the first try of the afternoon with Jordan Rankin converting for 6-0 but Huddersfield hit back just five minutes later with an effort from Jake Connor but a failed conversion left Hull still ahead at 6-4.
Hull took control with two tries in as many minutes before the hour mark as Aaron Heremaia and Jamie Shaul registered efforts with Jordan Rankin converting both for a 18-4 lead but Huddersfield responded with two tries of their own before the interval as David Faiumu and Jake Connor crossed with Danny Brough converting once from two attempts for 18-14.
A trio of tries before the hour mark saw Huddersfield edge in front as efforts from Jodie Broughton and Brett Ferres came after Jordan Thompson put Hull further ahead at 22-14 which became 24-22 to the hosts after Brough's single conversion.
Huddersfield took control with two tries in four minutes after the hour mark as Anthony Mullally and Jermaine McGillvary crossed for the Giants with Danny Brough converting once from two attempts for 34-22.
Hull reduced the deficit with eight minutes to go as Gareth Ellis crossed for a try that with Jordan Rankin converting moved the score to 34-28 but Huddersfield confirmed the win with just two minutes to go as Jodie Broughton scored his second try of the afternoon to seal a 38-28 victory. A correct result and quite close with the prediction of 36-20 to Huddersfield.
Dragons Deny Robins In Play-off Battle
Catalan made the long trip to face Hull KR knowing a win would confirm a top eight finish and end the Robins chances of a play-off place for only the second time in six seasons.
The hosts made a good start as they went ahead inside six minutes with a try from Liam Salter which Travis Burns successfully converted for 6-0 but Catalan hit back with a try from Michael Oldfield in the 14th minute with Thomas Bosc converting to level the score at 6-6.
Michael Oldfield struck again on the half-hour mark and with Thomas Bosc converting, Catalan went 12-6 in front but were pegged back with four minutes left of the first half as Macauley Hallett crossed for the hosts but with no conversion, Catalan led 12-10 into the interval.
The Robins went ahead eight minutes into the second half as Jason Chan crossed but a missed conversion attempt meant a slim lead at 14-12 but Sam Williams crossed for a try that put the Dragons back in front in the 54th minute and with Thomas Bosc converting, they led 18-14.
However, there was no response from the Robins and three tries in the final ten minutes saw Catalan secure a comfortable victory and confirm a top eight finish as Michael Oldfield completed his hat-trick before Sam Williams' second effort of the afternoon and Morgan Escaré's late effort with Thomas Bosc converting just the latter for a 32-14 win. An incorrect result and failed prediction of 28-20 to Hull KR.
Griffin Stars For Red Devils
London travelled up to face Salford in a game between two sides whose season will end next week but for Salford there is the chance to finish as high as ninth.
The hosts went ahead in the seventh minute with an effort from Tommy Lee who struck against his former club with Josh Griffin converting for 6-0 which became 12-0 when Jordan Walne crossed for Salford in the 22nd minute with Josh Griffin on hand to convert again.
London did respond with a try from Jordan Atkins but a failed conversion attempt from Josh Drinkwater meant a score of 12-4 which was 30-4 at the interval as the hosts ran in three tries in the last ten minutes of the first half as Josh Griffin crossed ahead of efforts for Greg Johnson and Logan Tomkins with Josh Griffin himself converting all three.
London made the better start to the second half with Illiess Macani crossing for the Broncos but another failed conversion from Josh Drinkwater left the score at 30-8 but a try from Jason Walton just five minutes later pushed Salford to 36-8 with Josh Griffin converting.
Two tries from Josh Griffin with the latter his hat-trick try sandwiched an second effort of the afternoon for Greg Johnson with Josh Griffin converting twice from three attempts for 52-8 but London did stage a mini fight back with three unanswered tries.
Matt Cook, Josh Drinkwater and Nick Slyney all crossed with Josh Drinkwater converting all three for a 52-26 scoreline but Salford had the last say in the final minute as Greg Johnson completed his hat-trick and Josh Griffin added the conversion for a personal tally of 30 points at 58-26.
Castleford Keep Up Title Hopes
After St Helens failed to claim the League Leaders Shield on Friday night, Castleford hosted neighbours Wakefield knowing a win would keep up their dream of finishing top of the Super League.
The Tigers made a superb start with two tries in the first 15 minutes from Luke Dorn and James Clare putting them 12-0 in front after Marc Sneyd added two conversion but the visitors fell even further behind as Castleford posted two tries in the space of five minutes.
James Clare crossed for his second try of the game ahead of an effort from Kirk Dixon with Marc Sneyd converting just the former but Wakefield fought back with two tries in the final five minutes of the half with Lee Gimour and Chris Riley crossing the Tigers line followed by a solitary conversion from Paul Sykes for 22-10.
Castleford increased their lead to 16 points in the 63rd minute as Jake Webster crossed for a try and despite Marc Sneyd failing to convert, the Tigers were in firm control but suffered fightback from the Wildcats who ran in two tries in the final 12 minutes to set up a tense finish.
Scott Anderson crossed in the 68th minute with Paul Sykes converting and the final score of the afternoon came for Richard Owen who crossed in the 71st minute with Paul Sykes converting for a final score of 26-22. A correct result and close with the 30-20 prediction.
Thursday night saw St Helens host Warrington with the Saints knowing anything other than a loss would see them secure the League Leaders Shield for the first time since 2008.
The hosts made a perfect start as they went ahead inside four minutes with a try from Shannon McDonnell and with regular kickers Luke Walsh and Mark Percival unavailable, Tom Makinson took charge of the duties and converted for a 6-0 lead.
Warrington responded with a try from Stefan Ratchford just four minutes later but in failing to convert his own effort the score moved to 6-4 before the game was halted in the 18th minute when Simon Grix suffered an horrific injury with the Wolves on the attack and he let the field to applause from both sets of fans.
The injury seemed to unnerve the hosts more than the visitors as Warrington went ahead in the next set as a dummy from Michael Monaghan saw him fool the Saints defence and cross for a try which Stefan Ratchford converted successfully for 10-6 .
Warrington took control with two further tries in the space of two minutes as Gareth O'Brien and Joel Monaghan crossed for tries that Stefan Ratchford converted successfully for a 22-6 lead which was reduced in the 31st minute as Willie Manu crossed for the hosts and with Tom Makinson converting the score was 22-12.
The visitors were wary of a Saints comeback in the second half so added an extra point just before the interval with Richie Myler kicking a drop goal for 23-12 but it was Myler himself who claimed the first try of the second half in the 47th minute but with no conversion the lead was still strong at 27-12.
Saints would have to wait for the League Leaders Shield as Warrington all but confirmed the win with a second try of the evening for Joel Monaghan in the 53rd minute and an effort from Ryan Atkins which was subject to a video review but was given with Stefan Ratchford and Gareth O'Brien converting both for 39-12.
Warrington looked to have reached the 40 point mark when Mick Higham crossed for a try in the 77th minute which was subject to a video review and was chalked off meaning a final score of 39-12. An incorrect result and failed prediction of 24-22 to St Helens.
After suffering defeat to Widnes in the last away trip of 2014, Wigan returned to the DW Stadium for their penultimate game of the regular season as Challenge Cup Winners Leeds visited on Friday night.
The main event saw to late changes for Wigan with Joe Burgess and Jack Hughes replacing Anthony Gelling (illness) and Dom Manfredi (rib injury) but on what would hopefully be a joyful night for Wigan, Leeds looked to spoil the party early on.
Kallum Watkins took advantage of a good position from a second minute penalty to threaten the Wigan line but fell just short of claiming the first score of the night and Wigan responded with Matt Bowen going close twice in the space of five minutes but the scoreboard remained blank.
However in the 13th minute, Wigan made a breakthrough as a superb grubber kick from Blake Green found Joe Burgess who collected the ball and touched down for a well-worked try which was soon followed by a conversion from Matty Smith for a 6-0 lead.
Leeds looked to stage a rapid response but were forced to dropout from in goal before making a huge mistake after regaining possession as a pass from Zak Hardaker sailed nicely into the hands of Matty Smith who broke through the Rhinos defence and dashed clear to score a stunning try which he successfully converted for a 12-0 lead after 23 minutes.
Wigan breathed a sigh of relief with just three minutes left in the first half when a high kick from Kevin Sinfield found Ryan Hall who looked to cross for a textbook try but he offloaded to Josh Charnley which saw the move break down.
The Rhinos fell further behind just seconds before half-time as Wigan were awarded a penalty in a good position and time against them, elected to kick at goal and a powerful attempt from Matty Smith ensured a 14-0 half-time lead for the Warriors.
A frantic start to the first half saw both sides make errors but in the 44th minute, a set of chase and fumbles akin to a circus routine by the duo of Josh Charnley and Ryan Hall resulted in the Leeds winger picking out Liam Sutcliffe who raced over for a try with Kevin Sinfield converting for 14-6.
Both sides pushed for the next score with a number of grubber kicks on the attack being easily collected by the defences but Wigan looked to have scored just after the hour mark as Dan Sarginson seemed to have touched down but after a video review the try was disallowed .
Wigan did extend their lead in a style fitting of a ballroom rather than a rugby pitch as a clever spin and turn from Ben Flower saw him fool the Leeds defence and cross for a try and Matty Smith was on hand to convert well for a 20-6 lead with eight minutes remaining.
Leeds were unable to master a scoring response and in the final minute, Matty Smith rubbed salt in the Rhinos wounds by successful kicking a drop goal for a final score of 21-6. A correct result and a bit off with the prediction of 22-18.
Widnes travelled to face Bradford knowing a win would guarantee their participation in the end of season play-offs and a top eight finish as a result and they made a perfect start with two tries in the first eight minutes through Paddy Flynn and despite neither being converted, Widnes led 8-0.
Bradford responded with a try from Tom Olbison in the 11th minute with Luke Gale converting for 8-6 before the Bulls went in front in the 24th minute with an effort from Chev Walker which Luke Gale converted successfully for 12-8, a lead that held firm into the interval.
A try-scoring double from Stefan Marsh in the space of three minutes saw Widnes regain the lead at 20-12 despite neither try being converted and Bradford's hopes of a win seemed to be slipping away after a good comeback.
Widnes wrapped up the win and their place in the top eight with three tries in the final ten minutes with Stefan Marsh completing his hat-trick ahead of Patrick Ah Van and Lloyd White crossing for tries with Cameron Phelps converting twice from three attempts for a final score of 32-12. A correct result and not far off with the prediction of 28-16 to Widnes.
Huddersfield Comeback To Deny HullHuddersfield kept up their hopes of a top four finish with a superb comeback at home to Hull who seem destined to finish outside of the top ten.
The visitors made the perfect start with Danny Houghton crossing for the first try of the afternoon with Jordan Rankin converting for 6-0 but Huddersfield hit back just five minutes later with an effort from Jake Connor but a failed conversion left Hull still ahead at 6-4.
Hull took control with two tries in as many minutes before the hour mark as Aaron Heremaia and Jamie Shaul registered efforts with Jordan Rankin converting both for a 18-4 lead but Huddersfield responded with two tries of their own before the interval as David Faiumu and Jake Connor crossed with Danny Brough converting once from two attempts for 18-14.
A trio of tries before the hour mark saw Huddersfield edge in front as efforts from Jodie Broughton and Brett Ferres came after Jordan Thompson put Hull further ahead at 22-14 which became 24-22 to the hosts after Brough's single conversion.
Huddersfield took control with two tries in four minutes after the hour mark as Anthony Mullally and Jermaine McGillvary crossed for the Giants with Danny Brough converting once from two attempts for 34-22.
Hull reduced the deficit with eight minutes to go as Gareth Ellis crossed for a try that with Jordan Rankin converting moved the score to 34-28 but Huddersfield confirmed the win with just two minutes to go as Jodie Broughton scored his second try of the afternoon to seal a 38-28 victory. A correct result and quite close with the prediction of 36-20 to Huddersfield.
Catalan made the long trip to face Hull KR knowing a win would confirm a top eight finish and end the Robins chances of a play-off place for only the second time in six seasons.
The hosts made a good start as they went ahead inside six minutes with a try from Liam Salter which Travis Burns successfully converted for 6-0 but Catalan hit back with a try from Michael Oldfield in the 14th minute with Thomas Bosc converting to level the score at 6-6.
Michael Oldfield struck again on the half-hour mark and with Thomas Bosc converting, Catalan went 12-6 in front but were pegged back with four minutes left of the first half as Macauley Hallett crossed for the hosts but with no conversion, Catalan led 12-10 into the interval.
The Robins went ahead eight minutes into the second half as Jason Chan crossed but a missed conversion attempt meant a slim lead at 14-12 but Sam Williams crossed for a try that put the Dragons back in front in the 54th minute and with Thomas Bosc converting, they led 18-14.
However, there was no response from the Robins and three tries in the final ten minutes saw Catalan secure a comfortable victory and confirm a top eight finish as Michael Oldfield completed his hat-trick before Sam Williams' second effort of the afternoon and Morgan Escaré's late effort with Thomas Bosc converting just the latter for a 32-14 win. An incorrect result and failed prediction of 28-20 to Hull KR.
Griffin Stars For Red DevilsLondon travelled up to face Salford in a game between two sides whose season will end next week but for Salford there is the chance to finish as high as ninth.
The hosts went ahead in the seventh minute with an effort from Tommy Lee who struck against his former club with Josh Griffin converting for 6-0 which became 12-0 when Jordan Walne crossed for Salford in the 22nd minute with Josh Griffin on hand to convert again.
London did respond with a try from Jordan Atkins but a failed conversion attempt from Josh Drinkwater meant a score of 12-4 which was 30-4 at the interval as the hosts ran in three tries in the last ten minutes of the first half as Josh Griffin crossed ahead of efforts for Greg Johnson and Logan Tomkins with Josh Griffin himself converting all three.
London made the better start to the second half with Illiess Macani crossing for the Broncos but another failed conversion from Josh Drinkwater left the score at 30-8 but a try from Jason Walton just five minutes later pushed Salford to 36-8 with Josh Griffin converting.
Two tries from Josh Griffin with the latter his hat-trick try sandwiched an second effort of the afternoon for Greg Johnson with Josh Griffin converting twice from three attempts for 52-8 but London did stage a mini fight back with three unanswered tries.
Matt Cook, Josh Drinkwater and Nick Slyney all crossed with Josh Drinkwater converting all three for a 52-26 scoreline but Salford had the last say in the final minute as Greg Johnson completed his hat-trick and Josh Griffin added the conversion for a personal tally of 30 points at 58-26.
After St Helens failed to claim the League Leaders Shield on Friday night, Castleford hosted neighbours Wakefield knowing a win would keep up their dream of finishing top of the Super League.
The Tigers made a superb start with two tries in the first 15 minutes from Luke Dorn and James Clare putting them 12-0 in front after Marc Sneyd added two conversion but the visitors fell even further behind as Castleford posted two tries in the space of five minutes.
James Clare crossed for his second try of the game ahead of an effort from Kirk Dixon with Marc Sneyd converting just the former but Wakefield fought back with two tries in the final five minutes of the half with Lee Gimour and Chris Riley crossing the Tigers line followed by a solitary conversion from Paul Sykes for 22-10.
Castleford increased their lead to 16 points in the 63rd minute as Jake Webster crossed for a try and despite Marc Sneyd failing to convert, the Tigers were in firm control but suffered fightback from the Wildcats who ran in two tries in the final 12 minutes to set up a tense finish.
Scott Anderson crossed in the 68th minute with Paul Sykes converting and the final score of the afternoon came for Richard Owen who crossed in the 71st minute with Paul Sykes converting for a final score of 26-22. A correct result and close with the 30-20 prediction.
No comments:
Post a Comment