Mark Applegarth pointed to veteran Jordan Thompson’s try-saving tackle as the game-winning moment in York Knights’ dramatic 34-32 victory over St Helens.
Thompson, who played his 400th career game last week in the loss against Huddersfield Giants, saved a near-certain try during the period when the Knights were down to just twelve men after Ata Hingano’s sin bin.
The Knights actually scored two tries during that period but it was Thompson’s tackle that Applegarth felt most significant, something he characterised as York doing the tough stuff in the narrow win.
Speaking post-match on Sky Sports, he said: “The theme for the whole week was about doing the tough stuff well and doing the tough stuff better than the opposition. That tackle epitomised it, just making sure that we never give up on any causes, and make sure that we show more desire, more intent and more togetherness.
“Thommo has been going through the middle and the last couple of games with his defence, he’s not been too happy with it but I thought that was a match-winner for us if I’m honest with you.
“The lift that the team got out of the crowd after that were unbelievable. I’m really happy for Thommo and all the team.”
York Knights boss delighted after ‘filthy’ fortnight
St Helens would score more after that try-saving tackle with the Knights seeing their 12-point lead cut to just two as Harry Robertson and Jacob Douglas scored tries inside the final ten minutes.
“You know when you play St Helens that you can never write them off,” Applegarth said.
“That was the message that we got out there in the last five minutes, but I’m so proud of them.”
He also admitted: “I’ve been filthy for this last couple of weeks. I thought we showed a bit of a soft side to us in terms of us rucks our our desire, but to go and get that win, I thought we showed it in abundance today.
“I’m really happy for the group. You’re never going to get an easy game versus St Helens. Regardless of the narrative there, they’ve still some absolute world-class players that can do exactly what they did in that last five minutes. I’m really proud of us.”
Whilst Thompson came in for high praise from the coach, it was Xavier Va’a who earned the Sky Sports Man of the Match and when asked about the prop’s efforts, Applegarth agreed.
“Xavier is still young. In my opinion, I think he’s got loads of improvement in him,” the coach said.
“He’s an absolute workhorse for his size and he’s definitely busy. I thought his carriers were outstanding and his defence is getting better and better every week.
“Just what a lovely man to have in the team, I’m really happy for Xavier as well.”
WHAT A FINISH 🤯
The Knights hold on ⚔️#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/MpyaJgXHUe
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) August 1, 2026
