St Helens took on Wigan Warriors this afternoon in a fast and frenetic Good Friday derby at the Totally Wicked Stadium.
Saints led 10-4 at the break thanks to tries from Tommy Makinson and Jonny Lomax after Jai Field crossed first for Wigan with a mazy run.
But, two Saints tries after half-time with some stellar defence ensured the Red Vee took home the two points.
Highlights
Agnatius Paasi running over a number of Wigan defenders in his first carry was a joy to behold.
Tommy Makinson’s flying finish for his try was trademark.
Talking points
1. Video age
Referee Liam Moore went to the video referee on numerous occasions with the man upstairs, Chris Kendall, taking an age on Konrad Hurrell’s try attempt. The video referee is there to help clarify decisions, but there becomes a point when it takes far too long.
2. Saints a different gravy
It was dubbed the battle of the top two when St Helens prepared for the clash against Wigan, but it really is the top one in Super League at present. Saints really are in a class of their own in the top flight and their utter dominance over second-placed Wigan underlined this.
3. Wigan still lacking
Despite taking the lead through Jai Field, Wigan were second best for all of the game. They still look like they have attacking and defensive problems as their weaknesses were laid bare by a much stronger St Helens side.
Player ratings
St Helens
1 Jack Welsby – 9
2 Tommy Makinson – 9
23 Konrad Hurrell – 8
4 Mark Percival – 8
27 Jon Bennison – 8
6 Jonny Lomax – 8
7 Lewis Dodd – 7
8 Alex Walmsley – 8
9 James Roby – 8
10 Matty Lees – 7
12 Joe Batchelor – 8
20 James Bell – 7
13 Morgan Knowles – 7
Substitutes
14 Joey Lussick – 6
15 LMS – 6
17 Agnatius Paasi – 8
19 Jake Wingfield – 7
Wigan Warriors
23 Jai Field – 8
24 Abbas Miski – 6
13 John Bateman – 7
2 Jake Bibby – 6
1 Bevan French – 6
6 Cade Cust – 6
7 Tommy Leuluai – 7
8 Brad Singleton – 7
9 Sam Powell – 7
20 Liam Byrne – 6
11 Willie Isa – 6
12 Liam Farrell – 8
14 Morgan Smithies – 7
Substitutes
10 Patrick Mago – 6
17 Oliver Partington – 6
19 Ethan Havard – 6
22 Joe Shorrocks – 6