St Helens back in prime position for the playoffs after picking off Huddersfield Giants

St Helens survived an early scare as they defeated Huddersfield Giants in front of the BBC cameras at John Smith’s Stadium.

Saints went ahead early in the game, as Jonny Lomax went over after his side forced a knock-on – before Jon Bennison, on kicking duty, kicked the extras.

However, some sustained pressure allowed Elliot Wallis to score for the home side – which was converted by Olly Russell – and soon after, Robertson dropped a high kick which allowed Jake Bibby to put the Giants ahead.

The key moment was a red card with just seconds of the half to go, with Fenton Rogers sent off for a high shot on Tee Ritson.

The Giants went into half-time ahead, but it didn’t last long.

St Helens back in prime position for the playoffs after picking off poor Huddersfield Giants in perfect second period

Sione Mata’utia scored the try as he spotted a gap in the home side’s defence, and kicker extraordinaire Bennison, finally given an opportunity after very few appearances this season, added the extras.

Minutes later, another young Saints man extended the lead, as Harry Robertson scored after Tee Ritson pounced on a loose ball, raced away from the chasing pack before timing his pass to perfection.

With ten to go, we had 12-on-12 action, as Noah Stephens was shown a yellow for a ‘professional foul’ – as he slowed the restart after the Giants were given a tap 20m.

But that’s how it ended, and 10-18 was the final score.

The Giants suffer yet another defeat, but St Helens are back in business.

They may now breathe easy, as they’re now ahead of all their competitors for the final playoff spots.