St Helens clinched the League Leaders’ shield on the final day of the regular season, thanks to another uncompromising defensive display at the Totally Wicked Stadium.
Saints scored 11 tries against a Wigan Warriors side that never gave up, but it was his side’s dominant defence that pleased coach Dec Hardman the most.
“I’m ecstatic about the defence. Any derby is a tough derby and there was a lot of commitment from one to 17. We made a few mistakes in the first half today, but changed our approach in the second half and got the rewards.
“There’s a big week ahead and a semi-final back here next Sunday to look forward to. It promises to be a great weekend for all four clubs involved.â€
Tenacious defence from both sides was the story of a wet and error-strewn first half, and Saints were made to work hard for a 14-0 interval lead which came courtesy of a brace of tries from Carrie Roberts and one from Rachel Woosey.
It was a different story after the break though, when Saints quickly settled into a quite unstoppable rhythm. Three tries in the space of 10 minutes from Paige Travis, Woosey once more and Isabelle Rudge helped Saints establish a commanding 30-0 lead, with further tries from Leah Burke, Amy Hardcastle (2), Alice Sandham and the impressive Naomi Williams adding to Wigan’s woes.
Wigan’s defeat assured Castleford Tigers and York City Knights of a semi-final place alongside Leeds Rhinos and Saints.
The Totally Wicked Stadium will also host both play-off semi-finals on Sunday September 26, to be broadcast live on Sky Sports Mix from 1pm. Tickets will be available via Saints ticket office, by calling 01744 455052 and online via the Saints website until the day before the fixtures. Any tickets ordered online for collection will be available from a collection point based in the main club reception on matchday. North Stand cash turnstiles will also be open on the day.
Tickets are also now on sale for the Betfred Women’s Super League Grand Final at Emerald Headingley Stadium on Sunday 10 October (KO 3pm). And, as part of a Women’s Rugby League double-header, Headingley will also host the Women’s Super League Shield Final which kicks off at 12noon. Tickets for this finals double-header are available to buy now, priced £10 Adults and £5 U16s, via the RFL website. Seating is unreserved and fans can choose between the seated East Stand or standing in the North Stand.
Elsewhere on Sunday, York City Knights beat Castleford Tigers 28-14.
The Totally Wicked Stadium will host both play-off semi-finals on Sunday September 26, to be broadcast live on Sky Sports Mix from 1pm. St Helens versus Castleford Tigers will kick off at 1.15pm, followed by York City Knights versus Leeds Rhinos at 3.30pm. Tickets will be available via Saints ticket office, by calling 01744 455052 and online via the Saints website until the day before the fixtures. Any tickets ordered online for collection will be available from a collection point based in the main club reception on matchday. North Stand cash turnstiles will also be open on the day.
