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  • 5 weeks ago
Transcript
00:00You'd favor the Warriors, wouldn't you?
00:02But we know that this fixture, it isn't played on paper.
00:05And I cannot wait for this game here.
00:0880 minutes, some of the finest stuff coming up.
00:12Yeah, so many titles to have met down the years, down the decades, down the centuries.
00:17Let me remind you, this is the third century that this fixture has been played in.
00:24So often you literally, and it is a cliche, but you literally
00:28thrown form out of the window.
00:31Jack Smith, the referee.
00:33Marcus Griffiths, our video rep.
00:35We're going to see Tristan Saylor putting boot to ball for the very first time
00:39to get this match underway.
00:42Headlines if you missed it.
00:43Jackson Hastings, despite the scare, plays today
00:47with potentially a dodgy hamstring.
00:50And Jay Field is back for Wigan.
00:52And just as you'd expect, the first contact is intense.
00:56Yeah, it is Ignatius passing.
00:58And then right in there too.
01:00And this is what St Helens have got to do last week.
01:03They were beaten to the punch.
01:04Pretty much in the forward pack as well.
01:06They've got to dominate these opening exchanges.
01:09Taken in by Walters.
01:10Every inch will have to be earned.
01:13Certainly in these opening stages.
01:15It is tough down a little.
01:18Collisions agroal.
01:20This is O'Neil out of Domiha.
01:22Nassembo with his first carry.
01:24Head rocks back.
01:26And shoulders firmly planted on his big chest.
01:29And one play to go.
01:30And it's going to be Harry Smith looking for that relieving kick.
01:34Left footed downfield.
01:36Nice.
01:37Well, I was going to say easy pass for Lewis Murphy.
01:39It was a bit of a spike.
01:41And he stumbles into the challenge.
01:43Wonderful defensive set there from the Saints.
01:45But Murphy just needs to get all that ball a bit quicker.
01:49Cross now.
01:50Well, just as it was at the other end.
01:52Suddenly, St. Helens find themselves in the middle of this male straw of defence that's coming their way.
01:59Clark.
02:01A little bit of a skirt from him.
02:03A chance to run.
02:05When Clarks are running, Saints are doing well.
02:09Picked up by Saylor.
02:11Hastings back on the inside again.
02:13And Clemmer will just carry it inside the opponent's half.
02:18Last play here, Daryl Clark.
02:21Saylor will get that kick away.
02:24And Field will be called into that.
02:26In fact, the ball comes nowhere near him.
02:27It's caught in the end by Liam Marshall.
02:30And Marshall starts Wiggins' attack from here as Farrell takes it on.
02:35Jenna Brooks, what do you have from us down on the sidelines?
02:38Good afternoon, Dave.
02:39Just more on Jay Field.
02:40He missed the last four games after undergoing surgery to have his appendix removed.
02:44I always believed that he'd be back within four to six weeks.
02:49Well, it's just been a couple of days over four weeks.
02:51Speaking to Matty, he said that they always had this game in the diary for his return.
02:55Well, he's standing clear of that little melee, isn't he?
02:58You can't blame him.
02:59But a mistake from Eckersley here, losing the ball in the collision.
03:04And St Helens are gifted group position.
03:07Yeah, big shot there from Clemmer and passing on Eckersley on his 50th game for the Cherry and Whites.
03:12Comes up with a mistake, just shy 30 metres away from his own end.
03:16First opportunity here for St Helens.
03:20Well, Hastings is heavily strapped, he's just having a word with the referee here.
03:28Explanation from Jack Smith.
03:31It was 97th Super League derby, by the way, as you can see there.
03:35Four have been draws.
03:36Who was it?
03:37We wouldn't mind one of those here today.
03:39You want to make an attestation, James?
03:40You want to make an attestation, James?
03:41You want to make an attestation, James?
03:42Time's up anyway, Jackson!
03:44Come and win this captain!
03:45I'll tell you something, Dave.
03:46There's an allegation, I think, being made here.
03:48So let's have a listen to the referee.
03:52It's a spat in your face.
03:54We've not got anything in that from the...
03:56Just come on, though, Jake.
03:57The incident there, we've got an allegation that he's been spat in the face from Brad O'Neill.
04:01The incident will be on report.
04:03There's an allegation he's been spat at.
04:05It's Brad O'Neill.
04:06It's not a class act, is it, if it is proven, but it is only an allegation at this stage.
04:12So they'll be having a look at that, but St Helens with an opportunity.
04:19Missing 12 players who could well have been playing here today, who almost certainly would have been playing.
04:24But with this, not quite second string, but certainly 13 starting side that is denuded of some talent, they have
04:32an opportunity to lay the first blow.
04:35Parson.
04:36Parson.
04:37Clark.
04:40Jackson Hastings, who so much has been said over the last few days.
04:44Clemmer now.
04:45But again, it's just inches and feet they're making rather than big yards, although Clark is doing well again.
04:52And they do have plays in the bag, in fact more now because the referee has given a restart to
04:59the camps as Parson takes it in.
05:01So St Helens can lay siege to this wing and line, but Parson is slow to his feet, not looking
05:07healthy.
05:09Clemmer with a carry, trying to get the arm free, can't do so.
05:13So here comes Clark.
05:16Shorrocks with a dummy run, back it goes to Hastings, pops it out wider still.
05:21But they go no further.
05:26Whitley.
05:27Hastings.
05:28Clemmer looking to straighten up again, he's trying to risk the offload, he's just about got away with it.
05:33Parson and a thunderous challenge coming in on Wingfield.
05:38Clark.
05:40This is cross.
05:41So many Wigan players down that side, there was no obvious way to go.
05:47One play to go.
05:48Hastings.
05:50It's a question asked and Sembe got a touch and Field will claim it and Wigan have possession back.
05:57Yeah, well defended there from the Warriors, Ignatius Parson leaving the field.
06:01Even Noah Stephens is gonna replace him.
06:03There's a difficult carries now coming out of this part.
06:07Parson's looking very uncomfortable as well, isn't he, as he comes away.
06:14So that'll be a big blow for a St Helens team that is already struggling on numbers.
06:21And here comes Thompson, former Saint himself of course, look Thompson.
06:24It's a shame for St Helens, Dave, because Parson and Clemmer, they were tasked with going after the Warriors,
06:31and they did so in the opening stages, some big contact in there, and a long kick here, he's gonna
06:35run too long.
06:36Too big, too big off the boot of Harry Smith.
06:39The ironic cheers from the St Helens fans, and Saints get a seven tackle, restart on the 20.
06:48Harry Robertson there, picked out as the one to watch here, and with ball in hand, there's no question about
06:54him, Dave.
06:54Defensively, though this season a couple of times, he's been a little bit exposed.
06:58But having said that, he has been playing all over the place, couple off the bench, couple at centre.
07:03That was a loose play of the ball, wasn't it, by Lewis Murphy, which the referee spots,
07:07and it gives Wigan the advantage on the back of it.
07:12And it's this time, St Helens who come up with the error, and it's Lewis Murphy.
07:17An incorrect play of the ball.
07:19So a one from Ecclesley early on, Saints couldn't make the visitors pay.
07:24It's the first time that Wigan have got a decent part of the field to go up, five minutes gone.
07:30Well, you have to give the impression of trying to play the ball, don't you?
07:33And he never got close to that.
07:35What are Wigan cooking here?
07:36Ecclesley's gone in at the scrum feed, Nessemba.
07:43O'Neal, quickly across, and they've got a tackle restart as well.
07:47Too much effort going on in that first effort, Havard.
07:52Stantley does it.
07:56This is O'Neal again, Thompson.
07:59He's trying to draw a little bit of fire from that St Helens defence.
08:02Running into what is a gale of Wigan's support at that end as well.
08:06Smith back on the inside, and Ellis.
08:10Creeping ever closer here.
08:12O'Neal, and Smith, changes direction, with wonderful effect.
08:17Sanders St Helens defenders one way, he went the other.
08:23And now the only way is one of celebration from those Wigan supporters.
08:28Harry Smith with the early strike.
08:31Harry Smith with his third try of 2026.
08:35From a St Helens perspective, Dave, it's just far too easy.
08:40But it all comes about of the incorrect play of the ball from Lewis Murphy.
08:47Simple yardage error that gives the Warriors the field position.
08:51That said, there's an overchase there.
08:54Noah Stephens, Tristan Saylor leaves his post, but there's no tie-in from Shane Wright either.
08:59And the space just opens up.
09:02Wright has to shut that gap.
09:06Harry Smith scores.
09:08Disappointing.
09:09The first attack of the game.
09:11And it amounts to this.
09:13Just not doing the job tying in through the middle part of the field, Dave.
09:18It's just too easy.
09:22They all fell for it, didn't they?
09:25Nobody responded.
09:26And Smith with a try.
09:27And now Adam Kieran will have a chance to add a further two.
09:33And that said, it's wonderful vision from Harry Smith to see that out the corner of his eye.
09:37That Saylor's gone.
09:38Wright hasn't tied in.
09:43Wigan fans, as you'd expect in great voice, look at the scenes behind the St Helens.
09:48Hardcore at the other end, barely moving at the moment as Kieran looks throughout the team and does.
09:53And Wigan had that early lead.
09:55Less than eight minutes played and they lead by six points to nil.
09:58It was a worry for myself coming into this game that Wigan would score early.
10:03Physically St Helens, they were good down that end of the field, but an error coming out of yardage.
10:09And that there just needs to be better through the middle part of the field.
10:16Well, as we often say, a test now of temperament for St Helens.
10:21Paul Rowley's side heavily beaten by Hawkingston Rovers last weekend, of course.
10:27Wigan suffered indignity of their own with defeat at home to Huddersfield,
10:32but how do Saints pick themselves up here when they've started positively with that defensive effort?
10:38One of the bright lights so far.
10:40Noah Stephens leading this time with the right contact and driving Wigan back.
10:46Well, we saw Iggy Parsi limping off not that long ago.
10:50And Jenna, you have news?
10:51I have confirmation it was a hamstring injury.
10:53He's gone straight down the tunnel and is currently being assessed.
10:57Thank you, Jenna.
10:58That was the moment when he picked up that hamstring injury.
11:03He's gone for the game and all.
11:04You'd suggest he had, but we shall see.
11:07This is a 40-20 attempt, by the way, but he ain't gonna skip to the touchline.
11:11Such a strong part of his game, isn't it, Harry Smith?
11:14His ability to kick long into space. Murphy would have a chance.
11:18That's really good from Murphy because there was every chance of them being pincered in there, weren't there?
11:21And Saylor comes skipping away as well.
11:24It's a great response from St. Helens with his opening two plays.
11:27A couple of quick carries there, just trying to speed it up.
11:30Shorrocks, right there, just meted by Farrell and Smith, brought down.
11:37Harry Smith had every right to believe that his side could defend St. Helens much deeper than this, but
11:41Saints have found a spring in their step.
11:46Clarke, Shorrocks, and Hastings, and here in his swing field, but not for far and not for long.
11:56Saylor.
12:00Marshall put his name on that quite quickly.
12:03Saints' defensive line is good.
12:12And it's a penalty as well.
12:14It's an easy escape here from Wigan, indiscipline from St. Helens.
12:20Too long on that occasion.
12:21Liam Marshall, his 200th Super League appearance for Wigan.
12:24Just fighting, Dave.
12:26That's his side, a penalty, and Harry Smith's boot just invites the Warriors
12:30back inside of St. Helens' half here.
12:33Well, those are Wigan's top try scorers in Derbys, as you can see.
12:36We saw Chris Rudlinski, chief executive these days, looking on.
12:39He's very much up there, isn't he?
12:42Tony Makinson, I don't think many will be surprised by his name at the top.
12:46Some great names in that list as well.
12:48Here's Tolson.
12:50This now is O'Neill.
12:54And it's to Smith, and inside for Nesemba, who sought a path but upended by Clarke, quickly played.
13:02Habbard.
13:03Wigan again are sensing a bit of adventure here.
13:08O'Neill.
13:10It's a little grubber from Farrin, and...
13:12But it beats the chase of both Finn and Kieran.
13:15And it will be a tap back on the 20.
13:18Yeah, just wanted a little bit off this.
13:20It was on.
13:21There was nobody at home.
13:23Just too long.
13:25Seven tackle reset again.
13:29Murphy looking for the escape route again.
13:34Hastings jogs across.
13:38That's a penalty.
13:40Little unnecessary that, wasn't it?
13:42It's the play of the ball, just caught the whole defensive line out from Wigan.
13:45They jump forward.
13:47Jack Smith with no option here.
13:48Yep.
13:54So Sailor's clearing kick will give St. Helens a starting point halfway there.
14:00Where do they go from here?
14:02Here's right.
14:07Early stats.
14:08You can see that Wigan dominating in terms of possession and completion.
14:12But it's St. Helens at the moment who are trying to provide the response.
14:20Here's right.
14:21Shorrox.
14:21Now Klemmer.
14:23Wigan's defenders rushing up quickly.
14:27Clarke again, rolling out, rolling left.
14:29Hastings.
14:30And Sailor.
14:31Oh and again, well met Kieran with the read.
14:34As Wingfield tried to express himself.
14:40Hastings.
14:41Dummy shell.
14:42The door doesn't open.
14:45And one play to go here for St. Helens.
14:47And still 20 away.
14:51Sailor.
14:52Finding a bit of a gap.
14:54He was looking for the post.
14:55And very nearly caught there.
14:58Well it was aimed at the post.
15:00But it's Field who drops on it.
15:02And Wigan escaped with the dropper.
15:03Yeah, it was a wonderful idea from Sailor.
15:0520 out.
15:06Just hit that right post and does.
15:09Sometimes you get the bounce off it.
15:12Harry Robertson in pursuit with Jayfield.
15:14Just there to put the brakes on.
15:16To mop up that.
15:18Going to get six more here at St. Helens.
15:23He's got a bright start, hasn't he, Tristan Sailor.
15:25Last year and a half or so.
15:28As a St. Helens player in terms of the points he's been scoring.
15:33It's not only that Dave, he's averaging 194 metres out of backfield.
15:37Comes up with quite a lot of offloads as well for St. Helens.
15:42Hastings to Clemmer.
15:43O'Neal quickly out there.
15:45There was not much room at all for Clemmer to make his presence felt.
15:50And Clark goes left and here's Shorrox.
15:52And now Stephens.
15:57Saints attack.
15:59Just reassembling itself here.
16:01Hastings taking control on that right hand side.
16:03But can't squeeze through.
16:06Quickly played.
16:06Clark picks up.
16:09Shorrox.
16:10Robertson with a quick pass.
16:11Cross has put it down.
16:13It's almost picked up by Eckersley.
16:14It was played out.
16:16So when Murphy does come up with it.
16:17It's Saints who can play on.
16:19And the zero tackle.
16:20They've got a set of six.
16:22To go from here.
16:24And it's important that they come up with something here at St. Helens.
16:26What a wonderful opportunity.
16:29Stephens again.
16:31Carting it in.
16:34Clark waiting.
16:36Shorrox behind him.
16:36Here comes Shorrox now.
16:38It's now with Hastings.
16:40Sailor on that right hand side.
16:42Lovely little old bloke again.
16:44And here is Whitley.
16:45The outside man.
16:47With wonderful success.
16:49Just hypnotised and he felt this ahead of him.
16:52And Matt Whitley strikes goal for St. Helens.
16:55It was important that they came up with something in that set.
16:59And two plays later.
17:01It's Matt Whitley who crosses over for his first of 2026.
17:04And how important may that try just be?
17:07It gives St. Helens a real shot in the arm.
17:10It's them that arrive here today.
17:12With 11 or 12 of the starting 17 out of it.
17:17But it's Shorrox at the back to Hastings and Sailor.
17:19Just look at this.
17:20In and away.
17:21The flick pass.
17:22And then Whitley just gets over in that corner.
17:25What a great response.
17:30Well, he was Billings born, wasn't he Matt Whitley?
17:33I think he grew up as a Saints fan, didn't he?
17:34But he was born right on top of the hump.
17:37If you're not used to the local geography.
17:39Billings is the bump that separates the two towns of Wiggins and St. Helens.
17:43Where neutrals get in all tread.
17:45And Whitley having been born there strikes.
17:47With a wonderful, wonderful try that his coach adores.
17:51He certainly would have enjoyed that one.
17:53Put the skill on the inside from Sailor.
17:56I said he'd come up with a number of offloads for Saints.
17:58And he gets another one there.
18:01The left end, the flick.
18:03And Whitley does the rest.
18:06Kristen Sailor, this is 41st consecutive St. Helens appearance.
18:09But he can't add the two points just at the moment.
18:12And Saints remain behind.
18:14And Wiggins with that slender lead still, 6-4.
18:17It's been a decent open in 16 minutes.
18:21Harry Smith's try, almost nullified here.
18:23The flick from Sailor there.
18:25He just gets Farrell interested.
18:27And Whitley does the rest.
18:39He's enjoying the moment.
18:41St. Helens fans enjoying the moment.
18:42But Wiggins will have enjoyed the majority of the start to this game.
18:48And we go again with Murphy on the catch on the fall.
18:52And St. Helens having to start from deep once more from a man who's doing earlier minutes than he expected.
18:58Noah Smith.
18:59And Clemmer will carry on the drive.
19:03Big game for Clemmer.
19:05Only eight meters gained last week.
19:07A 25-minute stint.
19:11He's claiming there was a crusher-style tackle in there.
19:14I just wonder whether Clemmer was staying there to attract the attention of the refereeing crew.
19:23Hastings.
19:25Sherlock's a nurse sailor.
19:26And this is looking interesting with Murphy considering the outside of Eckersley.
19:31The goal has been lost and Wiggins have it back.
19:35And it's a mistake that could prove costly.
19:37Oh, he must have thought he was closer to the sideline.
19:40I've no idea what he's thinking there, Murphy.
19:42It matters not now.
19:43Eckersley, 35 away.
19:46Just look at this.
19:48It's nowhere near the sideline.
19:49He needs to just hold on to that ball.
19:53The adrenaline of a derby taking over.
19:56And it was his error that led to the first try.
20:01Penalty.
20:02That side against St. Ellis' defensive line.
20:04So an easy two here.
20:06But the Wiggins prefer the chance of six.
20:11Some discussion going on as to what they do next.
20:13But they are going to tap and run, I think.
20:18This is Ellis.
20:22O'Neill slotting in.
20:25How about to his right?
20:26Suddenly numbers are peering over on that right-hand side.
20:32Here's O'Neill again.
20:35Havard.
20:36Just going through the heavy work down the middle at the moment of Wiggins.
20:39St. Helens having to repel this.
20:42O'Neill.
20:44Thompson might be the next cab off the rank.
20:46In fact, they're going the other way to Ellis.
20:48And Ellis, from the closest of distances.
20:51O'Neill closes.
20:52Pludges in.
20:53And Wiggins have their second.
20:55Marcus tackle three.
20:57Just check that he touches.
20:58The first try was disappointed, Dave.
21:00Just check that he touches the line.
21:02Just check that he touches the line.
21:03Just check that he touches it first on this side.
21:06Before he's then held up.
21:07Did he double check it didn't fall on the hour arm too?
21:09Yeah, yeah, he will check that.
21:11Well, he has given the try, but he's just asking the video referee to have a bit of a peep
21:15at this as well.
21:15But for the moment, Ellis' try stance.
21:29What do you reckon, Carl?
21:32It's difficult.
21:32I haven't quite seen where it's been grounded at the moment.
21:36Maybe this angle will be best here.
21:39And Ellis has just...
21:40Does he get it down?
21:43I don't think he does, Dave.
21:48I'm not too sure he gets that ball down.
21:50I think Winfield's right arm is enough, am I?
21:56It's close.
21:58Well, it's an extraordinary good defensive effort from Winfield, isn't it?
22:02It's an unbelievable effort if he has kept that ball up.
22:09Well, the try still stands.
22:14The referee has pointed the finger.
22:17We're not getting word just yet that there's going to be an official review.
22:22Yes, we are. Yes, we are.
22:23We've just been told there is going to be an official review.
22:26Let's hear from the video referee then.
22:28Marcus Griffiths.
22:29Marcus Griffiths.
22:29Let me know when we've had 80.
22:34So, the on-field call is a try.
22:40So, you can see from camera nine...
22:46the ball, and camera one, the ball is high, does not get to the ground.
22:55We have a decision.
22:56It maintains possession to tackle four with a ball.
22:59Well, I think, you know, if you're celebrating a try,
23:02and the video referee gets involved these days,
23:04it's almost certainly not going to be a try.
23:06So, the Wigan fans behind those sticks are going to be very disappointed here,
23:09when this official review becomes a decision of no try.
23:16And it remains as we were.
23:18What a massive play from Wingfield,
23:19that was just about to almost go in on the middle,
23:22there was another soft try.
23:24But Jake Wingfield, what a play this is.
23:27A big man arriving at top speed,
23:29and he does enough, does Wingfield,
23:30to get his right arm underneath the football.
23:34Wonderful tackle.
23:37And a desperate one, and it had to be, didn't it?
23:42So, Ellis denied, but Wigan's still on the hunt here.
23:46Thompson has lost it.
23:48And St Helens having survived a close and natural decision,
23:52now survived the next play as well.
23:54And that will hang on, we've got a captain's challenge.
24:00Oh, no, the referee's given the scrum down,
24:02the referee's given the scrum down, there is no challenge,
24:04and St Helens will have possession back again.
24:06There are two massive tackles there.
24:08Scrum numbers, Wigan!
24:09In Thompson, of course, a former St Helens player,
24:12just spills it in front of the Wigan end.
24:18Well, it's been a decent start, hasn't it,
24:20in terms of drama and entertainment.
24:22Reminder of the fact that this is the second derby of the day.
24:25You'll have just seen creeping along the bottom of your screen
24:27an advertisement for Bradford against Leeds.
24:30That derby's back as well.
24:32I don't think we've ever had the three big derbies in Super League,
24:37all on the same day, have we?
24:38It is an absolute feast.
24:41A trifecta.
24:43PA announcers at every ground announcing,
24:45this is the biggest derby in rugby.
24:48Everyone claims it.
24:51Clarke had a dummy half.
24:53Hastings helps it on again.
24:54St Helens looking to eke out the...
24:56Ooh, there was a suggestion of an off-line.
25:01Clarke...
25:02Sarger again is being chased down by a couple of defenders.
25:05The kick is just hovering a little in no man's land
25:07and Marshall had to come a long, long way to claim that.
25:11And having done that, he took it well
25:13and has given Wigan decent position.
25:16Jenna Brooks, what news down there?
25:17Yeah, Ignacio's passing we saw come off with that hamstring issue
25:20after five minutes.
25:21Well, his derby day is officially done and dusted.
25:24As we suspected when he limped away,
25:27but good to have the confirmation of that.
25:30Ooh, the pain for St Helens and their personnel.
25:35Boy, they've got some big names missing at the moment.
25:39O'Neill comes right.
25:41Offered back here for Thompson to have a go.
25:45One play to go.
25:46O'Neill.
25:49Faramund again.
25:50Just trying to create something.
25:52Cheeky ball back on the outside.
25:54Handed down by Ackersley.
25:56Picked up by Faramund.
25:58And quick as a flash.
26:00He's in to score.
26:02And the finger is pointed.
26:04And Wigan are just turning this
26:06into a little bit of a comfort zone now.
26:11That was a neat kick from Faramund.
26:13Disappointed effort there from Lewis Murphy again,
26:16who doesn't even contest the kick.
26:18Zach Ecklesley climbs high.
26:20Bats the ball back.
26:21And Faramund's there to score his second try of the campaign.
26:25But just check this out on this left edge here.
26:28Lewis Murphy, you have to make a play.
26:30He just watches him.
26:32Your job is to go and make that ball into a contest.
26:34He leaves it.
26:36And Ackersley just climbs high.
26:38The support pushing underneath the ball isn't picked up.
26:41Walters will fire him and take your pick.
26:46There was a lot of ball watching going on, wasn't there?
26:48Yeah, disappointing, isn't it?
26:49He does.
26:52He does.
26:53Ackersley under no pressure whatsoever.
26:56And then nobody picked up underneath.
27:00Nice try from the Warriors.
27:04Troy confirmed in the background, so no doubts about that one.
27:14Young player to watch, isn't he, Jack Ferryman?
27:17We saw his announcement last year, didn't we?
27:20In terms of kind of bursting onto the scene,
27:23he's got a bit more of a chance this year as well.
27:25Wonderful footwork as well.
27:28Opportunity for him while French is out, you would think.
27:32And again, when he's got Adam Kieran,
27:34Zach Eckersley on the outside of it.
27:3867% of the tries that the Warriors scored, Dave,
27:41are down that right channel.
27:43That's a 23rd.
27:45Another 34 that they've scored this season.
27:53So Kieran, with that trusted left boot, starts it.
27:57What?
27:57And with the assist of the post, just swings it.
28:02And Wigan lead by 12 points to four.
28:07And Ferryman on this right edge, lifting that ball.
28:11Lovely weight on it.
28:13The left edge of St. Helens.
28:16Just make it too easy.
28:18What about this?
28:19Kiss the post and over.
28:26492nd point for Wigan, by the way, Adam Kieran.
28:29So he's closing in on a quite substantial point-scoring landmark as well.
28:35Havard.
28:37Saints desperate to keep their opponents at this end of the field.
28:41Jordan Desirea out there for his first involvement in a St. Helens shirt.
28:47Dealt with Thompson on that occasion.
28:50Remember, Desirea and Billy Leyland both signing on loan from Hawkingston Rovers this week to patch St. Helens numbers up.
28:58But it's Wigan who are finding the front foot again here.
29:02O'Neill.
29:04It's back with Smith.
29:06He's in 40-20 range, but it's just gonna be short.
29:11Saylor watching it carefully.
29:13An attempt in there for Harry Smith to go for it.
29:17Saylor was on the scene.
29:19Even if it was gonna get there, he'd have batted that ball back in, but...
29:22Such a good kicker of the ball, isn't he, Harry Smith?
29:27Just feels like the majority of the game has been played at this end of the field so far, doesn't
29:31it?
29:31One way or another.
29:33I mean, it does.
29:34Again, we mentioned the number of injuries that St. Helens have got,
29:37and the times in this game, it's always going to be difficult for them.
29:43Do you see the possession?
29:46It's actually in favour of St. Helens, Dave.
29:48All for a similar completion rate.
29:50But ultimately, the biggest stat is the scoreboard, and it reads 12-4.
29:54It's worried having the ball, it's where you have the ball, isn't it?
29:56That's pretty crucial, as Hastings just suggests a heartbreak.
30:03Clarke will pick up and hope that there's a bit of daylight behind that rock,
30:08which he does well.
30:10And he's taken on again by Clement.
30:13A couple of runs from Daryl Clarke.
30:15There's a push.
30:17That's it.
30:17There's no foul, isn't it?
30:20An easy penalty, does it?
30:21Clement has not made a decision yet.
30:23You want to challenge it?
30:24You want to challenge it?
30:26Well, yeah.
30:27I think he was going to give it Riggins' way,
30:30but Jackson Hastings has lodged the captain's challenge,
30:33meaning it should be a penalty for his side.
30:35So let's hear it again from our video referee, Marcus Griffiths.
30:43St Toggins are challenging the decision of no balance and control.
30:48So we will play it from here.
30:52Um, Clement attempts to play the ball.
30:56He then ends up falling to floor.
31:00The actions of Ellis do not cause that.
31:03The challenge is unsuccessful.
31:07So as you were, challenge unsuccessful.
31:11He's a better player than that, Dave.
31:13He is.
31:14And my first initial call was his milk tip.
31:17Handover.
31:19The video referee agrees, he just...
31:22There's nothing in there.
31:24It's not a good look, is it?
31:25It's a Premier League penalty show.
31:27Yeah, no, it's not what we want or need in our game.
31:32Barely a touch.
31:35And Wigan again, back in the driving seat now.
31:38That's a good carry from Partington there.
31:41Straight onto the field, over the top of right.
31:46Havard.
31:47Can we get the arms free?
31:48Can't do so.
31:51O'Neill.
31:52I don't see much of Jay Field so far,
31:54but he's just offering his services from the back.
32:02Desperate to get involved at some stage here.
32:04St Helens will be aware of that,
32:06but here comes Faramon.
32:08He's got great.
32:09A little magic of his own.
32:11Sailors made the first contact, two more complete the job.
32:15This will be the last.
32:17Smith again goes wide.
32:19Oh, Kieran.
32:20Great challenge from Murphy.
32:22Just to see that ball dislodged.
32:25It was a bullet of a pass, wasn't it?
32:28Lewis Murphy just makes a play for it, and he has to.
32:32He does enough there just to dislodge that ball.
32:37Kieran can't take it in.
32:39If he does, it may have been another score.
32:43So again, St Helens have possession,
32:45but again they find themselves at the hardest point of the pitch
32:48with Bowlingham because they've got a lot to do,
32:50but Robertson has eased the pressure considerably.
32:54Sailor will try to carry that on.
32:57The reach by Whitley.
33:0120 yards down the field there with two plays.
33:07Clamor again.
33:09Just attracting defenders as he carries it forward.
33:14That's Clarke.
33:17Sailor just angling that to make it as close to the corner as he can.
33:22Field with the pick-up and a slip.
33:25Not the return that he would have wanted,
33:29but there'll be plenty more to come.
33:31This now is Martial.
33:33Wonderful set there with Ball in hand from St Helens,
33:36and finished well.
33:40Eckersley.
33:44O'Neill just marching into position again,
33:46as Kieran will be the latest to try and test the resolve
33:50of that St Helens defence right down the middle.
33:52O'Neill with a one-handed pick-up,
33:53and a look to the left.
33:56Running into immediate trouble.
33:59Saints have kept Wigan to that point
34:02with the opening five tacklers,
34:04but Smith's boot is mercurial,
34:06and again he finds ground,
34:08and a bounce,
34:09and a little bit of awkwardness,
34:10and Dagnall will be very, very relieved
34:13that it goes out of play.
34:14That's the third time that the kick has ran dead,
34:16but it does show you, doesn't it?
34:18If he gets the right bounce
34:19and a little bit more weight on it,
34:21it's such a threat.
34:23Gets you out of jail.
34:25It's a seven tackle set,
34:26but I don't think Wigan will mind it,
34:27they get a good look at what's coming here.
34:32Dominating at the moment,
34:33the side in black.
34:38Hastings to the latecomers was a doubt before the game,
34:41a very late fitness test on a hamstring injury.
34:45Hold, hold!
34:48Here's Clarke.
34:49Now cross.
34:55I'm trying to slow things down,
34:56and Clarke again is off on the hunt,
34:58we've seen that a few times now, haven't we?
34:59He's probably being St. Helens best, hasn't he?
35:01Causing a little bit of trouble,
35:02and Winsyside a penalty now.
35:04And that's a fourth for fifth run when he's got the Warriors on the back foot.
35:11Tommy Partington there, is it?
35:13And Sam Walters, I beg your pardon.
35:15Comes over the top with that right arm.
35:18Clarke causing trouble.
35:22Saylor sticks it out of play,
35:23and this is as good a position as St. Helens have had for a while now.
35:28Chance to start a set midway inside the Wigan half.
35:33That's Ariep.
35:38Clarke with Hastings to his left-hand side,
35:41and a little pocket there for Hastings to run into
35:42and find Saylor in quick hands and puts.
35:46It's well done with the...
35:47classic leg-up grab by Jay Field.
35:50Stops him in his stride,
35:52but Saints have more to offer.
35:54Shorrox.
35:55Desirea.
35:56Just the muscular roots.
36:00Saints fans are getting encouraged.
36:03Clarke goes out of Demi Hart.
36:04He's not going to be called,
36:05and Clarke spins and wins.
36:10Absolute classic Demi Hart play
36:13from a classic Demi Hart.
36:16St. Helens have placed their way back into the contest.
36:19And it's probably fair game as well,
36:21that it's the man who scores,
36:23Darrell Clarke.
36:24He's been St. Helens' best this afternoon
36:26in the opening half an hour.
36:28He gets his fourth try and sixth appearance for the club.
36:32And an important score that is as well.
36:37You can just see he picks up from a Desirea play of the ball.
36:40And it's Sam Walters,
36:41who in that whole set has looked a little bit late,
36:43but he doesn't get forward.
36:46And Clarke,
36:47he just sees that triangle in the line.
36:49Jay Field ahead of him,
36:50Adam Kieran ahead of Walters,
36:52and there's enough space for a man of his quality
36:55to get a try in front of the western end of the ground.
37:00I think that's five in five for Darrell Clarke now.
37:06And boy, did St. Helens need that.
37:09As a coach, he'll be much relieved.
37:11And it comes off the back of the Clarke penalty
37:13that he made as well with the run earlier on,
37:15and it was Walters who caught him high.
37:19There he goes,
37:21and they're only two points in it now.
37:24Sailor's goal,
37:25St Helens ten,
37:26Wigan twelve.
37:28Fair play to St Helens,
37:30they've had to cop a lot,
37:31but they've managed to find a way of staying in this
37:35and getting a score that they much needed.
37:38And that man much deserved.
37:41Look at those St Helens' faces.
37:43Only the third number nine in Super League's
37:4630-year history for St Helens.
37:48Kieran Cunningham, James Robey,
37:50and now Darrell Clarke.
37:51He just can't help but think back to that Jake Wingfield tackle
37:54and how much of an important play that was.
37:57Two points of difference.
38:00We have a game on our hands here.
38:03Kisaria who's making some impact online from Hull KR.
38:07He's not yet made his Hull KR debut, has he?
38:10Maybe for St Helens before he's...
38:12his own club.
38:19Clarke, he's off again, he's Darrell Clarke,
38:21he knew that the man ahead of him,
38:23Partington, was offside.
38:25He used that to his advantage.
38:29Winfield with his second carry of that set.
38:33Two more plays to go here.
38:37And the Saints go marching in, he's being roundly booed by the African fans at the other end.
38:43You'd be disappointed if that wasn't the case.
38:46Sailor's kick.
38:47Got a bit of spin on that as well.
38:49Field readjusts, catches well.
38:52And now comes back with not exactly open field ahead of him
38:55because St Helens' response is good.
39:04Marshall.
39:09Here's Farrahman.
39:13And Liam Farrell.
39:17Out of necessity, in the centres at the moment, of course, Farrell in the absence of Jake Wardle.
39:22Big missed Jake Wardle, isn't it?
39:25Six again on the third play.
39:28Price, this is punishing now from Wigan.
39:31As Havard stalks ever closer.
39:35O'Neal comes out of there.
39:37Farrahman pops it back.
39:39It's Walters who pushes.
39:40And that big frame of his carries Wigan ever closer here.
39:44St Helens desperately hanging on.
39:47Another set of six as well.
39:48They hung on too long.
39:50O'Neal now.
39:51Back to Smith.
39:52Inside comes Partington.
39:54St Helens back to the walls.
39:56Back on their own line.
39:58O'Neal skips it left.
40:00There was a hand on that, was there?
40:01No, there wasn't.
40:02But it's still play on.
40:03Farrahman's got a bit of running low.
40:04He's got a skip.
40:05He's got a step.
40:07But safely cuddled in by those Saints defenders.
40:10O'Neal to Smith.
40:13And Fields involved.
40:14And we know what he can do in broken play.
40:17There's a bit of space there, but closes up quickly.
40:20O'Neal again.
40:22Partington.
40:23And he's seen a gap.
40:26Saints defence recovers well.
40:28O'Neal wants more.
40:30And on the short ball, Necimba.
40:33Well, he's got himself out of the line.
40:35But I hope St Helens what he's got underneath that.
40:37Yes, they have.
40:38Some great defending.
40:40I'll tell you something, Dave.
40:41The Saints have had an awful lot to deal with in these last two sets.
40:44But there's one player left here.
40:47Smith goes left.
40:48Farrell catches.
40:50Runs into just a posse of defenders.
40:53And there's no give from that situation.
40:55And a big win for the home team there.
40:57Off the back of some big, direct, powerful carries.
41:01And Allens have shut the door on them.
41:04Dagnall now with dancing feet.
41:06And again, that's a little bit of light relief for his side as well, wasn't it?
41:10Hugh, extra yards earned.
41:13Momentum restored.
41:15As White gathers in five or six more.
41:19Saints now looking a little more lateral.
41:25Clarke again.
41:26Just controlling the situation at the only half.
41:29Wingfield tries to spin, but it's a good tight hole that Eggersley's got.
41:35Two plays to go.
41:36Hastings.
41:38Chorrox.
41:39Saylor.
41:41Got a bit of pace on that far side as well.
41:44But Robertson's stopped in his stride.
41:47This will be the final play.
41:49Saylor again.
41:51Looking to hit the ground if he can.
41:52And hope for an awkward bounce, but it's kind enough for Field.
41:56Field again, searching here.
41:58Running straight into the arms of Wright.
42:02That Harry Robertson carry just allows Saylor
42:05to get a little bit more on that kick.
42:07He does catch it awkwardly though.
42:13He goes on the field.
42:14He's usually offers an impact, doesn't he?
42:16So many quick play of the balls he generates.
42:18Hickles, Walters.
42:19Walters galloping again.
42:22Doesn't do big minutes, doesn't Mayker,
42:24but he can make a difference in tight margins.
42:29Partington to Ellis.
42:31Oh, he's given it away!
42:32Giving it away!
42:36So a gift for St Helens, Wickley.
42:39And here comes Cross.
42:44No look pass that has consequences.
42:52Clarke marches in once again.
42:58Clammer's done well.
42:59Good trap on the ball as well from Daryl Clarke.
43:02That's a little show of his football skills.
43:09And there, Hastings.
43:15Outfield held up safely enough, but there's one that play to go.
43:19St Helens have one more ace up their sleeve.
43:21Hastings with a kick.
43:22It looks a little too deep that.
43:24Yeah.
43:24Smith with an easy catch.
43:27But Wigan will have to start from a tough position.
43:29Yeah, too flat as well.
43:30Never gave any of his right edge any time to pressure.
43:33Oh, here's Marshall looking on the outside.
43:35But...
43:36Robertson kept pace.
43:40December.
43:41Nothing down there, splitting the match stats at the moment.
43:44Favourably in St Helens' favour in metres and possession.
43:47But they are chasing the board by two.
43:51Yeah, if he suddenly dropped into the game and saw those stats
43:53and saw that scoreline, you'd think very even game.
43:56But Wigan's still dominant, aren't they?
44:01Wigan had the better position of the match so far.
44:06Good to go, Smith just looking for touch here.
44:08A little bit of game management, puts it out.
44:10Slows things down ever so slightly,
44:12and St Helens will start from the back again.
44:15You're probably right, Dave, on reflection.
44:18Where Wigan have had the ball has been largely in their favour,
44:21but St Helens, I keep going back to that Jake Wingfield tackle
44:25and how important that was.
44:26Now, whether it goes on to be that important
44:28at the end of the 80 minutes, that remains to be seen.
44:32But certainly in the context of this half,
44:34that was a huge, huge play.
44:36A real commitment to the game.
44:38But then, just like Matty Pete said,
44:40if I look that line from Matty Pete before the game,
44:42his message to his players,
44:43just play like it's a Good Friday.
44:45And that tells you all you need to know, isn't it?
44:47Well, it's not always the big players that win Good Friday,
44:50it's the desperation efforts.
44:52Of course, Jake Wingfield, they are behind by two,
44:55but I have no doubt that if they go on and win this game,
44:58then that will be a huge, huge mention.
45:00Chorix.
45:02Saylor, it's blocked from behind by Nesemble,
45:04but not before he got the ball away.
45:09Chorix again.
45:11Hastings, and Wigan numbering up, Kieran doing his job.
45:18Here's Klammer to stride into that challenge.
45:22Just attracting three defenders, plays the ball here.
45:26Saylor's being chased down hard by Brad O'Neill.
45:30Field with a kick.
45:31Immediately offers the opportunity for Marshall to have a run,
45:35and St. Helens up there quickly.
45:3890 seconds of the half remaining.
45:41That has absolutely flown by.
45:48Here's Kiera.
45:52O'Neill.
45:54Smith coming at pace, Nesemble coming with power.
45:58And with the offload.
45:59And Smith now will skip on again,
46:01and a kick to a corner because the chase is on with Field.
46:04Saylor's there as well, so it's pace against pace,
46:06but Field always starting from a distance back,
46:10and Saylor clears the danger.
46:12Yeah, well, as soon as he gets the ball in hand off,
46:14and Sember, he just knows he can put boot to ball.
46:17Jay Field just chasing down, and Saylor,
46:19he reacts positively, gets back, knocks the ball dead.
46:25They've got a couple more players here
46:28before the half-time Hooter goes.
46:30Daryl Clarke has taken an absolute age, by the way,
46:33to get...
46:33And there he is with a bottle of water.
46:35He has taken an absolute age to get there.
46:38He's been reminded that shot clock's on.
46:40There's only five seconds of that remaining.
46:42Tristan Saylor's having a look.
46:43He's going to milk every second of that
46:45because this will be the last set you'd imagine
46:47that Wigan have with ball in hand at the end of this first half.
46:50They dearly love to score again.
46:51Saints desperate to hang on.
46:54This could be a key minute
46:56in the story of this game.
46:59Set of six starts again.
47:01Partington drives it in.
47:05Here's O'Neill now, wanting it delivered quickly.
47:08Finds Smith, looking wide to Kieran.
47:11Has to reach, lost possession.
47:13Murphy loses two.
47:14Too many knuckles for that to continue.
47:17And St. Helens will get it back.
47:18Deion Cross on that occasion there,
47:20just doing enough to put off Adam Kieran.
47:23Love the way across, double defence there,
47:25checks his lead and then pushes off hard.
47:26Where do you want it?
47:27Does enough.
47:28You can see the change of leg speed.
47:31And that's two now for Kieran.
47:33Comes up with a drop.
47:35And that'll be all she wrote.
47:38Well, the Hooter signs at the end of that first half.
47:41And it's been a really good battle as well, hasn't it?
47:43At times, St. Helens may be hanging off,
47:46but they've hung on well.
47:48And Wigan, well, a deserving lead for them at half-time,
47:51you'd have to say.
47:52But it is only a slender lead at half-time.
47:55It's St. Helens 10, Wigan 12.
47:58Dave Kyle, thank you very much.
48:00Jackson Hastings and St. Helens.
48:02Well, they make their way back to the change rooms here.
48:05A sellout crowd at the Brewdog Stadium.
48:08Majority, of course, St. Helens fans will have been very happy
48:11with what they have seen.
48:12They may trail by two at half-time.
48:16After this, Jack Farrowman try,
48:18assisted Wigan into a 12-10 half-time lead.
48:21But the Saints, with all their absentees,
48:24very much in this good Friday thriller.
48:27He was just having a half-time snack,
48:29eating some nuts, if you like.
48:32But back to you, Dave Woods.
48:36Eating at half-time seems to be a bit of a theme.
48:38I'm not sure we're going to be hearing from Kyle.
48:40I'm known him for a few years now,
48:41and when there's cake on offer,
48:42no one takes precedent.
48:44We might not hear from him in the next 40 minutes.
48:47Anyway, it's set up wonderfully well, isn't it,
48:50for that next 40 minutes.
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