Friday 30 September 2016 10:51, UK
Warrington coach Tony Smith sang the praises of full-back Stefan Ratchford after he played a key role in his side's 18-10 Super League semi-final victory over St Helens.
Ratchford overcame a couple of early errors to score the try that put Wolves in front early in the second half and produced the scoring pass for Tom Lineham's controversial clinching score.
"He had a couple of hairy moments in the first half but he bounced back and built his way back into the match," said Smith.
"His work at the back was outstanding and he came up with some really classy plays."
Warrington had the better of the first half and established an 8-2 lead with a try from the returning Kurt Gidley and two goals from his half-back partner Dec Patton, but Saints struck back by scoring eight points in the last two minutes of the half.
Full-back Jonny Lomax finished off a break by winger Adam Swift for a try and Luke Walsh kicked three goals to nudge the visitors into a 10-8 interval lead, only for Ratchford to lead the Wolves' fightback.
The victory, which followed their league leaders' shield success last weekend, earns Warrington a third trip to Old Trafford where they will meet the winners of Friday's second semi-final between Wigan and Hull FC.
"We set out at the start of the year to have a crack at the trophies and we give ourselves another chance," said Smith.
"We were not far off at Wembley, we got the league leaders' shield and we're delighted to be one step closer to the big one.
We could talk about (lack of) composure towards the end but that should never have been a try so it should have been 10-10 going into the last quarter.
"I didn't think there was much between the teams in the first half and the scoreline suggests that.
"The teams really had a crack at each other. It was a real arm-wrestle and it was important for us to regroup and try to get on top. It took us a while but we did.
"I thought Saints were terrific, the way they defended, they made it really tough for us. They've probably been the form team but for my guys, I just felt if something went wrong, there was a real determination about them.
"Character is a key ingredient in rugby league and my boys have got that in abundance. They fought hard for each other and I was delighted for the younger boys who came in and supported the senior guys. They held their own."
There was a question mark over Lineham's try, with slow-motion replays suggesting there was a knock-on, while Saints had a late try from centre Dominique Peyroux ruled out by video referee Joe Cobb.
"We fought hard and played real good semi-final football," said coach Keiron Cunningham. "We just need a bit of luck and a few of those calls which didn't go our way.
"We could talk about (lack of) composure towards the end but that should never have been a try so it should have been 10-10 going into the last quarter.
"Warrington played exceptionally well but they say it's a game of inches and it certainly was.
"I thought we deserved a little bit more than we got in that game."
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