Anderson's final delight

Graham criticises timing of semi-final

Last updated: 26th July 2008

Anderson Daniel St Helens Oct 07

Anderson: another final

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St Helens coach Daniel Anderson praised his side's "professionalism" after they overcame Leeds Rhinos and baking temperatures to reach their third successive Challenge Cup final.

The holders produced a dominant display at the Galpharm Stadium, winning 26-16 to move within 80 minutes of a third successive cup win.

But the Rhinos battled back from 18-2 down with two tries in five second-half minutes and Saints had to tough it out in the final quarter.

"I'm thrilled," said Anderson, who is stepping down at the end of the season and has still lost only once in the competition.

"Those games are so difficult. We lacked rhythm but that is as much to do with Leeds and the conditions out there.

"We had so many opportunities to put the game to bed, but Leeds were very courageous. They lost a couple of players before the game and a few more during it.

"We showed our professionalism today when we needed to. It is great to go back to Wembley. It's very exciting and we are very satisfied because we have worked very hard this year."

Uncompromising

James Graham was named man of the match after an uncompromising display.

"We have all been looking forward to this for a long time," said Graham. "It's been a long build-up.

"I think everyone had their eye on this for quite some time."

But Graham criticised the decision to stage the game in midday heat.

He added: "It was pretty tough. I don't know who organised the 12.30 kick-off, I think whoever is in charge of that needs to have a look at it.

"To play at 12.30 in that heat is not good really. You tough it out and you do it, but where do you draw the line until someone collapses?"

Disappointed

Leeds coach Brian McClennan added: "The players can look at each and know that the man next to them gave their best. That is important because we are all very disappointed.

"It was a competition we wanted to do well in but we weren't good enough today.

"St Helens were very good. They kept winning territory and they were pretty clinical."