Saints see off Wolves again

Westwood: costly late miss

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Warrington once again came up short against St Helens, going down 26-24 in an engage Super League thriller at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

Jamie Foster scored two tries and also kicked three goals to help Saints come out on top and move level with their opponents in the table.

The Wolves - who have still not beaten their local rivals since 2001 - had their chance to grab a draw towards the end of a ferocious encounter.

However Ben Westwood was unable to add the conversion following his second try of the night, the forward pushing his kick wide of the right upright.

Stood firm

Although there was still time for a late winner Saints stood firm, throwing the race for second place wide open. The only disappointment is that their arch rivals Wigan are now certain to be crowned minor premiers.

Mick Potter's side had surged into a 10-0 lead despite barely posing a threat as an attacking force. It was on their first real incursion into Warrington's territory that Matty Ashurst forced his way over from James Graham's pass.

Foster added the conversion and then scored the second try himself, accepting Leon Pryce's long ball out wide to canter over in the corner.

Warrington coach Tony Smith responded by throwing on three substitutes - and it was a pair of his replacements that got the home team up and running.

David Solomona surged towards the line before somehow offloading the ball when surrounded by four defenders, allowing Paul Wood to dive over the line from close range for just his second try of the campaign.

Wood then went from scorer to provider, managing to get the ball away to set up Jon Clarke for a try that was converted by Westwood to make it 12-10.

Their joy was short-lived, though, as Francis Meli - playing at centre rather than his usual position on the wing - held off Matt King straight from a scrum to get over the line.

Foster added the conversion again before Westwood rounded out the first half with a long-range penalty that left the Wolves trailing by two.

Topsy-turvy clash

A topsy-turvy clash saw the lead change hands again on 49 minutes, Westwood taking Clarke's pass to touch down; he also added the extras.

Back came Saints though, Wellens' burst creating the chance for James Roby to touch down with Foster landing the touchline conversion.

They were then gifted a fifth try when Michael Monaghan's wild pass went straight to Jon Wilkin. Although the chance seemed set to go begging, Foster eventually found his way over out on the right for a try that was awarded after a lengthy look by video referee Steve Ganson.

Then came the crucial moment. Westwood collected Lee Briers' grubber and touched the ball down over the line - only to then fail to add the extras.

The miss was undeserved after a superb personal display by the England international. It also leaves Warrington's fans wondering just when they will ever get the better of St Helens again.