Saints beat brave Crusaders

St Helens moved into second place in the Super League table after seeing off a spirited Crusaders challenge 36-10 at the Racecourse Ground.

The hosts threatened to cause a shock in the early stages but Saints eventually wore the Welsh side down during the second half as their all-around quality told.

Late tries from Jonny Lomax and Tony Puletua, converted by Jamie Foster, then overturned the visitors' points difference deficit to Warrington in the league standings as Crusaders' play-off hopes took a hit.

Crusaders came out firing and took a shock lead with only two minutes on the clock as Vince Mellars dived over in the corner after the ball was quickly moved out wide.

The hosts continued to press forward with Paul Wellens being forced to prevent a try after a Foster handling error set the ball loose on the Saints own try-line.

Level

But the visitors brought the scores level when returning half-back Kyle Eastmond carried Chris Flannery's clever off-load over the line from close range.

Eastmond then threaded a neat chip between the uprights and Wellens pounced to move Saints into the lead, which Foster extended to six points with a simple conversion.

But Crusaders were not ready to capitulate as they took advantage of a penalty to move towards the visitors' line again, where Frank Winterstein cantered over and Clinton Schifcofske added the extras.

More St Helens indiscipline continued to give the home side time in possession and they threatened again before seeing a try chalked off after a knock-on by Peter Lupton.

There was more frustration for the Crusdaders shortly after as Luke Dyer ran in a fantastic solo effort after collecting a Lincoln Withers kick, only to be ruled marginally offside.

Saints then quickly turned the tables as Ade Gardner walked in at the corner to make it 14-10 but Foster could not add the extras from the touchline.

Control

As both sides battled for control after the half-time break, a superb break from Nick Youngquest roused the home crowd but Foster was then played in at the corner to put Saints firmly in the driving seat.

It was not all good news for the visitors, however, as Eastmond left the field of play after falling awkwardly and was unable to return, sparking fresh injury fears.

Brian Noble's side kept the pressure on and came close when going for the line on the last tackle but were met by a far more organised St Helens defence than they faced in the early stages.

The game was killed off in controversial fashion when the video referee surprisingly opted to award James Roby a try when he seemed to lose the ball before the line after a jinking run.

Foster added the extras as the crowd made their feelings about the decision clear but there were no arguments when Lomax burst through a gap in the defence and touched down.

Puletua then added Saints' seventh try of the night and Foster slotted the conversion over to edge their points difference beyond Warrington's.