Meli brace lifts Saints

St Helens advanced into the quarter-finals of the Carnegie Challenge Cup with a hard-fought win over Harlequins.

Francis Meli scored two tries at the start of the second half as the visitors overturned a half-time deficit against the in-form Quins.

The hosts made a fast start and only an error of judgment from Will Sharp prevented Chad Randall from grabbing the opening score.

Quins stretched the Saints defence again moments later, Tony Clubb bursting clear only for his pass to Luke Dorn to be ruled forward.

But the first score came against the run of play just before the quarter-hour mark, with veteran hooker Keiron Cunningham burrowing over the line from close range after centre Matt Gidley was held just short.

Quins quickly responded and two errors in quick succession gifted them good field position and they capitalised, David Howell twisting and turning to ground in the corner.

Leon Pryce came close to extending the Saints lead, sauntering through a couple of tackles only for his offload to go to ground.

With seconds remaining in the half, Howell and Sharp combined to open up some space and although Luke Dorn was clawed down, the ball was shipped wide for Luke Gale to go over.

Saints quickly hit back after the restart, Dorn spilling a towering Pryce kick and Ade Gardner scorched over in the corner.

Havoc

Minutes later Eastmond's high kick caused havoc in the home defence and Meli gathered to go over unopposed under the sticks.

By now Quins were looking ragged, and the visitors cashed in with a further score as Meli cruised over after Pryce's looping pass left him in acres of space.

Eastmond then booted a penalty as St Helens pulled further clear.

Quins did offer themselves some hope thanks to a lightning break from Dorn, only for Ryan Esders to knock on with a try begging.

The hosts were still battling, but Saints were just about succeeding in keeping them at arm's length.

St Helens did give Harlequins the respect of taking more points with the boot when they were offered, Eastmond slotting over another penalty with 10 minutes remaining to extend the lead to 14 points.

And Pryce rounded things off, fending off tiring would-be tacklers to touch down, Eastmond converting to finish off the scoring.