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JON Wilkin paid tribute to Gateshead and Saints away support following his side’s progression to the Semi Finals of the Challenge Cup.

 

Saints chalked up their 18^th straight cup win and a record 9th 'final four' appearance in a row with a 66-6 win over the Thunder on Saturday.

 

“It was a difficult fixture for us as we were fully expected to cruise the game,” he said. “But we knew if we turned up that sort of mentality it would be more difficult.

 

“So we are pleased to get through. We did some good things and some pretty average stuff too. The pitch was narrow which meant you couldn’t really have a gameplan. You played up the middle, around the ruck and we had some big players to do that.

 

“It was important that we started well with some good tries and that was expected as people would have expected us to put some points in the board.”

 

He continued: “You have to give Gateshead credit. They have come a long way in the last few years in an area that isn’t associated with rugby league. It is good to see they are making strides to further the game.

 

“I also thought our fans were great. It looked like they had a good trip today and enjoyed themselves in the sun. We enjoy their support and it was good to see them on the terraces.”