NATHAN Brown admitted lady luck smiled on Saints as they progressed into the Fifth Round of the Tetley’s Challenge Cup.
Luke Walsh kicked a last gasp drop goal to seal a dramatic 17-16 win.
But the Giants were left dumbfounded by Danny Brough’s own one-point effort that was chalked off as it seemed to drift wide of the posts.
“I couldn’t get a look at it,” Brown said. “I was up high and didn’t get a look at it. Lady luck certainly shone on us.
“A lot of our players were below par today. We didn’t come up as a group. For the first 20 minutes our ball control, once again, was shocking but when we had the ball we were marching up the field. Willie Manu in particular was causing them a lot of trouble.
“We got two tries and nearly got another as Willie looked to have been brought down without the ball.
“Then after that period our kicking game was ordinary and our ruck defence was poor. The second half was better but we will have to do better next time.
“That said, I was pleased with our last five minutes. We really worked hard for each other and charged down the first three drop goal attempts before they got one away. Our commitment and courage was brilliant.”
With 15 minutes to go Brett Ferres was sent off for a spear tackle on Jonny Lomax; a decision Brown agreed with.
“Brett Ferres’ sending off had an impact on the result,” he continued. “He isn’t a dirty player and wouldn’t do something deliberately like that. But we have seen what has happened in Australia and we don’t like challenges like that. It was a sending off.
“I hope the Review Panel takes into account his good record because the punishment is in the sending off as it eventually cost them the game. Thankfully Jonny Lomax is healthy.
“Kyle Amor has done a muscle in his ribs though so we will check on him in the week.”
