NATHAN Brown was proud of his Saints after they fought back to beat Leeds – and go five points clear at the top of the Super League table.
Down 12-2 against 12-men, Lance Hohaia put Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook over before tagging on a vital one-pointer following James Roby’s try.
“The reality is if you are going to get a victory over Leeds you need to stick in there as they are never dead,” he said. “They fought hard with 12-men and got into a nice lead on the back of Kevin Sinfield’s great game control and kicking game.
“I’m proud we hung on in there, we had a lot of defensive work to do but I thought we handled the likes of Hall, Hardaker and Watkins well.
“People will talk about the 12, but I thought they were sensational in the first half. They completed at something like 96 per cent. We were under a lot of pressure in that half but we got going in the second and it should be a good learning curve for the team. I’m proud of them.
“I’ve not had a good look at Joel Moon’s red card so I can’t really comment and wouldn’t want to. It would take the gloss off Leeds who had a good Challenge Cup victory last week played well tonight. Their players are great ambassadors for the game and Joel isn’t a dirty player.
“Mark Percival is ok, that is the key, but it’s unlikely he will play next week under the concussion rules.”
He continued: “Louie’s effort and commitment tonight was superb. He was upset with himself for a miss in the first half for Sutcliffe’s try but did well in the second. His form in the back half of the year has been sensational for us and he wears his heart on his sleeve.
“I thought our wingers did well too as did Lance. He knows his importance to the team and he’s had a good season.”
The win takes Saints five points clear at the top of the table with one victory between them and the League Leaders Shield.
“Wherever we finish, first or second, with what we have been through this year and the guys we have not playing now – and how good they are – I’m proud of the guys,” Brown continued. “It’s been hard but they have bought into what we are trying to do and competing hard. We have to expect that from each other and see where it takes us.”
Saints will face Warrington on Thursday September 4 at Langtree Park and tickets are now on sale.
You can buy from the Ticket Office at Langtree Park, by calling 01744 455 052 or by logging on here.
