LUKE Walsh masterminded superb a Saints performance as they beat Leeds Rhinos 32-18 at Headingley.
The scrum half was in scintillating form as he played a part in all his side’s tries and scored a wonderful one of his own after Adam Swift’s 70 yard break.
James Roby was at his impervious best and Captain Jon Wilkin returned with a bang too.
The tone for the win was set in the early stages.
Saints looked fired up from the outset and following two great opening sets, they forced an error from Danny McGuire to go ahead.
The scrum half knocked on, Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook scooped up and Tommy Makinson scored in the corner.
Walsh banging it off the touchline.
Saints weathered two sets right on their line – showing some great D – and then a superb kick from Burns put Leeds back in their own 20.
But back to back penalties handed Leeds the advantage and Jimmy Keinhorst make no mistake.
Yet, Saints won the ball from the restart and within seconds had restored their lead.
Two shots at goal from two penalties were spurned as the champions opted to run the ball.
And it paid off as Josh Jones took a pass and went over in the corner.
Walsh nailing the conversion from the other touchline this time.
Both sides had chances but failed to take them as they were found guilty of overplaying.
But Walsh settled the nerves with a penalty right in front of the sticks on 30 minutes.
Saints had another chance with five minutes to go after forcing an error and a drop out, but the home side held firm.
And on the stroke of half time Leeds controversially got right back into it.
Saints should have turned the screw at one end of the field but at the other Mitch Achurch stretched out and seemingly lost control of the ball as it hit the line.
In fact, it looked short and there was a massive hint of obstruction too – but the video referee gave the decision.
Saints began the second half with an unexpected set following a Leeds’ knock on, only for the ball to come out on the first tackle.
Leeds marched down the field immediately and almost scored on a repeat set.
But Adam Swift made a wonder break – some 70 metres – before he was hauled down. Luke Walsh then showed great feet to go over for a superb try.
The scrum half was running the show and forced a drop out on 51 minutes that Saints almost turned into points.
Wilkin was harshly penalised for a high tackle on Golding though after a chip through.
The pressure was building and in the end it told – coming off the back of another brilliant Saints move.
Roby, Walsh and Burns combined in a triangle that would have made Pythagorus jealous to send Adam Quinlan over at pace.
Mark Flanagan had one chalked off after Walsh’s high kick – the second rower penalised for pushing.
Saints forced more drop outs and should have gone further ahead but Jordan Turner lost the ball over the line.
And Leeds went up the other end of the field and scored through Ryan Hall.
It made the final stages very nervous indeed but Saints were immense in defence to see home a crucial win.
Underlined in the final minute by Jon Wilkin going over following Alex Walmsley’s offload.
Match Summary:
Rhinos:
Tries: Keinhorst, Achurch, Hall
Goals: Sinfield (3 from 3)
Saints:
Tries: Makinson, Jones, Walsh, Quinlan, Wilkin
Goals: Walsh (6 from 6)
Penalties:
Rhinos: 9
Saints: 7
HT: 14-12
FT: 32-18
REF: James Child
ATT: 16500 (est)
Teams:
Rhinos:
26. Ashton Golding; 2. Tom Briscoe, 20. Jimmy Keinhorst, 4. Joel Moon, 5. Ryan Hall; 13. Kevin Sinfield, 6. Danny McGuire; 30. Mitch Garbutt, 17. Adam Cuthbertson, 10. Jamie Peacock, 12. Carl Ablett, 14. Stevie Ward, 15. Brett Delaney.
Subs: 8. Kylie Leuluai, 16. Mitch Achurch, 19. Brad Singleton, 29. Jordan Lilley.
Saints:
37. Adam Quinlan; 2. Tommy Makinson, 17. Mark Percival, 4. Josh Jones, 5. Adam Swift; 6. Travis Burns, 7. Luke Walsh; 10. Kyle Amor, 9. James Roby, 25. Andre Savelio, 12. Jon Wilkin, 13. Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, 3. Jordan Turner.
Subs: 14. Alex Walmsley, 15. Mark Flanagan, 19. Greg Richards, 21. Joe Greenwood.
