JON Wilkin spoke about the fine margins of success following Saints heartbreaking semi-final loss to Leeds.
The champions were within 10 minutes of returning to Old Trafford until Ryan Hall scored off the back of a superb 40:20 from Kevin Sinfield.
“At the top end of the game it is all about those,” he said. “They dictate whether you win or lose. The 40:20 was one of those moments and that is why Kevin Sinfield has been the player he is and gets the plaudits. He has built his career on being on the right side of those moments.
“But we had opportunities to stop the try and didn’t.
“On the whole I thought we were good and our effort was great, but we weren’t clinical enough and that cost us at the end of the game. We had chances and failed to capitalise on the good field position and possession in the first half. Leeds did the opposite and came up with the right play at the right time.
“In all honesty we should have been further ahead. After James Roby scores we missed three or four opportunities then have away a penalty and charged a ball down to repeat the set.
“There were a few big calls too. We were penalised for what was simultaneous contact on Cuthbertson and that was a shocking decision. But aside from that, Leeds were exceptional. They are a great side, champion club.”
He continued: “We strive for success here. Every year we want to win the Challenge Cup and the Grand Final. I’m one of the leaders here and we need more leadership to help in the right situations like tonight.
“We need some more experience at the club and I’d like to see that from the younger guys as we continue on. My job here is to bring that out.”
