Holbrook: Didn’t Get The Opportunities

Justin Holbrook said Saints didn’t get the opportunities to go on and win the game at Leeds after an encouraging first half.

His side led 8-2 at the break but went down 16-14.

“We didn’t get the opportunity to try and win it,” he said. ”I thought it was a really good and tough first half and then we just couldn’t get going for one reason or another in the second and that made it really tough.

“When you look at all those six against (repeat sets) and I’m still amazed at five of them, it made it hard as we were camped on our tryline for the whole second half. Credit to Leeds, they kept us down there and played really well.

“I don’t think we played poorly and I feel similar to the last time we played here. It is a tough place to come and I am really proud of the team. We had 33 per cent possession in the second half and got to within two of a dangerous Leeds side who came off the back of a defeat last week, the events around the South Stand and who are hard to beat.

“That said I don’t think we got a chance in the second half for some reason.

“Our defence took it out of us but I thought we started the second half well. Then came an obstruction penalty and that was a big call, and then there were a few last tackle calls that made it really hard. We didn’t get much ball and that took our juice.”

He continued: “I’m proud of how we hung on in there and played but unfortunately for us, it’s two weeks in a row now where we have been beaten by two points.

“We’re still a point outside the top four – an ounce of luck would be nice but you also have to make your own. Leeds did that and took their chances and that is what we have to do. We’re in a similar position to last time we came here – we have to put some wins together.

“The derby game is big now and it will be one we will look forward to. We got a good result last time and we’ll need that again after tonight and last week.

“Ben Barba will come in too. He has been training really well and is a quality player. It will be good to get him in there.”

Tickets for the derby are on sale from the Ticket Office at the Totally Wicked Stadium, by calling 01744 455 052 or online here.

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