St.Helens Wheelchair team prevailed after a dramatic 64-58 win over The Argonauts in the first game of the 2019 season.
Both teams started strongly, but it was Saints who took an early lead. Some good play and off the ball movement created space on the wing for Michael Fairclough to cross close to the touchline. Paul Craig converted to make it 6-0.
Some Saints direct plays saw the Red Vee march down the field and Joshua McEvoy crossed for his first try this time closer towards the sticks. Craig again converted for a 12-0 lead.
McEvoy then crossed for his second try of the afternoon before the Argonauts responded after some play led to their first try of the game which was converted and the score was 16-6.
Saints then hit back with some good team work to send Fairclough over for his second of the game with Craig again converting. The Argonauts hit back again with a try, before some good work both in defence and attack saw a couple of tries from Saints.
Firstly an attack towards the sticks with Craig creating the space for McEvoy to glide through under the sticks to score his hat-trick, which was converted. Kieran Henry created space for himself to sail over for a try and Saints led 32-10.
Craig again made his way over the line taking the score to 38-10. Saints seemed to take the foot off the gas which saw the Argonauts come back into the game scoring four converted tries which brought the half time score too 38-34.
After the break, the Argonauts went in front with two quick try’s catching Saints cold before McEvoy crossed for a fourth try which Craig converted. The Argonauts extended their lead to 44-52, but Henry responded with his second try of the game. The conversion was missed and the score stood at 48-52. The Argonauts went over for another try, but yet again McEvoy pulled Saints back into it with a try under the sticks.
Ste Argent then crossed to level up the game at 58-58, before with three minutes left, McEvoy crossed the line for his sixth try of the day and Craig sealed a dramatic the win with the conversion.
Match Summary
St. Helens 64 v 58 The Argonauts
Tries – Michael Fairclough 2, Josh McEvoy 6, Kieran Henry 2, Ste Argent, Paul Craig.
Conversions – Paul Craig 8.
