SAINTS TV – ACADEMY HIGHLIGHTS: Huddersfield Giants 2-38 St Helens

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MATCH REPORT

A tough open first 10 minutes saw the Saints have plenty of chances with Vaughan being tackled just before the line, but the early pressure didn’t result in points.

The first points of the game came in the 15th minute, after an interception from the Giants, they broke downfield. A penalty for offside presented the giants with an opportunity to take the two right in front of the posts and gave the hosts an early 2-0 lead.

Owen Dagnall got the Saints on the board 25 minutes into the game after a strong carry on the 20-metre line saw him break from his own half and race away to score under the posts. Roberts converted from right in front of the sticks to give us a lead we would not lose.

Right before the break, the Saints’ lead was extended. After forcing a drop out the Red V set up camp 20 out from the line, and after Nolan went close the tackle before, Roberts got the ball and forced his way over to the left of the posts. Converting his own try before the break to go in 2-12 up.

Just five minutes into the second half a brilliant ball from Whitby saw Vaughan break the line and find an offload to Robertson, who kicked back infield to Whitby who got on the end of a well-deserved try after coming on at the break. Roberts converted 2-18.

The points kept coming after forcing another repeat set, Roberts crossed over for his second, after dummying the ball and grounding it near the corner despite the giants attempts. His following conversion was just wide, 2-22.

On the 65th minute mark saw Whitby go in for his second score after an audacious dummy saw him cross over to the right, and with Roberts converting to make it 2-28.

Another try for the Saints, this time it was Sam Oakes who crossed over a receiving a short ball to crash over, Roberts converted,  2-34.

The final points of the game came with just eight minutes to go, with some lovely last-tackle play. Vaughan broke the tackle and found Max McGucken who then got the ball away to Ben Will to dive over in the corner. Roberts can’t find the kick, meaning the saints came back from Huddersfield with a 2-38 win, maintaining their 100% start!

Further tries from Whitby, Will and Oakes see the Academy bring back the win from Huddersfield!

Great work boys 🤝#COYS | #HistoryInTheMaking pic.twitter.com/Q3teI0hTTd

— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) March 25, 2023

Saints team: Harvey Braddish, Ben Will, Harry Robertson, Dayon Sambou, Owen Dagnall, Max McGucken, Will Roberts, Alfie Sinclair, Ciaran Nolan, Leon Cowen, Jeraime Carty, Jonny Vaughan, Coke Marsh.

Bench: George Whitby, Dan Frost, Sam Oakes, Jake Davies.

18th player: Ellis Anderson.

Saints tries: Roberts (2), Whitby (2), Dagnall, Oakes, Will.

Goals: Roberts (5 from 7)