Our Academy took on Hull FC in their Semi-Final, looking to reach yet another Grand Final for the third year in a row...
It was a great start for the Saints, crossing over after just six minutes. Forcing a drop-out in the first tackle of the game, the Saints were camped in the FC half to start the game, applying early pressure on the Black and Whites. Shifting from right to left, George Whitby found his half-back partner Harry Robertson on the move, who attacked the Hull line before finding a lovely pass back inside to fullback Louie Roberts who flew onto the ball to score under the posts. Whitby converted to put the Saints ahead by six, 6-0.
The following kick-off from Hull went out on the full, and it was straight back on the attack for the Saints. A great kick to touch from Whitby got the Saints within 25 metres of the Hull line, and on charge to the Hull line. Attacking to the right with Whitby, he attacked the line before finding a great short ball to Oliver Garmston who raced away to score and extend the lead for the Saints with back to back tries. Whitby converted the score from an awkward angle to double the Saints lead, 12-0.
With 12 minutes gone on the clock, the Saints would cross over again. Once again camped on the Hull FC line, the ball found it’s way to Harry Robertson, who stepped his way through the FC line, before fending off another defender to score under the posts, scoring a great individual try. Whitby converted the score from right in front of the posts, 18-0 the Saints led.
20’ Brilliant opening quarter by the Saints Academy.
😇 18-0 ⚫️⚪️ pic.twitter.com/ly55dqs99q
— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) September 16, 2024
20 minutes gone on the clock, and the Saints struck again. Once again, the Saints find themselves deep inside the Hull FC half. The once again attack to their right edge, Roberts attacks out the back, he finds Matthew Penketh who’s lovey quick hands find Ellis Anderson who crosses over right in the corner. Whitby again stepped up to convert, and did just that nailing the side-line conversion! 24-0 the Saints led after just 21 minutes.
But, with 31 minutes gone into the game, Hull FC would get themselves on the board. After getting some needed release from the Saints pressure being applied to them within their own half, Hull found themselves within the Saints 20 metre area. A penalty then on the Saints line gave the Black and Whites a full set on the Saints line. The Saints stood strong, until the last tackle when a kick in behind was latched on to by Cobie Wainhouse to ground. Charles converted the try, and with the final points of the half sending the game into the break at 24-6.
⏸️ Saints have an eighteen point lead in the Academy Semi-Final against Hull FC. #COYS pic.twitter.com/hox7Z0xb1s
— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) September 16, 2024
It was another fast start for the Saints in the second half, again crossing after just 6 minutes! An error from Hull forced by the aggressive line speed from the Saints gave them good field position in the Hull 20 metre area. With the defence back-peddling, Robertson charged at the defence, stepping multiple FC defenders before finding a pass to Matthew Evans who spun out of the tackle attempt and score. Whitby once again converted, from just left of the posts, 30-6 the score.
Matthew Evans got us going in this second half 💪 @plattyphoto #COYS pic.twitter.com/oFvXdnViOo
— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) September 16, 2024
Both sides continued to battle it out, on a crisp evening at the Totally Wicked Stadium, exchanging hard hits, along with the fair share of attacking opportunities, but the Saints would once again just poke their nose through to extend their lead.
The Saints attacking down the Hull FC right edge again on half way, Robertson found a great flick pass to Garmston who carried defenders on his back to the 10 metre line. Robertson got the ball the next play, and kicked through the Hull line, his kick was too powerful for Charles to claim, Robertson was quickest to react and dove on the loose ball to score. Whitby converted from the awkward angle, keeping his 100% kicking rate up, 36-6.
With seconds remaining in the game, the Saints looked to get one final score on the board, but a penalty against Hull for being offside presented Whitby with the chance to add the icing on the cake, opting to take the two points from just left of the posts. He did just that and sent the Saints into another Home Academy Grand Final 38-6 winners over Hull FC!
👊 The Saints are into the Academy Grand Final 2024 following a strong win over Hull FC! pic.twitter.com/oLUjyoxZDm
— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) September 16, 2024
The Saints Academy will now take on the Wigan Warriors on Wednesday 25th of September, here at the Totally Wicked Stadium for a third successive season, and will look to record a second Grand Final win in a row.
Saints Team: 1. Louie Roberts, 2. Ellis Anderson, 5. Matthew Penketh, 4. Owen Dagnall, 3. Elliot Jamieson, 6. Harry Robertson, 7. George Whitby, 8. Daniel Frost, 23. Tom Humphreys, 10. Oliver Polec, 11. Billy Keeley, 12. Oliver Garmston, 13. Cole Marsh.
Bench: 9. Reece Robinson, 16. Alfie Tate, 17. Matthew Evans, 25 Oliver Stankevitch.
18th Player: 18. Kian McGann.
Tries: Harry Robertson (2), Louie Roberts, Oliver Garmston, Ellis Anderson, Matthew Evans.
Goals: George Whitby (7 from 7).
Hull FC Team: 1. Jack Charles, 2. Callum Barfield, 4. Lloyd Kemp, 3. Ryan Westerman, 5. Elliot Middlemas, 6. Joe Thompson, 7. Callum Kemp, 8. Jon Turner, 9. Will Hutchinson, 18. Will Wilson, 11. Lennon Clark, 10. Cobie Wainhouse, 13. Jordon Baker.
Bench: 14. Alistair Swyer, 15. Callum Smith, 16. Matthew Shepherdson, 17. Tom Rea.
18th Player: 19. Alfie Baxter.
Tries: Cobie Wainhouse.
Goals: Jack Charles (1 from 1)
