Round 5
Warrington Wolves 12 l. St Helens 48

2007 engage English Super League Index [Table] [Draw] [Player Stats] [Club Headlines]

Location: United Kingdom > National > First Grade Competition: engage English Super League

Gidley's hat-trick helps Saints hammer Wolves
Sat March 10, 2007
St Helens have continued their excellent post-World Club Challenge form handing equal competition leaders Warrington a 48-12 drubbing at Halliwell Stadium on Friday night.

Former Australian and Newcastle Knights centre Matthew Gidley was the star performer for St Helens scoring three tries in the 13th, 34th and 53rd minutes as stand-off Leon Pryce helped himself to a second half double.

The opening exchanges was tight with no points scored until the 13th minute when Gidley crossed over, which was followed up with a try to Ade Gardner for the Saints to lead 10-0 with Sean Long only converting the Gardner try. Gidley's second try in the 34th minute pushed the Saints well clear at 16-0.

Warrington found their form in the final three minutes of the first half with tries to Lee Briers and Henry Faafili to bring the Wolves dramatically back within four points with Briers converting both tries and all the sudden it was game on.

Francis Meli got the Saints back on track four minutes into the second half when he crossed over to make the score 20-12 as Long failed to convert and from there the floodgates opened up as the World Club Champions cruised their way to victory. Gidley's hat-trick made it 24-12 with Long again missing the conversion and any chance Warrington had of a comeback was snuffed out in the 58th minute when Mike Bennett crossed and Long converted for a 30-12 lead.

Two quick tries to Pryce in the space of two minutes pushed the score out to 42-12 and Paul Wellens crossed in the final moments with Long converting all three tries for the Saints to win 48-12.

After the match, St Helens coach Daniel Anderson said, "I thought the final score flattered us a bit.

"We were sloppy and got the rub of the green in the first half but in the second half we were a bit tighter and a lot more composed and patient."

Anderson also commented how the lush green surface at Halliwell Jones Stadium was a boost for the Saints players and in particular try-scoring hero Gidley.
Anderson said the lush green surface at the Halliwell Jones Stadium enabled Gidley to show his true talent.

"We were all excited when we saw the pitch. The surface is best bar none.

"Knowsley Road is a bit of a glue pot, it's not a classical centre's pitch at the moment. Matt has stayed patient and worked hard on his defence. I think everyone knew the class was there."

Warrington coach Paul Cullen said, "It's been a rough and tough 80 minutes and we've picked up injuries to boot.

"We're very disappointed the scoreline ran away from us. To compete, let alone beat, Saints you need to be at your best and at your healthiest.

"We defended their early blitz really well but what we couldn't handle was the avalanche of penalties and decisions that went against us. We couldn't buy a decision or a penalty tonight."

Scoring Order:

13th St Helens Try by Matthew Gidley
14th St Helens Goal missed by Sean Long

24th St Helens Try by Ade Gardner
26th St Helens Goal by Sean Long

34th St Helens Try by Matthew Gidley
35th St Helens Goal by Sean Long

37th Warrington Try by Lee Briers
37th Warrington Goal by Lee Briers

40th Warrington Try by Henry Fa'afili
40th Warrington Goal by Lee Briers

Half Time: St Helens 16-12

44th St Helens Try by Francis Meli
45th St Helens Goal missed by Sean Long

53rd St Helens Try by Matthew Gidley
54th St Helens Goal missed by Sean Long

58th St Helens Try by Mike Bennett
58th St Helens Goal by Sean Long

66th St Helens Try by Leon Pryce
66th St Helens Goal by Sean Long

68th St Helens Try by Leon Pryce
68th St Helens Goal by Sean Long

80th St Helens Try by Paul Wellens
80th St Helens Goal by Sean Long

Full Time: St Helens 48-12

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