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Rugby League

Noble upbeat despite defeat

28/05/2006

Wigan coach Brian Noble has insisted that he remains upbeat despite his Wigan side slumping to a 28-14 defeat to St Helens at the JJB Stadium.

The loss leaves the Warriors firmly rooted at the bottom of the Super League, while the victory extended St Helens' lead at the top to six points over Leeds Rhinos.

However, Noble said he took heart from his side's battling performance and insisted things remained positive at the club.

"We've been improving steadily and that was another step up the ladder as they showed plenty of character," Noble said.

"We gifted them two tries and they are the best team in Super League by far so I'm really pleased with the effort."

Wigan showed plenty of battle against their fierce rivals in the opening 22 minutes but the St Helens defence remained firm and the visitors took the lead through Jamie Lyon.

Things got worse for the home side as a mistake from Sean O'Loughlin gifted a try to Francis Meli to leave Wigan 14-0 down at the break.

However, they came back at the league leaders and Pat Richards gave the fans hope just after the break with a score.

Another mistake cost Wigan dearly though as Gareth Hock lost the ball to Sean Long and his breakaway was finished off by Ade Gardner.

Hock made up for his mistake soon after with a try of his own but Willie Talau's try for St Helens finished off the game before Brett Dallas scored a late consolation for Wigan.

"We prepared for a tough game and we got a very tough game," St Helens coach Daniel Anderson said.

"We didn't take as many opportunities as would have liked but Wigan were very spirited and they scrambled very well."

Wigan remain five points behind Harlequins RL having played a game more.

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