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Rugby League

Saints clinch thriller

01/06/2007

St Helens remain stop of Super League after a thrilling 27-26 win over rock-bottom Salford.

The reigning champions fought back from 14-22 down at half-time to snatch victory over the Reds.

A last minute drop goal from scrum-half Matty Smith gave the Saints the win while the Reds rattled the post with a drop goal attempt in the dying seconds.

The Saints touched down five times through Willie Talau, Leon Pryce, Francis Meli, Kieron Cunningham and Lee Gilmour while Paul Sculthorpe kicked three goals.

Salford looked set to cause an upset with tries from Stefan Ratchford, David Hodgson, Andy Coley and a brace from fullback John Wilshere, who also kicked two goals.

But the Reds scored just four points in the second-half and the Saints clung on for a dramatic victory.

The win for the Saints sees them remain top by virtue of points difference while the Reds are three points adrift at the bottom.

Elsewhere, Leeds kept up the pressure on the Saints after a 42-26 win over Warrington at Headingley.

The Rhinos rammed in six tries from Keith Senior, Danny McGuire, Clinton Toopi, Ian Kirke and a brace from Brent Webb.

Kevin Sinfield continued his devastating form this season for the hosts with seven goals.

The Wolves, who trailed 24-14 at the break, were led by a hat-trick of tries from Henry Fa'afili while Lee Penny crossed the line twice in the second half.

The result sees the Rhinos remain second with 24 points while the Wolves remain in trouble in tenth spot.

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