You are in > manchester.com  > News > Saints crash to shock defeat

Rugby League

Saints crash to shock defeat

06/05/2006

Huddersfield surprisingly ended St Helens' 100 per cent record with a 19-16 win at the Galpharm Stadium.

Saints have won every game so far in the Super League and mid-table Huddersfield were not expected to be the team to end that record.

Brad Drew and Robbie Paul combined to give the Giants the lead. They opened up the Saints defence to allow Michael De Vere to charge over the line.

St Helens coach Daniel Anderson was obviously concerned and had already made two substitutions by the half hour as he tried to reinvigorate a tired looking Saints.

Centre Willie Talau did manage to get a try back for Saints after good work by substitute Leon Pryce.

Stuart Donlan moved the Giants back into the lead on 56 minutes after great work by Drew who was pulling the strings in a superb captain's performance.

Then on 61 minutes came the decisive moment of the match. Paul March kicked a little grubber beyond the Saints defence and was quickest in the race to the ball to touch down.

Young prop James Graham got a late consolation for the Saints but they could not stage a comeback to beat their record 13 consecutive wins.

Warrington managed a comprehensive 44-16 win away at Catalans Dragons with tries from Brent Grose, Mike Wainwright, Logan Swann, Simon Grix, Lee Briers, Paul Wood and Ben Westwood.

© Adfero Ltd