Two tries from Matty Lees and one from Konrad Hurrell, Jack Welsby, Tommy Makinson, Joe Batc started and Curtis Sironen secured victory for the Saints the day they lifted the League Leaders’ Shield for the first time since 2019
Last Updated: 09/03/22 6:45 pm
St Helens lifts League Leaders ‘Shield after victory over Toulouse
St Helens celebrated with League Leaders’ Shield as they wrapped up the regular Betfred Super League season with a 36-16 comeback win over Toulouse Olympique.
The Saints scored four goals in the final half as they came 16-12 to beat relegated Toulouse at the Totally Evil Stadium, with the French side taking the lead thanks to the efforts of Ilias Bergal, Nathan Peats and Eloi Pelissier.
But the defending Super League champions, who this week confirmed head coach Kristian Woolf will leave the club at the end of the season, show they are not in the mood for Sylvain Houles’ men to spoil party.
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St Helens elevates League Leaders ‘Shield after topping the Super League table at the end of the regular season
The Saints produced a strong finish, including a second try from Matty Lees and one from Konrad Hurrell, Jack Welsby and Tommy Makinson. Joe Batc started and Curtis Sironen also tried to score while Makinson scored 5 goals after many attempts. Youngster Ben Lane also scored another late goal.
Story of the game
Awarded the title of League Leaders’ Shield for the first time in three years, St Helens secured the top spot on Monday despite losing to Wakefield Trinity as their closest rivals Wigan Warriors lost to Hull Kingston Rovers.
The away team entered this match with six straight losses but they silenced the home crowd with their effort in the third minute. It was a particularly poor start from the Saints, who kicked off the game with all their might and were hit six more times.
Toulouse took advantage of the Saints’ neglect when Chris Hankinson scored a corner that was fouled by winger Bergal on Makinson and Jonny Lomax was beaten in mid-flight. Hankinson missed the conversion attempt.
St Helens has been boosted by the return of several key players from injury including Hurrell and Welsby while Curtis Sironen and Morgan Knowles have returned from suspension and Lane retains his place in the Premier League. team.
Toulouse is without Lloyd White, Tony Gigot and Lucas Albert through injuries while Romain Navarrete and Corey Norman are suspended. Benjamin Laguerre made his debut from the bench and former Saints striker Joseph Paulo made his final appearance before retiring. Dominique Peyroux made his 200th career appearance with 122 of them for St Helens.
Makinson came close to scoring when he lunged for a corner in the ninth minute after receiving a fine pass from Welsby but the Saints excelled shortly after. Second row player Batc started running under the posts after receiving a pass from Lees, who was sent out by Lomax’s short ball. Makinson’s conversion gives the Saints a 6-4 lead.
The teams tried to set up scoring opportunities at a high, but it was the home side that struck the next eight minutes before half-time was over. Sironen changed his pace very quickly to get past the Toulouse defense from 20 yards after Welsby’s cross. Makinson added extras to make it 12-4.
With only three minutes remaining in the first half, Toulouse showed they were not in the mood to roll and score the second. Hooker Peats bravely dived into a powerful Welsby clearance and won the race for the ball, reaching under the post to try which Hankinson converted.
Toulouse silenced the home fans once again with a third attempt in nine minutes after starting again. Pelissier spotted a gap from the fake half and ducked to try it from close range. Hankinson’s second conversion took a 16-12 lead to Toulouse.
St Helens: Tries – Matty Lees (2), Konrad Hurrell, Jack Welsby, Tommy Makinson, Joe Batc started, Curtis Sironen; Goal – Tommy Makinson (5), Ben Lane.
Toulouse Olympique: Tries – Ilias Bergal, Nathan Peats, Eloi Pelissier; Goal – Chris Hankinson (2).
Matty Lees scored twice in St Helens’ win over Toulouse
But the last half belonged to the home team with four attempts. Hurrell, Lomax and Roby worked together brilliantly to keep the ball alive and Lees had the power to touch down. Makinson scored another goal.
With 13 minutes remaining, the Saints considered the winner when Hurrell cornered and won the race for the ball. Makinson converted from touchline.
There was still time for Makinson to try another Saints, create a stylish finish in the corner and convert himself to make it 30-16 and most of the time, Jon Bennison broke through dangerously from the middle and he had Welsby backing him up, who finished well. below articles. Lane added additional features.
What’s next?
St Helens has a week off before hosting the Qualifier’s lowest-placed winner in the play-off semi-finals on Saturday, September 17 live on Sports sky (1pm start). Toulouse is now gearing up for life back at the Betfred Championship in 2023.
