Stobart Super League XVII - Round 11 Review

Stobart Super League XVII Round 11 review by Simon Reuben


St Helens bounced back from defeat on Friday to edge past Castleford Tigers at the Probiz Coliseum.

As usual with the second game in three days both teams had to make changes. Cas made seven but, although Saints had skipper Paul Wellens and Anthony Laffranchi back from suspension, they were without injured trio Jonny Lomax, Jon Wilkin and Tommy Makinson.

Also they were further affected by the loss of Tony Puletua, who made an early exit holding his left arm.

In a hard-fought opening period both teams cancelled each other out. St Helens were finally broke the deadlock as Gary Wheeler's initial break led to Ade Gardner going over.

Castleford got back into the contest after good work by Ryan McGoldrick set up Brett Ferries for an equalising score.

But the visitors hit back almost immediately, Sia Soliola collected a short pass from James Roby before burrowing over and it became 12-6 at the break as the Tigers lost the ball in their own half and Michael Shenton burst through to score against his former club.

Francis Meli looked to have made the game safe soon after as he intercepted McGoldrick's pass before sprinting the length of the field for his side's fourth score as James Roby added the extras.

However, Castleford showed plenty of spirit and reduced their arrears when Ferres crossed again after a concerted spell of home pressure but unfortunately they could not get over the line again as St Helens held on for the win.

St Helens 18 (Gardner, Soliola, Shenton and Meli tries. Roby goal.) defeated Castleford Tigers 12 (Ferres 2 tries. Dixon 2 goals.) Att: 6,492


Catalan Dragons produced a strong perfomance as they blew Warrington Wolves away in the South of France.

Played in baking hot consitions, the fixture attracted a ground record crowd to the Gilbert Brutus in Perpigan.

The Dragons did not disappoint thier following as they flew out of the blocks to lead 10-0 inside seven minutes. Lopini Paea powered over for the first and Thmoas Bosc scored the other after good work by Leon Pryce

Mickey Higham dummied his way over just before the quarter hour as the Wolves got back into the game. But Scott Dureau and Pryce then set up the verteran ex Sea Eagle Steve Menzies for the host