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Saints see off Wigan to secure Grand Final spot
Rugby League, 11:48, October 4, 2009 ,
St Helens defeated Wigan 14-10 in their Super League play-off semi-final to set up a third successive Grand Final against Leeds Rhinos.
In a closely-fought encounter at Knowsley Road the Saints went ahead when Francis Meli crossed early on, but Kyle Eastmond could not add the conversion in blustery conditions. Wigan hit back to go in front thanks to George Carmont's converted try, before Sean Long's score handed the Saints a 10-6 half time lead.
Meli extended St Helens' lead after the break before Pat Richards set up an anxious final few minutes when he went over for Wigan. But the hosts held on to progress to next weekend's Grand Final where they will look to avenge two successive defeats against Leeds at Old Trafford.
Afterwards St Helens coach Mick Potter said: "It was a really good performance from us against a very determined team.
"You could sense both teams were desperate to win to get to the next stage.
"It's great to get the result and be going to Old Trafford. There were some really special things done by us to stop them scoring."
Wigan coach Brian Noble, who announced he is stepping down following the game, added: "I'm absolutely thrilled for the players and the way they played but I'm gutted and devastated at the way they've gone out of the competition.
"I don't think they got what they deserved. They should be really proud of themselves.
"On any other day we would have come away with the spoils but we didn't. The rugby Gods weren't with us."