THE contrast in the press room after the match summed up what the Saints v Wigan derby means to both towns, the teams and the personnel that front them.

It was not hard to tell the victor, with Keiron Cunningham beaming with pride as he spoke about Saints creating a legacy at Langtree Park.

That was in stark contrast to Wigan boss Shaun Wane's demeanor after his side had their pockets picked by Josh Jones' late try to secure an 18-14 victory.

That score had the stadium bouncing and afterwards, without getting carried away,Cunningham calmly stated: "The boys played really well.

"We weren't great with the ball at times but we defended like troopers. We kept hanging on in there and finding a way. That is team spirit you can't manufacture. You have to have that fight and want and we have. We are finding a way of doing things.

"As soon as we get that combination of attack and defence together we will be a fair side."

Saints had to hang tough, defending their line through repeat set after repeat set in the first half - but only cracking once.

And then they had the wherewithal to come off the ropes and plunder a match-levelling score just before the break.

Cunningham added: "Wigan are a good side and throw a lot at you. They challenge you on every play. I thought we got some really stiff calls at times - the forward pass is one I'm not sure of. Then, they went down the other end and Tommy Makinson made that amazing try saving tackle.

"It was a special night, especially when you see players fighting for each other."

Although with Huddersfield winning, Saints can no longer finish top, and in all likelihood they will probably remain in fourth, that does not devalue this excellent victory that will send them into the semis fearing nobody.

The resilience they showed showed that they are not going to hand over the title they won last year without a fight.

"In big close games you always get a chance to win it and we got a chance and took it. I am really pleased for the lads. There has been a lot of stuff said about certain individuals over recent weeks - let's see what they say this week.

"The Leeds performance encouraged us then to go to Cas and scrap for that win was massive - especially when you see what they did to Leeds last night. Winning becomes a habit, as does losing, and we don't want to break this circle.

"It was a semi final game at times - quick and physical - and definitely a classic Saints v Wigan match," he said.

In stark contrast to the deafening silence that greeted the last two home games, this one was played in front of a cauldron of noise.

It made for a fitting backdrop.

"The place was rocking - we are creating legacies at this place. We are creating memories for kids and spectators in this fantastic stadium," Cunningham said.

In contrast, the Wigan boss expressed his disappointment.

"That's hurt me badly, very badly," Wane said. "It will take me a few days to get over this.

"That's rugby league, it's a tough sport. Unless you concentrate for 80 minutes, you can get burned and we did today.

"I thought we controlled the game for large parts but it shows the quality they have. They never go away. I never felt comfortable.

"It was a great game to watch I'd imagine. I'm very proud of the effort of my players but to come away with nothing after doing as much as they did is an absolute heart breaker."