SAINTS boss Keiron Cunningham was proud of the effort and commitment his team showed despite watching them fall at the final hurdle to Old Trafford.

His team fell behind for the first time to a Ryan Hall try 12 minutes from the end with the game hinging on the odd piece of brilliance, a 50:50 call and a missed goalkick.

Saints were not helped by the injury situation, losing Tommy Makinson just after the break with an ankle injury and seeing Alex Walmsley hobble off at the end of the match.

Leeds, who scored a late try through Kallum Watkins as Saints chased the game, won 20-13 to book their date in the Grand Final.

Cunningham said: "All year I have been proud of what these boys have done; through all the adversity and injuries we have had they have kept on fighting.

"It's easy in hindsight but I genuinely believe we were the best side for large parts of the game tonight.

"Kevin Sinfield is a great player and he showed that with the 40/20. That was a massive momentum swing as we had control of the game and I thought we would pull away. We had a really good defensive set and then he did what he did.

"The momentum was with us and we were gaining more control of the game. The halves were dictating things, Jon Wilkin was good and Kyle Amor was the best player on the pitch by far.

"But that's how things go.”

Makinson damaged his ankle during a burst down the wing at the end of the first half, and although he came back in the second half it was clear that he had a problem.

Cunningham added: "It never is a good thing when you lose a winger but we have players who can move into the centres and I thought Mark Percival did a great job on the wing. But it meant we lost a sub and I couldn't rotate Mose Masoe and Alex Walmsley like I would have wanted to.

"We can't have any complaints though. We have learnt a lot this year but unfortunately we have not finished on the terms we would have liked to."

As for the match itself, Cunningham felt it was of the calibre to grace the final itself.

"It was a game worthy of the Old Trafford stage. The system has been brought in to create games like that. It would have been good to be a neutral - it was a great game of rugby.

"I am proud of the players with how they have handled things. We've had people playing out of position for me all year, it's just a shame we couldn't end on a high. We've been the bridesmaid twice this year - let's be the bride next year,” he said.

All attention will now go on to Leeds who are battling to become the first team since Saints in 2006 to win the treble.

Cunningham was quick to acknowledge the difficulty the Rhinos have faced.

"It is difficult to win the Challenge Cup, back up and win the Shield and then get into the Grand Final - it is testament to Leeds because they have done the unthinkable.

"They have a good shot at it now but Wigan are a good side too and it I'm sure it will be another slug fest like tonight.

"All credit to them for doing it - I'm pleased for Brian Mac and the likes of JP, Kylie and Kevin - they are legends of the game," he said.