Long leads the way as gutsy defence sees Saints through (From St Helens Star)

Long leads the way as gutsy defence sees Saints through

10:58am Thursday 8th October 2009

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SEAN Long marked his last home game at Knowsley Road by guiding Saints to a fourth successive Super League Grand Final with a typically hands-on display.

The veteran scrum half’s pre-match preparation of spending the afternoon signing his autobiography in Wardleworth’s bookshop did not appear to unduly distract him.

Although far from immaculate with his kicking game, Long’s finger prints were all over this gutsy triumph in which Saints had to dig deep to see off a resourceful Warriors side desperate to give their departing coach Brian Noble one more trip to Old Trafford.

The charismatic number seven forced his way over for a crucial touchdown, created another one for Francis Meli and pulled off two try saving tackles to see Saints through a thorough test by the derby rivals.

Although the determined tackle that dragged hapless Wigan attacker Joel Tomkins into touch in the closing minutes may not gain the same recognition as the games Long has won with the boot, it was no less a match winning play.

It was a close, physical, absorbing and mentally draining encounter – so much so that relief rather than exaltation and exuberance greeted the final hooter.

At least this year nobody will be able to accuse Saints of not being battle-hardened going into the final.

In recent weeks Saints have switched pacy young half back Kyle Eastmond to centre – and within two minutes of Saturday’s encounter the ploy paid dividends.

A quick play the ball from Jon Wilkin saw the ball shunted left where Eastmond slipped under the attempted tackles of Joel Tomkins and Amos Roberts to dash down the wing before sending Meli storming over for his first try.

The conversion was missed – and with the strong wind in their favour Wigan rallied and built pressure with their kicking game.

It was perhaps the only facet of the game that the Warriors had over Saints – and this particular strength/weakness simply forced Mick Potter’s men to redouble their defensive efforts.

Long showed that doggedness on the ninth minute when he denied Pat Richards at the corner flag with a copy book cover tackle.

Saints tackled well, but Wigan are always dangerous when boot is put to ball. Centre George Carmont cashed in on some hesitancy from Saints wing Ade Gardner from Sam Tomkins’ steepling kick, which also slipped through the fingers of the advancing Richards.

Richards’ goal put Wigan ahead but five minutes later that was almost wiped out when Meli touched down in the corner, unfortunately putting a foot into touch en route.

Saints were bossing the show at this stage and that pressure finally paid off when James Roby cleverly switched play to hit Long with the right ball.

Long’s tenacity did the rest just managing to get the ball to touch the whitewash despite the tackle of Iafeta Palea’aesina on the line.

Eastmond kicked his first goal and should have at least had a stab at another attempt when, admittedly in the teeth of a strong wind, Saints opted to tap a penalty with only 25 seconds on the clock.

A fine try-saving tackle by Paul Wellens stopped Richards in his tracks shortly after the restart.

Saints countered when Long’s fine long pass, which cut out two players, found Meli in space at the corner. All he had to do was catch it and put it down to give Saints a two score lead.

On the hour mark Andy Coley was placed on report after a high tackle on Lee Gilmour.

It did not knock Saints off their game and more magnificent defence followed – most notably a joint Graham and Wellens tackle on Richards.

With Wigan throwing everything at Saints, the defence finally cracked with a rare one-on-one miss on second rower Joel Tomkins who sent Carmont away.

Richards, up in support, was tracked back by Wellens but a few yards from the line he boldly dropped the ball on to his foot and regathered to touch down in the corner.

Richards failed with the conversion attempt – but it set up a nerve-racking final ten minutes, which kept the crowd on tenterhooks.

With Wigan putting in a variety of kicks to try and unpick Saints’ defence, they finally made a breakthrough. But with the defence a little ragged and the tackle count scrubbed, Long spoilt Joel Tomkins’ moment of glory by stopping him in his tracks and then having the wherewithal to ensure his opponent’s foot was dragged into touch before the tackle was complete.

Saints: Wellens; Gardner, Gidley, Eastmond, Meli; Pryce, Long; Graham, Cunningham, Puletua, Flannery, Wilkin, Gilmour. Subs: Roby, Hargreaves, Clough, Fa’asavalu.

Wigan: Phelps; Roberts, Gleeson, Carmont, Richards; Tomkins, Leuluai; Coley, Riddell, Prescott, Tomkins, Hansen, O’Loughlin. Subs: Fielden, Palea’aesina, Mossop, Flanagan.

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