Saints clinch Super League top-spot

10:27pm Friday 5th September 2008

Double-chasing St Helens came from behind to secure a 16-16 draw in their last match of the regular season and clinch top spot in the engage Super League for a fourth year in a row.

A below-par Saints went in front for the first time with Matt Gidley's second try in the 56th minute but, in a thrilling finale, Wigan winger Pat Richards levelled the scores with a long-range penalty 10 minutes from the end.

A draw brought St Helens' 21-match winning run to an end but the point was enough to enable them to retain the League leaders' trophy which was presented to captain Keiron Cunningham at the end of an enthralling match.

Richards, in fact, had a chance to win the game for the visitors but his late drop goal attempt sailed wide of the posts.

However, the Warriors will be delighted not only to end their dismal run at the hands of their neighbours but to keep alive their hopes of a home tie in the play-offs.

Leeds were therefore forced to settle for second place in the final table despite a battling 30-12 win at Wakefield.

A tense game was locked at 12-12 for most of the second half on a wet night at Belle Vue but a Kevin Sinfield try broke the deadlock and an Ali Lauitiiti double made the win safe.

Leeds had trailed after Scott Grix replied to Jordan Tansey's early effort with two tries but Scott Donald brought them back level at the interval.

The Rhinos had needed to win convincingly and hope for a Wigan win at St Helens to have a chance of finishing top.

That never materialised but they can at least go into the play-offs with confidence having been given a stiff examination by their neighbours.

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