Daniel Anderson insists Saints can still take title

Mar 29 2008 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

ST HELENS coach Daniel Anderson insists his side will be in contention for the engage Super League title despite losing three of their last four matches.

Saints are six points behind Leeds a third of the way through the season after the defending champions ground out a 14-10 victory in last night’s Grand Final rematch at a soggy Knowsley Road, but Anderson remained upbeat over his side’s prospects of a return to Old Trafford.

“If we play like that, we’re going to be every bit contenders,” he said. “I’m not concerned with our position on the table.

“I thought we were very good and dominated large parts of the game but we couldn’t get a play at crucial times.

“We dropped our guard on two or three occasions and they scored two tries.”

After running in 122 points in their three previous matches, Leeds were cut down to size by a combination of determined opponents and wintry conditions on a gluepot pitch.

The Rhinos scored the only try of the first half through second rower Ali Lauitiiti but Saints were twice denied by the video referee before taking the lead courtesy of Paul Wellens’ try 10 minutes into the second half.

It was only the second try conceded by the champions in their last four matches but they hit back on the hour when substitute prop Luke Burgess forced his way over from close range for the all-important score.

“It was very tough out there,” said Leeds coach Brian McClennan. “They were very testing conditions and a lot of the players were shivering at half-time.

“We defended very well. St Helens have so many threats all over the field and it’s nerve-wracking to watch them when they have the ball.

“We’re very proud and it was great to get the win. Saints were very brave and showed they are a top club.”

Saints had two tries disallowed by video referee Phil Bentham but trailed by just two points at the interval thanks to three penalty goals from Sean Long, and would have been in front but for another two misses by the scrum-half.

Leeds managed to dominate the opening exchanges and took the lead when skipper Kevin Sinfield extended his scoring run to 51 successive matches with a ninth-minute penalty.

Long then edged his side ahead with two well-struck goals but the visitors scored the only try of the first half after 28 minutes when second-rower Ali Lauitiiti forced his way over out wide and Sinfield converted the try.

The Leeds defence was tested when stand-off Leon Pryce worked his way to the line but was ruled to have made a double movement, while Long was also denied after he chased a kick from James Roby.

But there was no denying Leeds’ superiority and they regained the lead on the hour when substitute prop Luke Burgess forced his way over from close range and Sinfield kicked his third goal.

Saints continued to strive for victory but Leeds demonstrated their resolve with an immense defensive display to hold out for victory.

Sprinter Dwain Chambers is to visit engage Super League club Castleford for talks about a possible career in rugby league, according to his spokesman.