A moment of brutal insanity from Wigan prop Ben Flower has cost his side victory in the Super League grand final against St Helens at Old Trafford.
Just two minutes into the game Flower inked his named into sporting infamy when he dropped Saints halfback Lance Hohaia with two massive punches to the face.
Following a scuffle off the ball Flower dropped the Kiwi with a big right hand and then drove another punch into Hohaia’s head as he lay dazed and prone on the turf.
It was sickening stuff.
Referee Phil Bentham had no choice but to send the Welsh international packing. It was a snap piece of stupidity from Flower, who has form against Saints’ halfbacks this season, and something that will be remembered for a long, long time.
The whole first half of the Super League grand final was a bit like a 1970s throwback, with punching, low scores and big hits. After that thuggery both teams were a little shocked, and while there were few attacking chances, it became a grind, a real war of attrition.
Surprisingly Wigan settled better of the two teams and despite being a man down went into the break 6-2 in front. St Helens were reeling after losing their only recognised half in Hohaia, and had no structure and direction.
They made poor decisions, often going for nervy kicks instead of exploited overlaps on the flanks, and made error after error. Wigan’s try was caused by a Saints mistake – fullback Paul Wellens unnecessarily shooting off his line but missing a key tackle.
In the second half St Helens started to find some composure and stability. They completed more sets and built pressure. Wigan began to tire, as expected, and gave away some cheap penalties.
On 53 minutes Saints finally took the lead after Sia Soliola crashed over. They wouldn’t relinquish it. Three minutes later Wigan looked to hit back after a great break from Liam Farrell but Tommy Makinson pulled off a brilliant cover tackle.
Wigan had the chance to tie it up 8-8 on 62 minutes but the pressure got to Matt Smith and he pushed his kick wide. To their credit, the Warriors didn’t give up and kept plugging away. At times it seemed as though they had the full 13 on the pitch.
They showed great heart but a flying Makinson sealed it for Saints 12 minutes from full-time. He leapt high for a bomb and his great score took their lead to eight points.
It was enough for St Helens to get home, and what a win it was for the minor premiers. It wasn’t the prettiest, or the most entertaining, but it was a grand final victory regardless.
Everyone had written them off after injuries to Luke Walsh, Johnny Lomax and Jon Wilkin, and Saints had lost their past five grand finals in a row in the past eight years. But they exercised their demons at Old Trafford and ended their run of decider defeats in dramatic style.
Wigan were valiant in defeat, almost pulling off a miracle with just 12 men. But it was right that Flower’s flourish wasn’t rewarded and Saints prevailed. It wasn’t just the undoubted malice of Flower’s act – more UFC than rugby league – but that it robbed Saints of their only playmaker.
Soliola, Willie Manu, Anthony Laffranchi and coach Nathan Brown can now leave the club in style. What a way to finish.
But the 2014 Super League grand final will be largely remembered for one man – Ben Flower – and his moment of madness in Manchester.
The Cardiff-born prop has gone into history as the first man sent off in a Super League grand final.
Old Trafford has been home to some amazing sporting moments over the years, good and bad, and this one can certainly be added to the list.
Follow John Davidson on Twitter @johnnyddavidson
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