St Helens scored a dramatic try after the final hooter to beat fierce rivals Wigan 8-4 in Super League’s grand final and retain the British top-flight title on Friday.
The lowest-scoring final in Super League history had a scarcely believable ending, with Saints’ Tommy Makinson attempting a long-range drop goal as the clock ticked past 80 minutes.
The ball struck the upright, bounced down and the second bounce kicked left to allow Jack Welsby – narrowly onside as he followed up the kick – to beat Wigan’s Australian star Bevan French to the ball to ground.
Wigan players sank to their knees as St Helens celebrated a 15th league title, going back to back for the first time in 20 years.
Trailing 2-0 at halftime to ex-Penrith Panthers star Lachlan Coote’s goal at an empty KCOM Stadium in Hull, Wigan scored their first points when Jake Bibby went over in the right corner in the 65th minute.
The conversion struck the bar but Coote successfully kicked another penalty to lock the scores at 4-4.
Wigan missed another chance to add two points when Zak Hardaker’s penalty kick from just inside St Helens’ half fell narrowly short and wide.
Saints immediately went down the other end and snatched victory in the most cruel of ways as far as Wigan were concerned.
Wigan, whose captain Sean O’Loughlin was playing the final game of his distinguished 19-year professional career, was looking for a third Super League title in five years, and a record-extending 23rd overall.
“It was unbelievable to be part of but it’s a shame how it ended,” O’Loughlin said. “It’s gutting but that’s sport.”
Instead it was the perfect send-off for retiring St Helens prop and former NRL Bulldogs star James Graham.
“You couldn’t have scripted this,” Graham said. “I’m genuinely moved.”
Albo
Roar Rookie
It was a good Grand Final with defense dominating and keeping the scores close to the end . The two best Super League teams made the GF and there was little between them. Both defended well for 80 minutes. St Helens got the very lucky break in the 80 th minute to grab the win, but I think they were marginally the better team throughout, with only great Wigan defence keeping them out . For the Saints, backrower James Bentley was their best doing a million tackles and a bunch of hit ups ( Looks very much like another John Bateman type !! You see that , Sticky ? ) . Five eighth Jonny Lomax was always looking dangerous and the back three of Coote, Grace & Makinson were key set starters at the back. For the unlucky Wigan Warriors , Bevan French was very good under a heap of pressure all match and didn't deserve that 80 th minute ball bouncing disaster. Backrower Willie Isa , and halves Tommy Leuluai and Jackson Hastings tried hard all match.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
I agree but the bent finger redeemed it all.
Nat
Roar Rookie
I managed to avoid the score all day yesterday, than caught the title of this article just as I put the game on last night... :angry: Still, glad I watched it though. Could never have picked that type of game and a cracking finish. That young fella will never have to buy a beer while Graham is around. Congrats to the old war horse, he does deserve that one.
mushi
Roar Guru
And the biting, and the little whacks to Burgo's cheek/divot. I think he crossed the hard/dirty line too often
Chris.P.Bacon
Guest
Well done Jammer! :thumbup:
Pickett
Roar Rookie
Good to see. He lost a lot of GFs from memory.
RoryStorm
Guest
Ben Lewis, you forgot to add the feasting on Billy Slater's lug in the Bulldogs v Storm GF. If that's not disgusting I don't know what is although to be fair that type of behaviour was a big part of English rugby league. Who could forget that outlandish display of thuggery a few years back in I think their GF where one player went completely troppo raining down hard punches beating the begeezus out of the opposition player on the ground.
Gnasher
Guest
Won his first GF with the Saints, then lost 5 in England and 2 in Australia. And the World Cup Final! He has won the Challenge Cup about five times though.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Good on ya Jimmy...well deserved way to go out...!
Nico
Roar Rookie
Was a classic grand final, who said high-scoring means entertaining? Feel for Bevan French, he was actually pretty solid without being spectacular for 79 minutes, just got an unlucky bounce and the rest is history
Ben Lewis
Roar Pro
Much as I soured on Graham after his disgusting display during 2015’s Good Friday match against the Rabbitohs, I’m pleased he finally got his premiership after so many chances. Also makes me really hopeful that the rumours of the Eels looking to sign back Bevan French are untrue...
Plastered Plasterer
Guest
Didn’t he have some kind of awfully unlucky history prior to this ? Been is something like 5 grand finals , but had never won one . Certainly deserves to go out on a high.
Duncan Smith
Roar Guru
Good on him, he deserves it.
Succhi
Roar Rookie
Happy for Graham - well deserved end to his career.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Nah, fair challenge. That woukd be a try in the NRL every day.
Tim Buck 3
Roar Rookie
Bevan French was pushed in the back and was used by the Saint to stay in play. Should've gone into extra time. No wonder the game is going nowhere.