Widnes v St Helens Rugby League: Challenge Cup

Welcome to the challenge cup live from Widnes. On 27th May 1990,

27,000 fans gathered here on Spike Island to witness the Stone Roses

perform a kick that defined an era. Meanwhile, just down the road,

another piece of history was being made as Widnes finished the season

rugby league world champions. going to the line and he is there.

That is the true Widnes! What a tackle. Davies has scored. It is a

The rugby league champions of the world. Today we are at the Stobart

Stadium. Last year, St Helens made this their home as their new

stadium was being constructed. This evening, they are the visitors in a

competition that has served them well. Falls Gold, hardly. -- for's

St Helens, the winners of the Challenge Cup final. The third

successive win. You yes, they put their cup

pedigree to the test this afternoon in a derby, here at Widnes. The

game will kick off in 15 minutes. It will be a challenge Cup First

because it is the first time it will be played on an artificial

pitch. That is the 4G I it pitch at the Stobart Stadium. Of course, if

you went back 30 years, there were a few football clubs trying to play

their game on artificial turf. At that time, Widnes were flying on

the grass. Their last Challenge Cup win came

in 1984, when Joe Leiden a inspired them to victory over Wigan at

Wembley. But Widnes will be grateful for as little Wigan know

how, they head coach, Denis Betts, has seven Challenge Cup winners'

medals under his belt. They will need the know how with a huge task,

as they attempt to become the first side to prevent Saints reaching the

semi-finals this century. And the man who has been at the

heart of that run is a club legend. Keiron Cunningham has seven winners

medals of his own and is now the acting assistant coach.

Plenty of expertise to enjoy the game. Among the fans, arriving,

some arriving more in hope than expectation. Keiron Cunningham is

signing autographs. The expertise alongside me his Jonathan Davies,

Brian Noble and Jonathan, you smile every time you see Widnes as world

champions. It's the ins long time ago but things have changed.

stadium, the grass. This time last year, -- when we were playing there

was no grass! Bid is an uphill task. What made me smile was seen

Jonathan Davies' head getting knocked off. It is a quick pitch

and there has been debate about the artificial surface, but it lends

itself to faster football and they will have to compete with that

today. Nathan, you will be at St Helens

next year. Let's talk about your relationship, this was a big trophy

when you were growing up in Australia. As a kid growing up, to

Watchet, it made me and all of Australia follow it. It is a

wonderful place, unique will stop its his special what Saints have

done this century. A any side that can consistently do well in a

competition is doing well. There are few games have taken place in

the fourth round. There was a shock. We saw the Super League side go

this afternoon, Castleford. This was a try. It put them clearly in

the lead, they scored four tries in this game. Last year's semi-

finalists are out. Featherstone have been knocking on the door for

a while and they have aspirations to be in super league and they have

been the dominant force in the Championship. They will be

extremely disappointed, Castleford. It was a drop goal right at the end.

To make sure they got the extra point. It showed what the Cup is

all about. Nine times out of ten, Castleford would win. Leeds went

through last night. And comfortable victories for Halifax and Swinton.

Plenty more games across the Challenge Cup fourth round tomorrow,

including your game, Nathan, Huddersfield and Hull. In should be

an interesting game. Hull have been going well. It is probably the pick

of the games. You have to be in Humberside to see the best four

teams in action tomorrow. The likelihood that they can be shocks

in the Challenge Cup are there for all to see. After the game, we will

be on the red button. You might want to talk to Nathan about

Huddersfield and Hull. There is plenty of other stuff going on. I

am sure prime will answer questions on the Bradford Bulls situation. --

We will show more highlights from the Featherstone and Castleford

game, as well. Today, we can look 1930 was the last time Widnes

defeated Saints in the Challenge Cup. Since then, it has been Saints

all the way. St Helens! He is in in the corner!

Is it is all over. St Helens are at Wembley.

He is going for the line, it is over, yes! A superb try. It is all

action in the Silk Cut Challenge Cup semi-final. Hunt is in in the

corner. This season, both teams have been

through the mail. Vikings at the bottom of Super League with nine

defeats out of 11. One of their victories was this amazing win

against Wigan Warriors. 37-36. Saints got off to a terrible start,

and it led to the departure of the coach after five games without a

win. Mike Rush and club legend Kieron Cunningham to Cover. Since

then, they have been on a roll. -- took over.

The three wins out of the last four have lifted Saints to 8th in the

table. Widnes are rock-bottom. They have conceded more points than any

other side in Super League this season. It means it is a big

question for Robbie Paul to answer, how can Widnes win this this

evening? One thing we have been talking about is the new pitch.

This is what makes this surface feel like a natural surface. The

good thing for -- for Widnes is they are training here and playing

here. It will be in their favour. They will need that. They also have

a couple of players we need to keep our eye on. Willie Isa, and also

Patrick Ah Van. Not only is he a good try scorer, he is the goal

kicker. He will need to put the ball through the post every

opportunity. We can see the big boys going out. They will need to

dictate to St Helens. St Helens like this Peter and they like to

get down. They will have to test the resolve of the referee -- like

the speed. They will have to stop them, stop Lance Hohaia getting on

the front foot. This will be the difference between whether or not

Widnes can push them back in their direction.

Be it is a similar question to you Jonathan. -- it is. If you look at

the tackles they have missed, they have four players in the top 10 and

they have missed tackles. You have to front up every week and they are

not doing it. They are falling off too many tackles and their

completion sets are poor. At this quality, you cannot do that. It is

the basics. Do your tackles. If that happens, anything can happen.

We can hear from their head coach. A you cannot go into the subject of

Scott Moore leaving the club but how much of an impact has it had?

His is difficult to talk about. It might galvanise us. We will find

out today. There have been a lot of things going on. I feel we are

pretty strong and we know what we need to do. It has been a tough

start in Super League. It's is a tough competition. It is bringing

players together and getting the best team you can find. The lads

are working hard and it is an opportunity for them to show

themselves in this league. It does not look like it's sometimes, but

they are making small winds all over the place. The biggest thing

his confidence. It is a fragile thing. Sometimes you have it and it

disappears in front of you in the game. That is what hurts us. We

have been in games, sometimes for 60 minutes, but your confidence

fractures and we look like a side that is fractured. It could be nice

to have a run in the cup. It is great to get St Helens here and be

at our home ground. This is a really big game. Go luck. Denis

Betts talking earlier. He has made his way out of the tunnel and he is

talking to Paul Cullen. And also the Widnes chairman. He was at

Wembley to watch Liverpool beat Everton and he is now here to

hopefully see Widnes do the same to St Helens. Do you sympathise with

Denis Betts over the Scott Moore issue? And Les you are involved,

you do not know the -- unless you are involved, you do not know the

issues. These things happen. Players move and new players come

in. Denis Betts said that being in Super League this season, it is

important they learn how to deal with the dark days. There will be

dark days because they are new back to the competition. There have had

some good performances and they need to focus on the positive side

of what they are doing in Super League. It is a high-performance

sport. The expectation is to compete every week. They have had

issues defensively. As long as the fans can see the players are

applying themselves every week, and there are incremental steps are

getting better, they will stay with that. You have to see that next

year, or next week will be better and we are going in the direction

that is right. He is in the business of selling dreams and

It has been a whirlwind for you. How are you finding it? Be it is

what I have been expecting. I have said and a number of occasions. We

are lucky at St Helens. I would be kidding if they did not say hour

quality players did not make life easier. Are you enjoying it? I am

enjoying it. To have so many great players and to code my hometown

club, it is great. The form has picked up remarkably. What have you

done differently? Probably not too much. I think whenever you get a

departure of coaching staff, the players have to look after

themselves, and a lot of them have done that. We have changed her few

things. We had to pick them up and get their confidence and self-

belief. You know more than anybody what the Cup means to St Helen's.

Yes. We have not been to Wembley for three years. Expectation is

there from our fans every year! This year is no different. We will

have to produce some form today. good look. Tree it. We can see the

away dressing room. Let's take a look inside. A few of the shares

are putting -- a few of the players are putting their shirts on. I

mention Steve O'Connor before. have jetted up from Wembley. Not a

bad life! It has been a good start to the day. It was well worth the

results earlier. How began occasion is this? Far as are desperate for

these local rivalries. -- fans. We just hope we put on a good display.

If we put in a good performance, I will be delighted. It we are a

brand new team. We're trying to see who fits. Unfortunately, it did not

work out with Scott. We have the chance for somebody else. A you

dreaming of they know their trip to Wembley? -- are you are dreaming of

a another trip to Wembley. It would be great to progress to the next

round. Good luck. Enjoyed the day. The thank you very much.

Let's look at one of the players to watch. Lance Hohaia. What do you

think that thinking was behind moving his position? I am not 100 %

sure. Paul Wellens is playing really well at full-back. I'd do

not know if they are sure where to play Lance Hohaia. I think Lomax

and gas goal are under pressure -- gas goal, so he is taking the

pressure off them a little bit. It is a sensible month. Let's do some

predictions now. I would love to see wet-nurse -- Widnes win, but I

cannot see it happening today. Brian? Saints. I think they are too

strong. So you think cool heads will be the key? Yes. The culprit

is eight very interesting competition. Plenty more families 3

at half-time. It is time now to They are looking for some Challenge

Cup sunshine! It is amazing what a feel-good factor this call pecan

provide. -- this Challenge Cup can provide. This is the final act of

what has been a fabulous sporting a full stop there has been drama with

debut. Jonny Lomax is back from a hand injury. On the interchange

bench, 80 names we are certain to see in the next 18 minutes or so.

Al referee is a man with plenty of experience. -- hour referee. He has

been a touch judge in a World Cup final. Different atmosphere here

today. St Helens have the first touch of the ball. Josh Perry. This

is very much a Cup tie for the modern age, on this surface. I

intelligent pitch. All we need is some intelligent commentators!

think Widnes have to be very careful at the start of this game.

Widnes have to be very mindful defensively in the first 20 minutes.

They do not want this to slip away to allay. There was a kick from

Lomax. Eight drive back to that 30 metres mark. It is important for

both sides not to make mistakes. What do you make of this page? --

pitch. It is very fast one. It is so fast and ferocious when you play

on this. That is how stains like to play. With ASBO do need to be very

careful. Widnes will be looking for a kick here. Danny Craven Meyer.

Paul Wellens. St Helens will start from here. Good tactics from make

witness -- good tactics from the Widnes side. Soliola, he has just

agreed a new deal. Back to what Lomax. A little swing of they hit

their. -- swing of their hips. Neither side is making mistakes.

Couple of tackles. Clarke is a very pivotal number nine for his side.

Cahill is going through a lot of work in these early stages. What a

score! What a fabulous that that was! -- fabulous start. Patrick Ah

Van. That was his 5th try of the season. Fantastic start. Lovely

play from Danny Craven. Fantastic finish. That is what this game

needed, and Elise call from the Widnes side. -- an early score.

moved from Bradford last year. I think he had dust -- I think he had

a shoulder injury for a while. Eight chance now to 10 four to six.

He is the picture of concentration here. If anybody can convert this,

ban can. -- Ah Van can. He hit it wrong. It drifted wide. But it

remains 4-0, but it is a very good start. Widnes with this Elise golf.

Knowing what a threat St Helens are, and a number of tries Widnes have

conceded this season, it is very important. What is really important

now is that they complete a second. Craven is very good. Clarke at

dummy half again. Widnes showing an appetite for work. Pickersgill, the

other a prop forward. Former Warrington man. Confidence is so

fragile. Good kick from Danny Ruby. -- James Roby. He is waiting

at dummy-half. Almost finding his way through. He is such a dangerous

player. Bittersweet for Adam Swift, 19 years of age. He is making his

debut. Any other day, it would be a massive a proud day for him, but

his grandfather sadly passed away last night. Harold swift, one of

the founding fathers in rugby. That is why St Helens are wearing a

black arm bands. I am sure his grandson will be looking for a big

game. Josh Jones! His first ever St Helens try! That was confirmed by

the referee. The 18-year-old grabs a bit of glory. Josh Jones has got

great footwork. St Helens are very difficult to contain in this area.

A great finish there. You cannot consistently gave ball to St Helens

in this area. Christine, a man who was hurting there, a former St

Helens player who was beaten there in the last couple of years? He is

already up to 64 appearances, which is some going for a 22-year-old. It

shows how he burst on to the scene last year. He is great. He is a

good goal kicker as well. He pushed that one to the side of the post.

The sign of a good player is a player who can maintain standards,

and Jonny Lomax has done that. We on the outside, and a lovely finish.

Two tries in the game. One apiece. And here we go again St Helens

terms of keeping their opponents at this end for the time being. Lomax

was behind the 40 so if that had gone out of play... But a super

take by Jack Owens. Fantastic play. It was a great kick from James Roby.

Very difficult to defend the kicks on early tackles. He did that

exceptionally well. Widnes are committing so many players to the

tackle. It takes a lot of energy. It is important you complete your

to put Hep Cahill through. The final tackle in the Six. Craven got

the kick away. A safe pair of hands. That must be a tactic. Widnes have

talked about that. He gets in the air, you cannot be tackled in the

air, and a great catch. James Roby, sauntering up to dummy half. The

referee has seen enough and so the advantage goes to Widnes. Six

tackles to have a dig at the St Helens line. This is the first

error. This gives Widnes field position, which they have not had

so far. Since the first try, they have not had field position. If

they do not score on this play, it is important to keep the played

down this end of the field. -- the middle again. Haggarty has been

away at the North Wales crusaders but called back in the last week.

St Helens are hanging on for the time being. That pass was poor.

Collected safely enough by Lomax. Relief for the St Helens defence.

I think Rhys Hanbury will be disappointed. He went natural. A

poor pass. They have given cheap possession away and you cannot do

that consistently with a St Helen defend as St Helens come at them

again. That was a decent kick from Lomax. Taken well by Jack Owens.

For a 70-year-old, he shows terrific confidence. They have big

hopes to him -- for a 17-year-old. They are throwing the ball. A

little bit into the dangerous positions. You feel that Widnes

about. There are a few of your former players as a former Crusade

as coach. He has done a lot of wrestling. He is good in the

Widnes line. You can see James Roby barking out the orders. Here he

Helens. They have done that so well over the years. The gap was

provided and Paul Wellens was up there in support. He will go

underneath the sticks, or at very least to the side of them. But they

ripped a hole down the middle. Lomax took full advantage. Having

been behind after three minutes, it has taken barely seven more for St

Helens to push themselves back into the lead. You feel as though St

Helens have found the flow. Some of the players kept getting left on

the ground after the tackle. When you do that, you are down

defensively. They played fast off the back of James Roby. You cannot

leave players down on the floor. Jonny Lomax, fantastic play. It is

an easy job, this coaching lark. When they took over, St Helens were

supposedly in crisis but they had a couple of good victories. Defeats

over the Easter period, against Wigan, but they have beaten

Warrington and Leeds Town and here they are in the driving seat again

Widnes. -- Leeds. Why a is there such a change in their approach?

Denis Betts was talking about confidence, which is important.

When you play with confidence, you can play with freedom. I think

Saints were down on confidence. And when the new coaching came in, you

felt that they played with more confidence. Lomax, lovely break and

how many times has Paul Wellens done that in his career? A great

finish. But Super play from Jonny Lomax. Patience, as well.

Widnes supporter will say there might have been a hint in that, but

was interesting, leading into the last set. There were worrying signs

for Widnes because James Roby had run the ball three times. That is

normally a sign that St Helens are starting to dominate the speed of

the ruck. They want to play at such the pace of Widnes, not of the fast

pace of St Helens. Skipping out of play behind the 20

metre line. St Helens on the attack. Jack Owens took a great kick from

James Roby when he tried the 40-20. He has spotted a weakness down the

right side and he has done it again with a fantastic kick from James

Roby. It is difficult to stop that type of play in an early tackle

game. That was tackle three. If you kick the ball from behind the 40

metre line-out of your opponent's' 20 metre line and get ahead, you

cannot make a forward pass in the next move. James Roby has jumped

out from the scrum and gone lateral across field and run behind, which

has given Widnes penalty and some respite, because you felt they were

on the back foot. It is a massive relief for Widnes. James Roby way,

and the man coming in adjudged to have caused and obstruction

knocked on at the very last. Head and feed for St Helens. That was a

shame because it was a lovely run. But you can see it there. Tackle

four, they had an opportunity to put more pressure on the same side.

now. -- This is. Field by his early success. -- fuelled. St Helens are

getting a roll now, and you can feel the momentum. Lance Hohaia put

the kick behind. It was awkward, but taken well enough. They need

runs like that to get themselves out of danger, Widnes. Widnes have

put their outside backs in. They are looking fatigued in the middle

area of the field. The forwards have done a lot of defensive work.

The backs have taken over to give them an opportunity to release

their line. That wasn't bad from Danny Craven, he had found the

Helens player wearing skins. Concern over the damage the pitch

might do to knees and elbows. James Roby used Zizi as a foil and almost

hopeful. The again, the attack came on the back. James Roby out of

dummy-half, playing fast. Then Lomax jumped out the back. Looking

dangerous, Saints. Widnes have to tighten up because the damage is

coming from the Saints side. They need to tighten up slightly, the

here. That was a good offload. And look at the pace from Rhys Hanbury!

Electrifying. Absolutely electrifying. And if Widnes needed

a kick start back into the game, they have just been given it by

Rhys Hanbury. What a try! We talked about a James Roby jumping out to

dummy-half, and they did the same. What a turn of pace. It was a

fantastic try. Clarke jumps out and teases the defence. Rhys Hanbury,

fantastic pace. Amazing. He ducked in between the two. He is a great

talent with the ball in hand. Extremely good. He is holding his

hands to him there and there will be concerned. Be it looks like a

problem he has brought into the game -- it looks like. He seems to

be OK at the moment. And the turn of pace had tested the injury but

all square again, at 10-10. Dennis Betts knows his side are showing

character here. There was every excuse to maybe let their heads to

drop when St Helens got into the lead. A great response from Rhys

Hanbury and Widnes. We spoke beforehand about that 20 minute

mark. We spoke about Widnes still being in the game. He was in the

field of play, when he led to catch it. Had he stepped out of the field

of play, you can see he was in the field of play and let out to

capture its, that could have been a penalty back on the halfway line.

Instead, St Helens have a terrific attacking position here. Soliola.

James Roby, rolling up at dummy are some confidence. -- though

Widnes side. They are looking pretty good at the moment, Widnes.

Mrs Clarke. Hanbury. -- this is Clarke. A great trays by Widnes. --

great chase. Again, Danny Craven. A great tackle. Great play there.

underdogs are having their day. Last night, Wakefield gave it to

Leeds for 40 minutes. They were beating them until half-time. Here,

Widnes and making it a battle for -- Hanbury again. Widnes rarely

challenge St Helens NFU areas then. -- Widnes really challenged St

Helens in a few areas then. McCarthy-Scarsbrook is on from the

interchange bench. I think that was a bit of fatigue. Suddenly, a

chance for St Helens. Paul Clough is another who has appeared from

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 51 seconds

eight Interchange bench. -- from Widnes hanging on. They tested and

tested that line, until I find breaking points. -- until they

found breaking points. St Helens now have the lead again. Saints

must have had a few offload. Was this a lot destruction? I am not

sure. Possibly. Lovely ball from Lomax that. Flannery just slices

the defence. Lovely ball, lovely ball. Great try from the Saints.

Little bit of controversy. Lomax has the chance to add the two. That

would give his side a 6 point lead. We know Widnes are capable of

scoring tries, but they also capable of conceding a lot of

points. A Lomax goal gave St Helens 86 point lead. Anthony Watts is

with me. What are you making of eight? The boys are putting in a

good performance. We have just got to watch St Helens. You are looking

good. It is that defence, always. Yes. We have been good at tackling.

How frustrating for you to be watching mess! Yes, very

frustrating. I have come over from Australia. I hope I will get back

on the field next year. Shaun Briscoe is another fairly long-term

absentee fathers Widnes side. They thing St Helens have been very good.

Widnes have kicked well as well. It is very important Widnes do not let

this game slip away. They have just important forward ASBO. If they can

go into half-time just with this lead, they will be thinking, we can

make a game out of this. It is whether they can hold back this St

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Helens defence for the next 10 looking for the video here. We will

have a look at this now. Widnes came up with an error. When you

allow St Helens to this part of the pitch, it is very difficult to stop

them. I think that is OK. It is no problem. It will only be rolled off

if they say his elbow touch the floor. I think that is all in one

movement. I think this one will be OK. Absolutely nothing wrong with

that. The referee is right to make sure. The video referee has the

chance to push the Button, surely to confirm this will be a trite for

St Helens. They are beginning to take control. Chances are they will

have at least a... It is looking a little bit ominous for Widnes.

can score points, we have seen that, they can score points, but when

they are coming away and they come up with a few mistakes which has

given Saints the ball. 10 points for Widnes, 22 for St Helens. That

was Lance Hohaia's latest effort. In his LEA career, -- in his early

career, he was used in different positions. This is certainly his

position and where he is most lot of confidence, as are most of

St Helens. When you play with confidence, you can play with a bit

with that. John Kite is the man who looks like he is wearing tracksuit

defending down here. -- St. -- Saints. Lloyd White is another of

your ex players. It is a really good set from Widnes. Wellens led

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St Helens man. James Roby wants to earlier knock-on. It will be

Widnes's ball. A few of the Widnes players are starting to drop-off a

few tackles. Just could not take that in. So am big work to do. They

would love to score a try, and get some points into this deficit.

Denis Betts is still barking out Meli was having another go. Tearing

there is an interception. Has he not got there, Lomax would have

been under the sticks. He might have delayed the inevitable. That's

was a try savour from Jack Owens. He almost came up with the into set

-- he saved a try. A on the pitch, looking at this pitch, people will

think it gives a home advantage to Widnes. I do not think that is the

case. If a team like to play like St Helens do, they get the

advantage, because it is a quick surface. They will test the resolve

as St Helens to the limit. Crashing over. It was only delaying the

inevitable. It is another St Helens tried. McCarthy-Scarsbrook this

time. James Roby, the dummy half. The in letting James Roby dictate

the play, that is too much now. He skips out. A lovely boy. McCarthy-

Scarsbrook crashes through. James Roby should be put under pressure

in this area. McCarthy-Scarsbrook took full advantage and crash

through the line. Widnes will be disappointed. But take nothing away

from these skill of James Roby. London boy. McCarthy-Scarsbrook, a

proper Cockney. He was born in Bow, within the sound of Bow Bells. And

there is a happy interim coach, Mike Rush. His side in complete

control. Jonny Lomax has already succeeded with three from his four.

You would back him to make this the relative ease of the conversion

attempt and it is four out of five. It is an awful long way back for

the home side from this situation with half-time looming. Rob people

got it spot on when he said it is a dangerous time for their Widnes

side -- Robbie Paul. He got it spot on. I still think Widnes can get

back into the game if they lift the tempo, but it is difficult. It was

a bright start for Widnes with Patrick Ah Van leading the way. But

a steam roller provided by St And it got off to such a great

start for the home side. Patrick Ah Van's try giving Widnes the first

points. At one stage Rhys Hanbury went over for Widnes, 10-10 at that

stage. Denis Betts was happy as he drank his coffee and then Widnes...

St Helens, rather, with four tries have gone clear of Widnes at half

time. It means the scored board, ten points for Widnes Vikings. St

ten points for Widnes Vikings. St Helens have 28 and they have

touched down five times. Before we touched down five times. Before we

get the thought of the studio, get the thought of the studio,

let's go to Robbie Paul. It is cold down here. Not much to

warm the home fans. They started well. They got the first try. You

thought maybe they could ramp it up. The mistake. I was wondering

whether they could hold the closeness into the second half.

Anything can happen in the 40 minutes. If the fans get behind you.

St Helens looked like they can go again. Can Widnes get back into it?

What they needed doing is kick the ball out. They need to knock Saints

off the rhythm. They have another gear, Saints. If everything is

positive and productive, they are keeping Widnes on the back foot.

Widnes need to break the rhythm. Maybe kick the ball out. Make it

come to a scrum, everybody stop. come to a scrum, everybody stop.

We can take a look at the facts from the match after that. St

Helens have more possession, as you can see. The Vikings have made six

errors compared to the two for St Helens. And the majority have been

particularly costly. We can look at the home side dressing room with

Denis Betts talking. Will they be shell-shocked? I am not so sure

about shell-shocked. For a while it was a reasonable contest. The

Magennis comes on and Paul Clough, McCarthy-Scarsbrook, and they

generate enough for James Roby. I think there bench has been more

powerful than Widnes. James Roby has been allowed to dictate the

pace of the game. Widnes Moss combat that. -- must. It was an

even tussle for 25 minutes. Suddenly, James Roby was finding

more holes around the middle and you have to defend where the ball

is. You have to put more troops in there if you are not handling that.

When Widnes are near their own line, it's as if they are not confident

in their movements and the belief that they can defend a set of six.

The great thing about our game is your recognised for your defence if

performance also. We have seen one team defend better than the other.

We have to cure that aspect of James Roby having a free hand

around the middle with Flannery, Flanagan, Lance Hohaia, punching

holes around the ruck. The a got off to a good start. -- they got.

There is good support on the inside. He holds Paul Wellens for this bit

second. The winger is back. Is that the pitch? Paul Wellens is held by

the Inside runner. It is a fantastic start. When St Helen see

an opportunity, based which on, they go up a couple of beers. They

are so slow in reacting to what Saints are doing -- couple of beers.

Just Jones's first try in his St Helens career. -- Josh Jones.

do you need to offload their? Is watching the ball a little bit. He

gets on the outside shoulder. He should not score, really. In this

quality league, rarely do you see that simple try. He is a young

player, Josh Jones. And whether Chris Dean has more experience and

he has underestimated him as well. The wing left him one on one. In

today's game anyone who can get one on one should feel reasonably

comfortable. We're are sitting above the home fans and they were

not pleased with the Paul Wellens try. Why are you smiling?

attacks the first marker. When the first marker has gone, a great

angle run by Lomax and when that has happened, it is good night.

do you fix it? You get the water balls Adam sage instead of standing

there, stand there and defend where the ball... -- where the balls are,

and to fend. We have to have a fight around the middle. Stop James

Roby and low -- Lomax having a field day. The best players are the

number nines. In one instance St Helens had six players behind to

play the ball and they have a wide defence. We saw them going for 40-

20s. I have no idea what matters, it appeared to be a kick in the air.

The 40-20s are maybe easier to attend on this pitch. Just north

and said it is probably best playing on this pitch -- Jonathan

said. If you are playing fast. It is so hard to defend. On played

three, most wingers -- on play three. Not benign, Jon Clarke. The

defender is slow getting off the ground. -- number nine. If the

second man reads it, as he does, it is a great finish, but it comes

from the 9th. A Rhys Hanbury hits. That's what makes it easier. Widnes

replicated it here. It is really hard to defend. Players getting up

late from tackles was a problem for Widnes. The bench plays a big part

in any team. Apart from individual defensive stuff, the young Widnes

full-back, you could maybe organising better and close down

some staff, and James Roby and Lomax are big threats. The full-

back could stand closer of. It is tough, especially when you go

backwards. They need to do anything they can to get some help. Those

guys kicked through the gears after a 10-10. Watch again. Poor

defensive communication. Chris Flannery must have thought, what is

going on here? Bit his concentration. They are struggling

with concentration. -- it is. You cannot afford to lose your

concentration at Super League level. Good sides will take you to pieces.

It is as if they are slowly going back and... In his it tiredness,

the concentration? In it might be mental tiredness. -- it might be.

There is indication that they are not quite off the ground as quick

as they should be. Is it a physical state that causes you to have a

lack of urgency? The urgency you need to and the enthusiasm, it is

are good enough and are not good enough, and then they will make

changes. Coming up this week, quite a momentous day. We are 100 days

away, later this week, from the People want to be involved, even if

it is just carrying a stick! Olympic Games, where Wright grew up.

I am proud of that. It is all about 2012. I am excited to see what

London does. What else would you 10:20pm. Tomorrow, or the other

side from Manchester. The Chinese Grand Prix is live on the BBC this

weekend. Coverage begins at 7am. That is tomorrow morning. Widnes

have it all to do in the second half here. There are 28 to 10 down.

History tells you that St Helens at going to have this today. There

have been in much better form than Widnes. St Helens have the

confidence soaring through their veins. They know everything is with

them at the moment. How do Widnes 10 is around now? Considers

fractured. How do they make it better? -- confidence fractured.

You have to work your way back into the game. You have to defend

solidly in the middle of the field. They have to work their way back in.

They have just come up with a mistake there. That was an

accidental touch. Widnes find themselves here. Hammered down the

field by Danny Craven. Not disastrous. Just a little sign how

things are not going as they wanted. They have had problems off field

this week, haven't they? The departure of Scott Moore, about

which very little has been said. Shenton made very good distance

then. What does that do to the morale of players? I know you do

not want to comment specifically about the Scott Moore situation.

it only affects you if you let it effective. If you are a strong

group, a strong club, you can deal with things that happen through a

season. All sorts of things happen on and off the field. You have to

be strong as it unit and deal with it. Dennis Betts alluded to that in

and not finding any. Widnes cannot afford to concede the next try.

They cannot. They have to get to the end of their set and put a good

kick in, and push St Helens back and make them work for everything.

You cannot try to come up with big plays. Clachan that dummy-half

position a game there. -- clerking in that dummy-half position again

times this game, hasn't he? chance here thought Widnes. If they

are to get back in again, this is the kind of opportunity they simply

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 51 seconds

four to go. Opportunities still is a try for Widnes. A red face for

that St Helens defence! Widnes have both hookers on the field at the

moment. Their cars St Helens a bit of a problem. -- they cause to St

Helens. Lloyd White got himself in the dummy half. They took the St

Helens players by surprise. It was a great turn. Great play by Lloyd

White. A good start to the second half. They have been conservative.

They have put pressure on the game, a hint of a contest. If

Patrick Ah Van can put this over, Widnes, 28 for St Helens. -- 16th

all Widnes. 28 the 16th. Widnes may be back in it. Dennis Betts was

telling his team to cut out the errors at half-time. He was very

disappointed with the last 10 minutes. Mike Rush told his side to

stick with what is working, but charge next season. They can enjoy

themselves this season. That is easier to say and do! Five gone.

That was it a decent booked. -- that position, especially if you

will play 80 minutes, which James Roby is capable of doing. Yes. When

Widnes started to fatigue in the first half, James Roby looked

extremely dangerous. I'm sure they eight. Not convincing. How

different is the Barnes on this pitch? Is it higher? I think the

first bounce a. If fault back -- for full-backs who play unless,,

the first one is. A penalty has been given. That was a decent piece

of refereeing. I think it was a good piece of refereeing. St Helens

have been a little bit lethargic. They are trying to pick the

second try in his St Helens career by Josh Jones! He will remember

this match for an awful long time. Paper-thin defending. The first one

that St Helens have had in his second half. That high shot gave

them the opportunity. James Roby jumped out, Lance Hohaia, a nice

short ball. It was a little bit granted here. Jonny Lomax is such a

tones that Mike Rush has masterminded. They have played some

of their bigger clubs. He has tested them on Australian sound and

given them a grounding. It pays off. Since Hirons -- St Helens, built on

firm foundations. Seven miles separate these towns, but it is a

very big distance in terms of pedigree at the moment. It is.

Dennis Betts spoke about the confidence, and about it being

paper-thin at times. I hope Widnes can keep their confidence and stay

in this game. Send a very good at scarring back to back tries. --

that. It is the last thing ibid, a big fella coming in to knock the

living daylights out of you. -- the last thing you need. That was a

great shot. Plenty down this side in terms of numbers, but the

defence was also there to meet Hep Cahill. Clarke, on the halfway line,

not the pass that was required. But the kick got away nonetheless. St

Helens will start from 30 yards away from their own line.

We were talking at half-time but St Helens are running close to

stepping up a gear. We are witnessing that now. They are

making easy yards up the field. They have just forced a penalty.

Widnes seemed to be tiring. Widnes will have to step up if they are

going to stay with this game. Free schools the difference, and

you suspect it might get more than that before long -- 3 scores. This

game is a real test of the spirit work rate of the Widnes defence.

might be a question of offside and the referee is going to the video

referee to make sure. I think Paul Wellens was on side. I think he was.

We will have to see. St Helens, back-to-back sets. It gave them the

opportunity to get into this area. You cannot see from that angle.

is a strange role. Who is the player to his left? Flanagan? If he

is in within ten yards of Paul Wellens when he collects the ball,

it will not be a try. It is a churlish law. That is the rule and

if he is within ten metres, it will playing no part in this move. And

yet, in a letter of the law, if he is within ten metres when the ball

is collected by Paul Wellens, it for the sake of the try, that it is

given. He had nothing to do with this. How good is Paul Wellens in

that area? How many times have we seen him challenge for that type of

kick. He has made his mind up and house, thank goodness, given the

career, Paul Wellens, today. It is a landmark he has reached today and

hasn't he? Perhaps not the best kicker at the club. I think that

attribute falls to Tony Foster, but he is not playing today -- Jamie

Foster. But this fella is not bad. He puts it over, six out of seven.

40 points for St Helens. It is a question of retaining pride for

Widnes. We can see the try again. It was a lovely kick from Lomax and

Paul Wellens gets on the end of it. It is the second time in this half

that St Helens have had back-to- back sets from Widnes giving

possession away. You cannot do that. They have too many good players

that will hurt you. Widnes need to make sure their discipline is good

for the next 25 minutes. And that has worked out just fine! That will

the nickname... Torville. Craven was fumbling a little. Widnes are

tapping at the door. That was an untidy pass by Clarke. That sums up

the afternoon. City macro will be disappointed with that. -- Widnes.

They came up with a couple of loose they can take these gambles now.

They're camp. James Roby is is becoming more and more involved.

It is slow play. Clarke's binned it back. -- -- spinning it back. You'd

have to have the imagination but that would spark a comeback.

shows that St Helens are vulnerable. We have seen Widnes do it twice in

this game. St Helens have scored two tries off the back. Pushing a

little bit, and they come up with the error and in the next set,

lovely play from the Widnes side. You see him digging himself under

the defenders and burrowing into the try-line. He made it difficult

for the defenders. Lomax could not attempt. A word for a player who

graced both these sides, Steve Prescott. And his mate, Paul

Sculthorpe, and Steve Prescott was given five months to live... That

was a terrific live. -- kick. But, five years on, he is taking on

wonderful challenger has. His latest has taken him over to Paris,

entering the Paris marathon, with Paul Sculthorpe. Then they will

kayak across the Channel and then a cycle from Dover and then they

finish with the London Marathon. spoke to Paul Sculthorpe last week.

I said he looked fitter now than when he played. I wish them the

best with that. It is an absolute marathon. At he is an inspiration,

Steve Prescott. -- and he is. The marathon will be on BBC next Sunday

and keep an eye out for Steve Prescott. Things are looking up for

Widnes. They had a back to back set. We see them again. In if they were

to get another try, doubt might appear in the mind of St Helens.

But they cannot afford to do that, can they? St Helens are back to the

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 51 seconds

penalty has gone to St Helens. can see Ben Cross going into the

challenge. I am not sure there is too much malice in that, he seemed

to slip up after the contract. -- contact. And now a word from the

referee. Be careful where it is going. We have to be very careful.

The Widnes fans are not happy and Ben Cross is certainly not happy.

He anticipated the tackle and just pushed the arm, maybe not with

intent, but he caught McCarthy- Scarsbrook at around the bottom of

the chin. And here he is, McCarthy- this lark is about. But wrapped up

handled that well. We saw Paul Wellens score a try from a similar

kick. This time, he got himself in the right position and came up with

the ball. Jack Owens is 17 years of age. What were you doing when you

the sidelines. I have Jamie Foster with mate. Is it getting a bit too

comfortable? At think so. It is NIE's breadth of experience you

have. It says. -- it is. And do you fancy a trip to Wembley? Death and

La. -- definitely. Jamie Foster has been to Wembley a few times, but

support same Wigan! That is unforgivable, supporting one team

territory in the second half. Oh, dear. Oh, dear. St Helens make it

very difficult for Widnes to gain any momentum. Jon Clarke tried to

play, and straightaway comes under pressure. Dennis Betts has talked

about the little victories he has seen on the field. What kind of

little victories has he seen today? I think St Helens have been

threatened a few times. They are not letting St Paul away from them

too much. -- they are not letting Saints Paul away from them to watch.

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 51 seconds

in the first half. St Helens are really trying to turn the screw

here. Good kick, taken by Francis Meli. Adam Swift wants to get

involved here. He will remember his debut. Tough circumstances. He has

handled himself well. Danny Craven has put high balls in his area and

he has dealt with them consistently. He has handled himself extremely

well. St Helens is beginning to wind things up again. The dam may

very good. They are making it extremely difficult for Widnes.

Widnes need to make sure they complete. 12 minutes left. Once we

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 51 seconds

finish, there is the red Button. command of he went. -- James Roby

saw a bit of a gap and off he went. Now with an opportunity! Patrick Ah

Van's way was blocked. Shenton was Widnes's target is not to concede

any more. Jon Clarke, 33 years of age, very much the old man of the

game. That was a desperate act of a man who knows his team is well and

truly beaten. In tis difficult. You probably want to get into the game.

Anthony Laffranchi, the former Australian international. For a

moment, there was a space for Wellens to run into. Halcrow was

that by Jack Owens? -- how cool was that? Yellow card produced. That

was James Roby. The referee says, off you go. He tried to be a bit

sneaky. It is a chance for Widnes. St Helens are down to 12th man. --

down to 12 men. St Helens are down to 12 men. There might be a problem

here for Anthony Laffranchi. Everything St Helens have done,

pretty much for the past 70 minutes, have come on the back of James Roby.

He has gone for the rest of the game. Offensively, St Helens have a

big thing taken off them. This is a big finish? -- the heart. Paddy

by Adam Swift. Not bad. Anthony Laffranchi has been taken to the

dressing room to have his head looked at. He has a nasty gash on

his head. Danny Craven, with that high kick, that was great. How many

times have we seen back to back set push a dense in the big lead. --

push a dent. Hep Cahill! Hope springs in abundance. Widnes have a

try! Have they got the time, with There was nothing Wellens could do

about that. That was a great finish from Hep Cahill. The gap is down to

12. You never know. You never know. Strange things happen in this game.

Six minutes left. If Widnes score of this next set, there will be

some panic in the St Helens team. You feel there is a bit of momentum

now for Widnes, a bit of belief. Saints have gone down to 12 men.

Helens might have taken their foot off the accelerator a little,

thinking the job was done, but the unexpected exit of James Roby and

then that try, suddenly it is not such a gap between them. James Roby

is looking with a grimace from the sidelines. There is a hint of

referee says it is not stolen. There is an opportunity, and a

penalty for Widnes! What a chance! They have lost a little ground.

They are desperate to keep it alive another look. Jon Clarke spotted an

hard. If he touch the line, you would have thought the touch judge

would have called it. The plant is left foot did not seem to hit the

line. This will tell us. What a moment, if this is given. Patrick

Ah Van with plenty of power. Did he touch the line there? What do you

reckon? Well, if I am brutally honest, I have not got a clue. It

is difficult to tell. Does he get the ball down? It is a difficult

angle to tell. This is a big decision from the video referee.

There is nothing wrong there in terms of what is happening up front.

The touchdown looked fine. But the question is... We are trying to

hold the frame. The frame where he touches down is this frame. The

ball has touched down there. That is where it has frozen. You would

have to give the benefit of the doubt. It is impossible to tell

from the angles we have seen. It looks OK to me. Does he have

control? He does. Even with the technology, with the his camera

angles, it is almost impossible. What did referees do before we had

the video referee? They simply guest on occasions like this and we

might be left guessing the at. Did his left foot touch the line?

is it in the air?! It's is a big decision he has to make. If this is

given... How long do we have to play? We still have four minutes.

If this is given and he kicks the goal, which is not a given, we have

a real finish. He has to get this right, if he can. Frame by painful

frame. Widnes fans wanted given. has got himself in a great position,

Patrick Ah Van, with the defenders coming after him. There is nothing

wrong with the grounding. We are trying to marry the grounding and

then twisted around. What will he give? Try! Widnes fans reach for

the air. Widnes might just be reaching for the impossible. Just a

few minutes ago and suddenly, from a try, comes the kick. He needs

this. He needs this. If he puts this over, one try, one goal puts

it level. And it has gone wide. A question of millimetres on the try

and equally a question of mm. was a great effort. I thought it

was going to bend it in, but a great finish on the try. They have

momentum. I think they will run out of time. The mathematics for those

not up to date with rugby league scoring, they will have to score

twice. The conversion having been missed, that is how big the kick

was. Widnes is still have to score twice. This set is key to it all.

If St Helens can keep Widnes pin- down, they are into the draw for

the next round, should Widnes find a way through. It is a better

finish than we dared imagine a short while ago. Widnes battling to

the end. Suddenly, tension among the coaches. Penalty for Widnes,

that will carry them into the opponents' half. They have to score.

Certainly this last set of six. This is the only chance. They will

throw everything they have got at this St Helens team. Hep Cahill has

led with such mighty, muscular example all day. Wanting to play it

quickly. They have the options. Whyte scores! It is absolutely

incredible! --ish scores. They still need another, but there is

just about enough time -- Lloyd White with the try. Brilliant play

from Lloyd White. He tested the defence. McCarthy-Scarsbrook taking

the dummy on that occasion. But to get through that gap, he has no

right to score from that position. He got it nice and low. Patrick Ah

Van kicked the goal quickly. A he was not taking any time. While we

watched the conversion, he put the cake between the sticks. It is

Widnes, 38, St Helens 40. My word. We were tongue-in-cheek when we

were talking about the comeback even ten minutes ago. 15 minutes

ago, it was absolutely impossible. What do they say about momentum in

this game? Is it is unbelievable. We never thought they could get

back into this game. When James Roby gave the penalty away and got

himself into the sin-bin. seconds left to play. Widnes might

get three tackles out of this. St Helens, all they have to do is put

their shoulders into this, bent their backs and stop Widnes. Seven

seconds. Saints beaten at the last early this year, but not this time.

The next stoppage will be at the end of it. Widnes trying everything.

WHISTLE BLOWS And by the skin of their teeth, they have escaped with

this cup-tie. Widnes almost pulling off the impossible. What about that

for a finish? A fantastic finish. We it was slipping away -- we felt.

Jonny Lomax was probably the stand out for me. He has this afternoon's

man of the match. He was pretty good in three or four different

plays for the St Helens team and kept them on the front foot. Widnes

gave a great account of themselves. Paul Wellens, his try, it seemed

simply a question of how many more St Helens were going to score. And

Widnes, with 22 points, in the final minutes, very near the

snatched it for Widnes. What eight- game. St Helens have won it and

Tanya is with Mike Rush. Relieve? Disappointed, to be honest. We

started maybe playing for individuals rather than the team.

We have seen Widnes do that to Wigan earlier in the year and we

knew it was coming. It is disappointing. Were they

complacent? Too comfortable at times? That is not good enough. We

are better than that as a team and as a group. We cannot afford to do

this. But you are through to the next round. Yes, it is good.

John Lomax, you are the man of the match. Can you hold on to the

champagne with the strapped up hand? Widnes pushed has all the way

to the end and we lost James Roby and they got on a roll and kept

coming at us. As Mike Rush said, we will not be happy with the

defensive effort and we will have to look at that and be honest with

each other. He is it a bittersweet victory? Definitely. We have to be

disappointed with the defence. I think it was energy rather than

anything else. You are battered and bruised, including yourself. It is

not too bad. I will keep its strapped up. You are still in the

Challenge Cup. Well done. We can bring in Paul Wellens. That got

quite close. It was an awful second half. When

you switch off, the opposition come and burn you. It has been quite a

month for you. You are a long way forward from way you were. Yes. You

have to keep doing it, every week. You cannot perform inconsistently,

and if you do that, you will be burned. We were fortunate to get

out of that game. It seems you are an honest bunch and the senior

players are taking the lead. have to be honest. If you turn in

performances like that, well, you have to improve on that. Thank you.

We will bring you more reaction to the game on the red button shortly.

Widnes turned the possession around, did make? They made 10 errors in

the end, compared to St Helens' six. It was as if, at the end, Widnes

had won and St Helens have lost, given the reaction. St Helens have

been in Super League for 16 years and at the top and Widnes had just

come in. At the moment, Widnes, they have players who have played

nationally, they have journey men from around and they have put a

team together. They have already beat Wigan this year and should be

proud of what they are doing. It is not easy to start. I imagine they

have a five-year plan in place. Three or four years ago, we were

close to the bottom of the table. It takes time and development of

younger players. Positives and negatives. Absolutely. More

positives in the second half. Do not take anything away from them.

St Helens went to sleep. Widnes were on the front foot and

enthusiastic and the crowd noise changed. We said if you can get the

crowd behind you, you will win more than you lose. They have to work on

the defence, when they have not got the ball, that is when they switch

off. We can look at the results so far. There has been a shop today

with Castleford going out at Burnaston. -- Featherstone. We will