15/09/2013 Rugby League: Super League Highlights

We have had 189 games so far, another nine and we will know who

will be crowned this year's Super League champions. Welcome to

Langtree Park where St Helens are taking on Hull Kingston Rovers. I am

joined by the former Great Britain international Jonathan Davis. When

you look back on the regular season, who has been the outstanding

performers for you Huddersfield Giants, they have started well in

previous seasons is and then lost their way a bit. This year they have

maintained it, any setback, they have come through and I think Danny

Brough has been a brilliant stand out player for me. Crabtree has been

amaze, Jamie Peacock again has been immense, and... The older he gets

the better gets. He gets injuries and knocked back, yet he comes

through and charges from the front as usual. Any team you pick out that

is maybe underperforming? . Again I think Bradford, the way the calibre

of play they had, failed to make the top eight. So they will be

of play they had, failed to make the disappointed. London, again, I

of play they had, failed to make the that Londis pointed once again, and,

you know, it is a shame they can't get any Mohammed tum to any part of

the season. -- London. It is the same old names going for that Grand

Final. Yes, same old name, same old same old names going for that Grand

players lieding the charge for them, but again, it is, if you look at it,

Huddersfield, they are up there, and they are playing with confidence.

Yet again, when Leeds are about i they are wary of them. When they get

knocked out they will be happy. Let us remind ourselves of how you

get to old Trafford. This is how they finished at the end of the

season with Huddersfield taking the they finished at the end of the

top spot for the first time. The they finished at the end of the

true ambition is to display the Super League trophy in their trophy

cabinet. This is what they will have to do to be in with a chance. We

cabinet. This is what they will have struggled to find a simple

explanation, so we have decided to give you more easily digested

explanation, so we have decided to bite-sized chunks and take you as

far as week three. Here go, after 27 rounds the top eight clubs enter the

play-off series with the highest four finisher finishers playing the

play-off series with the highest in the top half of the draw. The

winners go to straight three, while the losers play again next week.

Their opponents will be the victors in the teams finishing in fifth to

eighth position, but the losers, it is game over.

So first up, the Challenge Cup champion, Wigan, against the league

leaders Huddersfield. Going into it in contrasting league forms these

two teams. Yes, but I think sometimes, form doesn't matter, it

is all about the top two inch, and coping with the pressure.

is all about the top two inch, and Wigan can do that, as they have

shown in previous seasons and in the Challenge Cup. It is, to see if

Huddersfield can do it. Lock listen missing for the rest of the season.

He connects the whole side together. He leads from the front. They have

top player, to bring in a momentum through, it is, as I say I -- said,

it is everyone is looking to see how Huddersfield perform in the play-off

situation. You talked about how good Brough has been, he needs to step up

another notch? Yes, other players have to take the pressure off him as

well. When they get to the play-offs, they will close him down,

they will put pressure on his kicking game. The other players have

to step in. They have to take a bit of pressure off him. So it will be

interesting to see how he performs, and then how the others perform

round him. As I have said, they have done well this season, keeping the

momentum going and the confidence going. Now it is play-off time, that

is a big question mark over them. So, first up, it is Huddersfield

playing Wigan. Huddersfield secured their first silver wear since 1962

They will look to make it three wins out of three against Wigan. Wigan

have silverware after victory over Hull in the Challenge Cup final.

Their Super League season ended disappointingly with

Their Super League season ended consecutive defeats. They will hope

to gain revenge for the regular consecutive defeats. They will hope

season losses. At the John Smith Stadium for us our commentators.

season losses. At the John Smith Huddersfield have lifted the league

leaders trophy, the first time they have topped the league in a while.

Huddersfield have at strength in halfback Danny Brough they have one

of the stars of the season. A potential Man of Steel, one of

Wigan's vital ingredients is missing, Sam Tomkins has

In these early stages Huddersfield with the advantage of the

possession. Four tackles gone. Brough with a

kick to the corner again. He needs dealing with. Did he get a hand to

it? It was a dream start by Huddersfield. They are so fiscal in

the tackle. They are struggle to Huddersfield. They are so fiscal in

control them when they go forward, that gives them the opportunity to

come up with delicate kicks. -- physical.

Huddersfield in the last few years becoming more and more used to the

big occasion, becoming more and more used to the

Challenge Cup final, but never a Grand Final.

Four sets is of six Dave. Only in rugby league normally in

rugby league you see a try at the back of that. Brough has support.

Doesn't need it. What about that? For a piece of individual magic, and

dynamism? Danny Brough, with a magic that sparks this play-off game.

Huddersfield have had a dream start. They had not touched the ball Wigan,

in the first five minutes. You are under the pump defensively. You want

your halves to step up. That is what your halfback gets confidence for,

his ability. To see the defenders go side way, the audacity to take

Tomkins on. He is looking to add to it. Danny Brough strokes it over.

What start for Huddersfield and what a start for him.

He is a big miss Shaun O'Loughlin. He is a key player.

All season long Huddersfield have been running well and everybody is

saying they are going to slip at some point. They have refused to do

it. Finishing top of the pile in the

regular season. Starting so well in these play-offers.

Push pushing effort by Farrell. Mechanic McIlorum is the dummy half.

There is a gap and Charnley will take them on for the corner.

Got down well for his 14th of the season, if it is given.

He knew what he was doing here, didn't he. Using the conditions. He

is, it is a fair try, he has every part of his body in the field of

play. This will be a try. He has whack plained in. Keep low and aqua

-- aquaplane in. Josh Charnley, reaches the 40 try mark, the first

man to do it. Since the switch from the old winter seasons, what a year

he has had. Wigan. They work hard, but now, Huddersfield play decide to

come out the line. Because he comes out he leaves space, with that space

Charnley punishes him. Pat Richards from the touchline.

Kicked it well, kicked it especially well. We are all square again at six

points apiece. 15 minutes of the first half

remaining. That is a big kick. I think bounced

on from Huddersfield's point of view on the right side of the ball line.

He has his foot dead. Have you straddle the line, it goes back to a

half way kick, and a penalty. He has done everything right. He has

touched the ball, his foot is out of the field of play. This will be a

penalty. He is going for a shot at goal. What about this, 5 yards o 50

yards away. He has a quick opportunity to add another two

points with a penalty, and how good was that kick from Richards from the

half way line? Right between the middle. Wigan now lead 8-6.

Here the Farrell. -- here is Farrell. He has lost it.

It is an advantage play here. He knows whatever happen, they get to

feed it into the scrum. That wasn't the best attempt was it, to be fair?

He has got a penalty. If you lose the ball you will get a free ruck.

It looks like a forward practising a chip kick. He has taken it out of

play. Left footed, got the distance here

and he has got it absolutely spot on. So two excellent long range

kicks from either side tonight. Richardson a half way line, Brough

from the half way line, it is eight points apiece.

Here is Farrell. McIlorum.

Behind the lines to Tomkins, Tom kins with a fantastic pass.

It is try 41 for the season. The second of the night, but what about

that play from Tomkins, in setting this one up? Terrific score. It has

been continual ball. The skill of Tomkins, to draw and pass here

across his centre. Absolutely in these condition, the draw in pass,

the handling is unbelievable. Tomkins, he lures him in, Charnley

finishes it off again. So Pat Richards, his kicking has been good

so far tonight. It remains that way, yes, it does, it is between the up

rights and now they are going to believe here, Wigan lead by 14

points to eight. Smith again, into position. Here kom

comes Blake. Tomkins who finds a gap, and almost, my word, very

close, to going the distance. McIlorum, putting it back to Smith

again. Think they fancy a drop goal to

break the deadlock, the six point deadlock Dave. Blake Green is in

position. Tay are not going to him. Taylor is asked to hold that

position. Matty Smith is... Back in the pocket. Matty Smith is waiting

position. Matty Smith is... Back in here, he has got it between the up

rights. Despite the chase, it is a big moment, because Wigan now lead

by two scores. The play makers have dominated the

game, two Wigan player, Smith is too smart. He changes the deadlock from

a six point now. They must score twice, Huddersfield to get back in

the game. Wigan who finished the season in fourth lead the league

leaders by 15 points to 8, and are earning the right at the moment for

a week off next week. Putting themselves just one game away from a

Grand Final. As it stands Huddersfield will get another

chance, but they would have to do it the hard way now.

As it stands. Lots can change.

McIlorum. Smith.

Here is Tomkins, this this is Gelling.

He shouted hold, the referee, then the ball was thrown away by Gelling.

So they will go back to where they were and take the play from here.

Green will take them on with pace. What a terrific try! From Blake

Green. That might just have won this game for Wigan.

It is premature, with 1414 -- 14 minutes to play, but the writing is

on the wall and Blake Green has written it large, with a terrific

individual play. Blake Green He takes the ball like

every good half should. When he gets to the line he shows

it. Pat Richards to take it further beyond for Huddersfield now. Four

out of four tonight for him. And we beyond for Huddersfield now. Four

can lead, perhaps decisively, by 21 points to eight.

The final 45 seconds of a match they have one in the second half.

Weathered the storm against Huddersfield in the first period.

Long gone in there when they needed to. They have produced the goods in

this second period. The ball goes to ground. It will be a scrum down

here. They will stand around because they are into the final eight

seconds and both sides know it is pretty pointless playing on. The

hooter sounds, they do eventually get the play, they have an attempt

at a drop goal which Matty Smith has put over! A final point, we can take

it to 22 on the night. Matty Smith's drop goal is the icing on

the cake of a Wigan win. That second half was pretty

impressive. Yes, I was happy with the first half, we kept hold of the

ball. It was a satisfying win. They are the champions at the top of the

league and to come with a convincing win, I am pleased. Everybody has

written us off over the last two weeks, we have been a poor team and

to come back and perform like that was a great effort. What did you

learn from that night? The most patient team won. It was that sort

of game that anybody got the pressure on the try-line. Wigan

asked more questions than we did. We tried to invent some things. All of

the talk at the start of the season was about your hearts, Blake Green

and Matty Smith coming in. You must have been proud of what they produce

to night? Yes, they performed in have been proud of what they produce

big game. I will not get carried away. They have been great today. It

is one game against it with a good team but we have got another game to

win in the semifinal to get team but we have got another game to

to get to the final. We enjoyed the victory but we have two weeks to

make sure we prepare for the victory but we have two weeks to

semifinal will stop how do you lift them? If we want to back-up but we

played today, we have got another three or four months to think about

it. Our season is not over. Huddersfield started so well, where

did it go wrong? The Wigan forward were immense. They got on top of the

Huddersfield forwards. I think that was the difference, they carried the

ball well will stop it was surprising. I think with Anderson,

he will be disappointed but that is why they have done so well all

season. They have experienced a different level of intensity because

I really thought Wigan came, did not have a lot of the ball, but there in

intensity when they did have the ball was the difference for me. You

have to give Josh Charnley a mention now that the record is passing

Lesley Vainikolo. I think his finish has been amazing all season. He

makes it look so easy and when he slid into the corner, it was just a

tremendous finish from a quality window. Huddersfield have two big

themselves up, haven't they? Yes, they have deep. The reason they

finished top, if something like this happens, it does not give you the

right to walk into the Super League final if you finish top, and this is

now about character and coping with pressure to see how they adapt in

the next game. Because Wigan have won the Challenge Cup, they will

probably welcome the week off more than most? Yes, after the Challenge

Cup, they have had injuries, but you expect that. It is an emotional

roller-coaster sometimes. Going there, they picked themselves up and

now they can relax a little bit and gather for the next game. A home

fixture is always considered a massive bonus in these play-offs.

None more so than in the South massive bonus in these play-offs.

France. But Catalan could not get the point they needed

France. But Catalan could not get Wellington last week, so instead

they travelled to the KC Stadium to face hole.

The KC Stadium was hit by torrential rain throughout the night, making

conditions difficult. The visitors had the best of the early pressure.

The French international was off target with this kick. On a night

when the ball was acting more like a piece of soap than a rugby ball,

both teams had opportunities but lost possession at vital times.

Richard Horne sliced through. Seconds later, a chance for the

visitors. Without support, they were no match.

But the visitors did find a breakthrough, opening the scoring

just after the half an hour. Hull coach Peter Jenkinson looked on

anxiously. Liam Watts won a penalty for a ruck infringement. But Danny

tickle, unusually, missed the target. In the unfamiliar position

tickle, unusually, missed the of centre, Richard Horne also missed

the target. The referee noticed he failed to get a touch on this kick.

A moment of inspiration lit up the night. Jamie Shore raced clear from

well inside his own 20 metre line. The 21-year-old outstripped the

defenders to finish in style with a swan dive finish for good measure,

surely easing the pain following an almost identical opportunity that he

failed to score from in the Challenge Cup final. Both teams had

field position after the break but it was kick for goal but were the

preferred option. Thomas Bosc converted his opportunity to stay

within two points of the home side. The referee gave a penalty for this

step. Another piece of inspiration from a

young Hull player helped Another piece of inspiration from a

French defence. Hull went into a match-winning lead with just 12

minutes remaining. Steve Menzies scored a try in his last ever

appearance in the 2008 final but no such end in his last ever game of

rugby league. He was denied a try following a knock-on. Not the way he

would have wanted his career to end will stop but Hull mark on with a 40

- for victory. -- march on with a 14 - for victory. There was sad news

when we learnt of the death of Ray Fletcher this week after a long

illness. A lifelong Hull supporter, he was

the rugby correspondent for A lifelong Hull supporter, he was

Yorkshire Post for many years. But it was in his role as a sports

official statistician that he became a regular contributor to the BBC's

rugby league coverage. His meticulous approach and attention to

detail and in the respect and admiration of all who knew him. Our

thoughts are with his wife and family at this sad time.

He would have loved that result, wouldn't it? It was a great result.

It was at horrendous evening for Hull. It was a bit of a stalemate. I

was disappointed with Thomas Bosc's control of the game. Hull's defence

has been the foundation for them going on to win games. They took the

chances and that was the difference. Do you think they will

maybe have to find a little bit more in attack if they are committed to

Old Trafford? I think they will have to. Yippee look at the other side,

they have attacking options as well. -- if you look at the other sides.

Hull have been really, really positive and really strong in

defence but you need that little bit extra now. Maybe that when will give

them the confidence. But if you lose that, you are out, simple as that.

You have to go and get some points. Onto second against third,

Warrington against Leeds. These to know all about doing battle

against each other in the play-offs. The men from Yorkshire are experts

at hitting form at just the right time. Warrington have been

consistent in 2013 and seem to be hitting form, too. Recent wins have

put wind in their sales. The scene was set for a classic.

Last year's Grand Final revisited and every chance that these two may

meet again in this year's Old Trafford finale, but they have to

clear this hurdle first. Warrington are still missing Richard Myler and

clear this hurdle first. Warrington read and Hodgson is replaced. Simon

Grix comes into the half and Leeds are as healthy now as they have been

all year, so they are at strength. Ryan Bailey playing as the third

starting prop making his 300th career appearance.

Leeds' defended will have to be good here. Warrington would like to test

them with tackles in the bag. Ratchford trying to cut through as

Watkins drags him down. Warrington are getting closer and closer.

Bree is put the chicken, Westwood chases it -- briars puts the kick

in. Ben Westwood, didn't he read that well? Perfectly on time. His

elbow is off the floor, breaches out. That, for me, is definitely a

try, straight on the line. A great try by Westwood. Ben Westwood with

the timing, power and wherewithal to get that right. Warrington have

the timing, power and wherewithal to lead with six minutes played. Lee

Briers, he does this a lot. Ben Westwood reaches out to them for a

great try. Ryan Bailey was expecting one of his own colours but a Leeds

man was standing there. That is the danger when you play the high-risk

strategy. Now mind then you come up with errors like that and give your

opposition the ball on the wrong end with errors like that and give your

of the field. Rob Rowe is through! All he needed

was a finish by Kallum Watkins -- Rob Burrow is through. Tearing a

hole through the Warrington defence! How good is he when he

jumps out nice and quick's Griggs did not have the pace to stay with

him. -- Simon Grix did not have the pace.

Jones-Buchanan back on the inside grain again.

The pass was just about on the money. Kevin Sinfield can score and

absolutely stunning try! What about that? ! To horrific play from start

to finish. Leeds have the lead. Rob Burrows, skipping across field, a

great ball out to Jones-Bishop. A great finish from Sinfield. A superb

team tried. Atkins feels he has to jump in from what happened last

time. A great ball inside to the support.

Is that a forward pass? No, I think that is momentum. He is at full

flight. I think you will get away with that at full speed.

That was a high pass and he is literally collared by Ablett. Lee

Briers is not happy with that. It is an excuse to release a bit of

tension here. He grabs the collar. I don't think it is a high tackle, is

it? She has grabbed his collar, I think that is the frustration from

Lee under immense pressure in this game. Morley on the field for the

first time. Carvell is out there as well. More importantly he got

first time. Carvell is out there as Monaghan out, he has another

half-time player who can jump out and tease them a bit more. That was

Monaghan, he has done really well. Grix is going through with a dummy

kick, which was bought by the full back. Hook line and sinker and

Warrington have their response. The change has made a difference. It

was Michael Monaghan who started it off, with a sleight of hand from

Simon Grix, bought them a try. He has got tacklers everywhere,

lovely little dummy kick and screeches under the post. Great try

from Grix. Here we are, quick play of the ball,

Monaghan jumps out. Somebody from the Leeds side jumps in and a great

pass. Grey play from Grix, wasn't it.

Here is Grix. -- great.

Westwood. Found the gap and through he goes. Hauls back to try and make

the tackle. Westwood fends him off and Westwood is not going to get

there, is he. We would love to see he gets down. I

think Hardaker is underneath him. He has done well to wrap himself round

that ball. There is no way Westwood can get that ball down on the turf,

although from that angle it looks as if it might have just touched the

grass. The video referee has that benefit of the doubt, that he cans

you in favour of the attacking side. So if he is not entire entirely

sure, it will be a Warrington try. Well, on moments like this, entire

play-off series might swing. A big, big call. It is a benefit of the

doubt, that is given to bin Westwood, his second try of the

afternoon. Take nothing away from the skill

beforehand. Briers pass to Westwood. You wouldn't expect him to score

beforehand. Briers pass to Westwood. from there. He has five Leeds

defenders round him, he shrugs them off. He twists to the floor and gets

the benefit of the doubt for the try. But the lead up was fantastic

rugby league. Morley again on the charge here.

Michael Monaghan. Lee Briers. Ratchford.

Michael Monaghan. Lee Briers. Smothering the intentions of

Warrington on that occasion. From dummy half again, and has found a

lapse in defence, and a hat-trick, for Benny Westwood.

What about that! Dummy half play, from Michael Monaghan, and Westwood

the support player. Three on the afternoon for him, and

Warrington edging closer to a week off.

Monaghan jumps out of dummy half, electrifying, and the presence of

mind to put a sneaky pass into Westwood to get his hat-trick. Here

he is, shoots in the inside of Ablett, beautiful pass, one handed

pass to Westwood and a great finish. Was the dive needed? It is when you

score a hat-trick! He is 12 yards away. Five to

score a hat-trick! Grix is the man at dummy half here.

Atkins. Tries to stand them up. They have still got more tackles

left in the bag. They only have to cover five metres.

Leeds defensive mettle is being tested to the limit here.

They simply have to hang on. Briers with the ball back on the inside.

Here kom comes Grix. Michael Monaghan, when he tries to make

thing happen, the referee says play on. Lee Briers, he think he has

scored. The referee says hang on. Let us have a look at this one

again. Looking to see whether it is a knock

on here. It wasn't quite exactly what he planned, but, that one looks

to me as though it has come off Hills hands and gone in a backwards

direction. A little dummy. That has gone

backwards hasn't it. It is confirmed. It is a long, long

way back for Leeds from here. Monaghan again, good enough for the

Warrington side. Again, great pick Monaghan again, good enough for the

up from Briers and a lovely try. If there is a way back he is going

-- it is going to have to start here for Leeds. They have score at more

than a point at minute at this stage. Here is Hardaker.

And And the best position they have had in the entire half.

Quickly gets it away. He claims a try. Warrington's

defence is breached and the first time of asking in the second half

and maybe there is hope for Leeds here.

Love Lovely play from Sinfield. Spotted then't on the short side.

Great strength from Zak Hardaker. Sinfield pops the pass, three

defenders round and he spins himself to the floor.

Great try from Zak Hardaker. More tackles to go from here.

Monaghan again. This is Cooper.

Fancies a go. Puts them within sight of that Leeds line again.

Briers wants more, Brierses kick, Westwood, try number four for Benny

Westwood! What a day he is having. What an extraordinary day. And what

a day Warrington have having on the back of his particular individual

try scoring performance. It is how they started the game.

Briers, a short kick in behind for Ben Westwood. A great finish, again

on the same hymn sheet. Beautiful little skill, delicate touch and

Westwood spears himself between two Leeds defenders to touchdown. Try

one was contactually the same. That is try number four.

Leeds will know they have lost this game and are looking for something

that might just give them a bit of momentum ahead of next week's

encounter against whoever that maybe. Here is Watkins.

Sinfield. Now Jamie Peacock.

Burrow is dancing inside one tackle. Sutcliffe is the man up in support.

Sinfield again, Hardaker, a lot of space, a lot of space for Hardaker

to get over. For his second try of the game.

A lovely ball from Sinfield out the back. Hardaker, again shows his

strength. Leeds have, when they get in these types of areas they can be

very dangerous, as you can see, Hardaker scores between two

defender, great try from hard ache e Hardaker scores between two

they haven't had the position in this game to be able to do that too

often. -- Hardaker.

Atkins says thank you very much for an absolute gift of a try. Ryan

Atkins showing a all footballing skills on the way to the touchline.

That was a gift, to Ryan Atkins, Sinfield was through it -- just

threw it on the floor. Scores under the post. Burrow skips across field.

Looking for an opportunity, going for off load and Sinfield, assure he

won't want to remember that for too long. Atkins take takes the

opportunity and a great finish. There are not many play-off games

that are won by this kind of margin. Warrington have put down a real

marker here today, Ratchford adds the two, 40-20 is just about as good

as it gets. You must be purring after that I

don't know about purr, I am pleased with the performance of the team. We

knew that Leeds were going to have their say at some stage and they

did, they are a dangerous team, their form has been good, so we had

to be good. Probably performed a bit on fear ourself, you know, fearful

of what can happen, if you don't defend well, and you don't produce a

good sound and solid game. Congratulations, have you ever

scored four tries in a game before? Let me think? No, not many. Aim

trying to think back of my wing game, I scored a few, but never a

four. It is very pleased. He was in the right spot at the right. Time.

He works so hard, week in, week out, and, we are all delighted for him he

is in good fo. Form The dressing room is not happy. We had a plan

going forward and a bit of room is not happy. We had a plan

strategy, should we have lost today, room is not happy. We had a plan

and before the game we thought what might it look like, but we also

wanted to win, we wanted to have a next weekend off and rest some

bodies at the end of a long season. Now that hasn't happened, we have a

bodies at the end of a long season. plan, we will stick to it and we

will make sure that today is a good thing for us. And that doesn't

automatically happen. You have to make sure you take charge of the

season. It doesn't mean we will be better next week but we have every

chance of being that, we have a chance of turning it round. In the

end a comfortable win for Warrington. Yes, I thought they

found their form again, attacking wise, they were brilliant. Leeds,

been there before, and, you know, we know what they can do. You can't

write them off. Westwood with four tries were immense, a few refereeing

decisions will be talked about, and hopefully ironed out for the rest of

the play-offs, but Warrington are looking very very strong at the

moment, confidence is massive going into the play-offs. I know Ian

Millward loves Ben Westwood as a player. He is one of those who don't

necessarily get the plaudits. He does the hard work and when things

are needed to be shaken up he is in the middle of a bit officety cuff,

four tries -- fisticuffs. If he gets on the end of some balls he is

difficult to stop. Leeds know all about doing it the hard way, having

come from fifth. They are not going to worry about I they would have

been happier if they had won. They have done it before, as I said

before, they are the ones that everyone wants to be seen knocked

out. So to tonight's game. St Helen's versus Hull Kingston Rovers.

Stel listens full strength. Hull Kingston Rovers have injury worries.

Yes, home advantage will be crucial. All the players will be back for

Saints, they are looking confident. They have a very very big pack as

well, so, I would edge with St Helen, especially, they have to

close the halfbacks down for Hull Kingston Rovers and if they do that,

I fancy them to win. Massively for Hull Kingston Rovers Michael Dobson

is back. He is the one. If they can give him a kicking option, so the St

Helens can't close him down, that will be key, but St Helens will try

and close Dobson down, again, I think the forwards, Hull Kingston

Rovers forwards have to match this big pack. They have had the backs

against the wall injury Weiss all season. Here they are. They know

about doing this, don't they. season. Here they are. They know

do. And again, they know what they have to do. If you finish way down

in a qualification, you have to come to these tough places and win, they

have got, they knew that as soon as the season finished. This is what

they have to do. Step up and get this result. I hope you have your

running shoes on, because it is up to the commentary box to be

alongside Ray French. Blue skies overhead, ideal

conditions under foot. The crowd eager to witness a good

game. St Helens field a full strength

team. James Roby is fit again, the Saints number nine should bring the

best out of the pacy back row. Hull Kingston Rovers, no Burns at

halfback. Lincoln Withers dep pieses, a welcome return for his

midfield partner Michael Dobson. Good play, beautiful play from them.

What a lovely break. He has stamped his authority I on the game,

Withers. They are in. Rovers are in at the corner. Watch again,

shoot up, a great little pass there, just watch it. It is a flick on.

Here it comes, there, a little flick, he goes low, very quickly,

that is a great finish. Saints on the attack. They trailed by four

points to nil. Wait, wait.Lomax, running well down the side, it is a

try! Bursting through! Francis Meli on the final impact. The big Samoan

crashes through. That was good play by Lomax taking the ball down the

side. No stopping Francis Meli. He drags the outside defender in. All

down to Lomax. He gets the ball, comes up. And easy finish from

Francis Meli. The return of James Roby will be

good news for Steve McNamara, the English coach, ahead of the World

Cup. It is a great bonus for England. A quality player. Can he

get the ball away? No, he can't. He is very dangerous, Willie Manu,

isn't it? A chance, a swift in! Jess! Beautiful, no hesitation from

the referee, Mr Silverwood, and Adam Swift goes in for his sick is to try

in his past five appearances -- his sixth try.

Eight good run in from James Roby, he has Soliola with him. Seven

Saints players racing for the try. Another four point. This is all

about James Roby. Lazy marking play. This support is there, and

easy running. The marker play, you cannot switch off with Roby. Mickey

Paea switches off, he acted very late. In that time, Roby is through

the gap with support. One or two forwards having a breather, I think.

Hohaia, will he get going? Can Hudson catching? No, he can't.

Jordan Turner scores under the post! Smiles on the faces of the

Saints fans. A massive dummy from a long way out, goes through a couple

of forwards. Jordan Turner makes the effort, Leeds David Hodgson in his

wake. Both Hull KR players by the dummy, he slows down, take the

fullback out, and Ben Turner just eases away from Hodgson. Far too

simple. Saints trying to go down the middle,

on the last tackle. A good dive! To refit dive by Tommy

Megginson. -- Thomas Makinson. It was a clever finish.

A good chip for Lomax, he picks it up, going for the corner... To

horrific play from Saint Helens. They are rampant at the moment! --

to refit play. We spotted a couple of familiar

faces watching this game, Blake Green and Matty Smith. From a Hull

KR point of view, this match is not going well, is it? It is not an

ideal start. It will be difficult for them to come back in the second

half will stop hopefully, fingers crossed, I have got some good mates

that played there hopefully they will put the performance in. Saints

have really come out in this game with some nice tries. We look like

we might play them in the next few rounds, so we look forward to that.

A chance for Rovers, can they get back into this game? They need some

confidence. Good play, Kris Welham is in. Have

they gone to the video referee? I think they are looking for a

possible knock-on. Is there a block there as well? I would give a try

for that, I think. I think too much is made of this obstruction and

running across. A harsh decision, I think.

We said Saints were relaxed, but not relaxed enough to go for a long

distance try. A great burst first of all. Excel oration from James Roby

but lovely support, Lomax is there but this is a man that gets inside,

Lance Hohaia just scores under the post. I think that has been the

difference, you feel they have got something in reserve.

Good passing in midfield! He only had to take the ball, that is his

third try of the night. It was just too easy, simple passing. They were

third try of the night. It was just at sixes and sevens there. Just

watch, number 18 rushes up, and easy finish. Less than seven minutes

remaining in this elimination match, and already Rovers are eliminated.

Technically not eliminated yet, are they? Not yet. Oh, has he scored?

This could be debatable. Grounding, that is all he wants. A try. He does

well. At last, in this half, something for the Rovers fans to

cheer, a trifle Craig Hall. -- a try for Craig Hall.

It is all over for Hull Kingston Rovers. Saint achieved their first

win over the Rovers in four attempts this season. Hull KR eliminated,

Saints move on to Headingley and a tasty clash with the Leeds Rhinos.

46 high content Saint Helens. -- 46-10.

The first half was impressive, the hookers touched the ball more than

anyone and if they play while it helps the team go well. History

suggests that sites that do well in the play-offs at full strength, we

obviously did not and Saint Helens were two classic. How would you

reflect on your tiny? It has been outstanding, I built my career here

I have Super League to thank for that. I have enjoyed my time in this

macro with my partner, we have got a lot of friends here -- my time in

Hull. Ultimately you need to knock-on the chairman's door and

say, I need a bigger squad! I'm not on his door every day. Do you think

people have not been focusing on you because of the starting had? We had

some really great players that were not quite plain. With Roby back,

most of our players are back in the key positions, which is always

important. This win was a good win and next week the task steps of the

bit with Leeds. Jonathan, it was a comprehensive win in the end

bit with Leeds. Jonathan, it was a Saint Helens? Jess, it was. Hull KR

bit with Leeds. Jonathan, it was a started well with a try very early,

four tries in a 15 minute spell, but that was the end of the match as a

contest. The big plus for Saint Helens and for England is James

Roby's back, and he was instrumental in the first half performance. He

knows where to go, he is powerful defensively. It was a bonus for club

and country. Saints have been in good form, they have had a good run

into the play-offs. They have got calibre players. They know it is a

play-off, everyone knows they can beat anyone on the day. Big old

carriers, Lomax at fullback chips in with a lot of pace, and the two

young wingers very well-balanced side at the moment to stop as I

said, all of their players are coming back from injury so they will

be bribing to go. Adam Swift has taken his chances? He is a

tremendous finisher. Francis Meli in taken his chances? He is a

the centre is big and powerful, Jon Wilkin must amend this as well. His

the centre is big and powerful, Jon kicking game adds a lot. And you

have the experience of Hohaia at the back. It is a balanced side which

are capable of going anywhere. Now they go to bleeds, it will be one

hell of a contest. In the end for Hull KR, maybe just too many players

that? Yes, it has been a long season and they made too many errors at

crucial stages. The three tries went past them, I think they lost a bit

of confidence and that was it then. They will have to replace

of confidence and that was it then. Dobson, won't they? -- Michael

Dobson. There is a lot of pressure on him and sometimes there is too

much, it will be a big act to fill next year for Hull KR.

With the launch of the play-offs we get the announcement of the super

dream team and the players all came from Leeds, Hull, Wigan and table

toppers Huddersfield. Three of the five giant are

toppers Huddersfield. appropriately in the four to make

their debuts. Josh Charnley and Sam Tomkins are

the only survivors from last year's side.

What did you make of the dream team? Some usual faces and some

What did you make of the dream surprises. Surprised that no

Warrington Wolves made it, but people 's choices are different. I

won't push you any further! Let's confirm the fixtures for next

week. Huddersfield play Hull FC on Let's confirm the fixtures for next

Thursday night, and on Friday Leeds will be at home to Saint Helens. We

will have the highlight of those two games on Sunday on BBC Two at 7pm.

It is not long to go until Rugby league World Cup. It all kicks off

It is not long to go until Rugby on Saturday the 26th of October. We

have live coverage of Australia versus England at 2pm on BBC One and

Wales against Italy from 4:30pm on BBC Two.

So there are no more second chances, it is sudden death from here on in.

From Jonathan and me, goodbye.