Anderson happy to clinch top spot - Sport in brief - Evening Standard
       

Anderson happy to clinch top spot

St Helens missed the chance to set a club record but coach Daniel Anderson was delighted with his team's 16-16 draw with Wigan which secured top spot in the engage Super League for a fourth successive year.

The Challenge Cup kings battled back from 12-0 down to secure the all-important point that kept them ahead of defending champions Leeds, who must visit Knowsley Road in the qualifying semi-final in a fortnight's time.

Anderson said: "It was a very tough game and I think both clubs will be happy with a real good warm-up game for the play-offs. There were a lot of very good performances and plenty of contributions."

Saints were on course for a 22nd successive win when centre Matt Gidley scored his second try in the 56th minute to put his side in front for the first time in the match.

Wigan winger Pat Richards then levelled the scores with a penalty 10 minutes from the end but declined another long-range attempt before putting a drop-goal attempt wide of the target.

"I was very surprised he didn't go for goal," said Anderson, who revealed he had to lift his players in the dressing room after the match.

"It felt like a loss but I don't think they should be too hard on themselves.

"In the end they've achieved the League leadership and finished top of the comp on their own. We still haven't been beaten in 22 matches and we've a home game against Leeds."

Sport in brief in Pictures

Don't Miss
Dog save the Queen: Corgis surge in popularity

Dog save the Queen

Corgis surge in popularity
London gets ready for the Diamond Jubilee - in pictures

Diamond Jubilee

London gets ready - in pictures
'He’s a better ex than he was a husband', says Boris Johnson's ex wife

A better ex than husband

We talk to Boris Johnson's ex wife
TV Baftas - in pictures

Best of the Baftas

Stars on the red, white and blue carpet
You big softie: Has Giles Coren put down his poison pen?

You big softie

Has Giles Coren put down his poison pen?
Pop star Paloma Faith, former Labour minister and Tory blogger back gay marriage video

Gay marriage

Pop star, former Labour minister and Tory blogger back gay marriage video
Promethipedia: the lowdown on Ridley Scott's new blockbuster Prometheus

Promethipedia

The lowdown on Ridley Scott's new blockbuster Prometheus
Prints charming: patterned trousers for summer

Prints charming

Patterned trousers for summer
Bob Geldof on grandchildren, activism and the state of music

Grandpa Bob

Bob Geldof on grandchildren, activism and the state of music
The Middletan: Kate Middleton has the most requested tan in London

The Middletan

Kate Middleton has the most requested tan in London