St Helens threw the race for second place wide open in the Engage Super League as they maintained their jinx over the Wolves courtesy of a 26-24 win.

Saints move level on points with Warrington, and behind only on scoring difference, after this exhilarating contest where the lead changed hands five times.

Youngster Jamie Foster scored two tries and three goals for Saints with Ben Westwood notching a brace of touchdowns and four goals for the Wolves. But Saints scored five tries to four with Westwood missing a conversion six minutes from time which would have earned his side a draw which few would have denied would have been a fair result.

Saints took the lead on their first raid. James Graham fed Chris Flannery for Matty Ashurst to blast his way through three defenders with Jamie Foster booting the touchline conversion. Then Foster was denied by desperate defence after smart play by Graham and Paul Wellens in a fast and furious contest.

But the Wolves were powerless to stop Foster extending the lead after 17 minutes when the winger collected Leon Pryce's long cut-out pass to go over in the corner and make it 10-0 with sub Tony Puletua making a big impact in the build-up.

Warrington desperately needed a score and, after Graham had been penalised, it was Paul Wood who obliged although it was a magical pass from David Solomona which gave him the opportunity. Ben Westwood tagged on the conversion and then added the extras five minutes later to fire the Wolves ahead 12-10 after Wood released the ball to Jon Clarke.

Warrington's joy was short-lived with Francis Meli brushing off Matt King straight from a scrum and Foster's conversion made it 16-12. The Wolves were fortunate to be awarded a penalty just before the break and Westwood booted the angled 45 metre shot to leave his side trailing 16-14.

Warrington went back in front after 51 minutes with Westwood taking Clarke's pass to barge his way over and then add the conversion to make it 20-16. But in a clash that lived up to the pre-match hype Wellens midfield burst created the chance for James Roby to touch down from Scott Moore's pass with Foster landing the touchline conversion.

Saints gave themselves a six-point cushion when Michael Monaghan threw a wild pass which went straight to Jon Wilkin - ruled onside by video ref Steve Ganson - and Foster was on hand to go over for his second try in the corner but missed the kick.

Both sides should have been out on their feet but Westwood had enough energy to latch onto Briers' kick and go over but then was agonisingly wide with the conversion to leave his side trailing 26-24. Warrington threw everything at Saints in the final five minutes but could not grab the vital score.