In a nail-biting encounter, Warrington Wolves overcame St Helens in a dramatic golden-point finish to advance to the Betfred Super League semi-finals.
- Warrington’s Toby King struck early, capitalizing on a St Helens error to put his team in front within two minutes.
- St Helens fought back, with Tommy Makinson redeeming himself with two tries, helping his team to a 16-4 lead by half-time.
- Matty Ashton and Toby King led Warrington’s comeback, pushing the game into extra time.
- George Williams secured the victory with a decisive drop goal, sealing a 23-22 win for Warrington.
Warrington Wolves edged out St Helens in a closely contested match, thanks to George Williams’ drop goal in the golden-point extra time. The game, held at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, began with a swift try from Toby King, capitalising on an error by Tommy Makinson. However, St Helens quickly retaliated, with Makinson scoring twice and Mark Percival adding another try, establishing a 16-4 lead.
Matty Ashton initiated Warrington’s fightback just before half-time, reducing the deficit to 16-10. The second half saw further action from both sides, but it was Warrington’s Toby King who levelled the score, aided by influential play from George Williams. With only minutes remaining, Warrington took the lead for the first time since the opening minutes, thanks to Matty Ashton once again.
The final minute saw extraordinary drama as Jon Bennison scored for St Helens, with Mark Percival successfully converting to push the game into extra time. In the golden-point period, George Williams initially had his drop-goal attempt charged down by Morgan Knowles. However, Williams made no mistake on his second attempt, ensuring Warrington’s advance to the semi-finals.
St Helens began the match under pressure as Makinson’s early mistake allowed King to score. Yet, Makinson quickly transformed from villain to hero with his two tries, aided by ex-Warrington player Daryl Clark. Percival extended the lead with another try and conversion. Despite this strong start, Warrington, led by Williams, managed to close the gap before half-time.
The second half was marked by end-to-end action. Williams’ playmaking abilities shone through as he set up King’s second try. A critical error by St Helens’ Joe Batchelor allowed Ashton to score again, putting Warrington ahead. The game’s tension peaked when Bennison’s last-minute try and Percival’s conversion sent it into extra time.
George Williams’ composure under pressure was pivotal for Warrington. His final drop goal was met with jubilation from both players and supporters, securing a 23-22 victory. Warrington Wolves head coach Sam Burgess praised his team’s resilience and Williams’ performance, while St Helens’ coach Paul Wellens expressed disappointment but acknowledged his team’s effort and identity.
Warrington Wolves’ strategic plays and perseverance culminated in a crucial win, propelling them into the semi-finals.
