| Betfred Super League |
|---|
| St Helens (16) 28 |
| Tries: Hurrell, Lomax, Hopoate, Bennison, Ritson Goals: Bennison 2, Lussick 2 |
| Warrington (6) 6 |
| Tries: Russell Goal: Ratchford |
Reigning champions St Helens rediscovered their form with a stirring Jonny Lomax-inspired victory against Super League leaders Warrington Wolves.
Having lost the last two, Saints roared into life with three first-half tries from Konrad Hurrell, Lomax and Will Hopoate, with Matty Russell replying.
Warrington had rallied at the end of the first 40, but Saints' Jon Bennison scored first in the second.
Joey Lussick's goal extended the lead and Tee Ritson's flying try sealed it.
Saints' history-making start to the season in travelling down to Australia for the World Club Challenge and beating Penrith Panthers has come at a cost for Paul Wellens' side, with a mixed start to their league campaign henceforth.
Losses to Wigan and Hull KR set up the possibility of three straight losses for the first time since 2017, but this display of courage, spirit and no little skill pulled the rug from under Warrington, who had only lost one of their opening nine matches.
Daryl Powell's side had built their successful, free-scoring game this season on the back of a relentless ruck speed, but they were unable to replicate that.
Much of that came down to the lack - albeit on both sides - of key forwards, with Saints still without Alex Walmsley, Curtis Sironen and Morgan Knowles while Wire were without the metre-eating Paul Vaughan and Gil Dudson to name but two from their pack.
However, it was Saints who responded best, with pack-leader Matty Lees stomping out yards and standing up to firebrand opponents such as Sam Kasiano, creating a platform for Lomax to weave his magic with a devastating kicking game and precision pass-selection.
