Filed under: Rugby League
The Super League play-offs kicked off with three disappointingly one-sided clashes, with Warrington, Catalans and Leeds proving far too strong for Huddersfield, Hull KR and Hull FC, and the last two seeing their seasons ended.But there was an outstanding derby at the DW Stadium, where St Helens pipped rivals Wigan. Saints and Warrington now enjoyed a weekend off, while the remaining four will play knock-out rugby from now on.
Warrington Wolves 47 Huddersfield Giants 0
The basics: Table-toppers Warrington moved to within one game of Old Trafford by sweeping aside the Giants.
The contest was effectively over by half-time, at which point Tony Smith's side led 25-0 against disappointing Huddersfield.
Wingers Chris Riley and Joel Monaghan both helped themselves to try doubles as the Wolves' expansive style again paid rich dividends.
What it means: The Wolves get a weekend off before choosing their next opponents in the controversial Clubcall. Huddersfield face a sudden death match at home to in-form Leeds on Friday night.
They said it: "I thought our performance was very good. I was delighted with the effort and I'm pleased for the players. They're in a good place at the moment. We're in good form and have been for a while." - Warrington coach Tony Smith.
"It's disappointing. Obviously the result and the scoreboard doesn't reflect good on us as a group. But, if you are on the back of a big penalty count and you give Warrington so much field possession, they can do that to anyone. They showed that against Wigan only two or three weeks ago." - Huddersfield coach Nathan Brown.
Catalan Dragons 56 Hull KR 6
The basics: A blistering opening half hour inspired by veteran Steve Menzies helped Catalans to end Justin Morgan's Hull KR career.
Menzies, 37, scored two tries and made another for winger Damien Blanch, who finished with a well-taken hat trick.
Rovers' only response came from a second half Craig Hall effort and Morgan is now expected to head back to Australia after a highly successful spell at the club.
What it means: Catalan move onto a game at Wigan Warriors, where Menzies also inspired a stunning victory earlier this year. Hull KR's late season rally has finally come to an end and they must now find a new coach for 2012.
They said it: "I don't think we came into the game thinking we would win 56-6, the boys were really on their game tonight. Hull KR have been playing really well in recent weeks and they should be applauded for how they've finished the season. We had a lot of our footy that came off for us, we played well and we forced their hand a bit and we were powerful." - Catalans coach Trent Robinson.
"It's tough to go out like that, and no one wants to finish like that. There are a lot of blokes in there who have got empty feelings and it will make the journey home a lot longer, but we'll give it a few days, then reflect on what we have achieved over the last few weeks and recent months. I'm very proud of my time at Hull KR, proud of the players and proud of the position I've been able to hold within the club." - Rovers coach Justin Morgan.
Wigan Warriors 18 St Helens 26
The basics: Fullback Paul Wellens scored two tries as St Helens stunned their local rivals in a thrilling clash.
Wellens and the outstanding Jonny Lomax helped Saints into a 14-0 lead before the Warriors mounted a comeback.
But Wellens' second try and a Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook effort saw Royce Simmons' side home and gives them a week off.
What it means: Saints will hope to overcome a handful of injury concerns during their weekend off, while Wigan are playing sudden death rugby from now on - starting with Catalans at home on Sunday.
They said it: "We made too many errors and gave away penalties at crucial times. We obviously made things a lot harder for ourselves. Saints showed a lot of hunger. They jumped on us early and got a start." - Wigan coach Michael Maguire.
"Our combinations are starting to get a bit of a roll. The young halves were really good. They played really square on and went to the line and I thought they kicked well today." - Saints coach Royce Simmons.
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Source: http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2011/09/19/super-league-round-up-saints-warrington-claim-place-in-semi-fi/
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