St Helens 26

Warrington Wolves 20

WARRINGTON Wolves under 21s were defeated in controversial circumstances in the Senior Academy Championship at St Helens.

Wolves were denied a share of the soils when a last-minute Wolves try between the posts was ruled out for a forward pass, a judgement which completed a serious of dubious decisions by the officials.

Early concerted Wolves pressure was repelled by Saints, who scored first through prop Paul Leyland.

A smart move resulted in centre Dave Ashton crossing the whitewash, and five minutes later Wolves went into the lead when Dean Gaskell forced his way over for Craig Ashall to convert.

Liam Harrison then touched down and Ashall again converted for what should have been the last score of the half.

As a result of several unexplicable added minutes, Saints replied with Matty Smith crossing and Carl Forber converting.

Saints regained the lead when James Graham crashed over and their advantage was increased when Gary Langley intercepted a loose wide pass.

Wolves kept up the pressure and were rewarded when Chris Baines was credited with a touchdown after a kick caused mayhem. Forber scored the last try with 10 minutes remaining.

Team: Gaskell; Riley, Ashton, Wright, Langley; Ashall, Finch; S Pickersgill, Johnson, J Pickersgill, Elston, Bracek, L Harrison. Subs: Baines, Bryers, Owens and Aboushakra.