Grand Final heartbreak for Saints Academy youngsters

They had chances to take it after a rally in the closing quarter, but they were unable to get the crucial late score that would have added this title to the one won by some of these same players with the Reserves.

(Image: Bernard Platt) Ultimately the difference was a penalty kick and drop goal – remarkable given it had taken some pretty desperate defensive efforts to limit the visitors who dominated for the best part of an hour.

Saints, who remarkably finished top of the table this year despite fielding so many of the lower age group throughout the season, endured a torrid opening.

The ferocious Wigan pack helped them win the territory battle, constantly driving the Saints ball carriers backwards, and off the back of that the kicking game from man of the match Jack Farrimond turned the screw.

However it was Saints who scored first, somewhat against the run of play, on 14 minutes when Harry Robertson’s pass sent Louie Roberts down the left and his inside ball resulted in hooker Tom Humphreys scooting over with pace and dogged determination.

Although Whitby’s goal made it 6-0, Wigan began to dominate again and the hosts had to be on their mettle defensively to keep their try line intact.

After clinging on for so long, frustratingly the pressure finally told when hooker Jack Purtill forced his way over from dummy half just before the break.

Farrimond slotted the conversion and then almost immediately chipped over a drop goal that would prove crucial in the outcome of the match as it meant Saints had to spurn kickable penalties late in the game.

Wigan led 7-6 at the break – a scoreline that did not reflect the visitors’ first half dominance – but credit to the young Saints for the grit they showed to hang in.

(Image: Bernard Platt)

Warriors started the second half in a similar vein and the home line cracked again when full back Noah Hodkinson surged down the right and could not be stopped.

Farrimond’s touchline conversion made it a 13-6 two-score lead and it was hard to see a way back in for Saints.

Indeed, it took a monumental defensive effort to stop what looked like a certain score again down the right but a great tackle and the sodden pitch contributed to send the wingman into touch.

There was nobody in the red vee ready to throw in the towel in the face of the Wigan onslaught – and with the quality within the Saints ranks there was always chance of a game changing moment.

(Image: Bernard Platt)

Eventually it took a moment of class from Harry Robertson, who sniffed out half a gap in the Warriors line and then accelerated before chipping inside to the line for the support to chase.

Wigan hoofed it dead for a drop out but it was the start of a period of pressure that would yield the score, with Robertson putting Oliver Garmston through the hole.

Whitby’s goal cut the deficit to 13-12 and Saints were back in with a shout and their tails were up.

Two minutes later they had a chance to back in front when they were awarded a penalty for a high shot 42 metres out.

Whitby boldly backed himself to take a shot – he got the distance, but it was agonisingly to the left.

Wigan then had a similar opportunity from the same distance at the other end, but Farrimond’s goal was straight and true.

That would be the last score of a pulsating game, but the drama was not over.

(Image: Bernard Platt)

Saints chased the game, maybe too much, and made errors in doing so – and it took a great effort from centre Matthew Penketh to stop a runaway Farrimond after the Wigan half had intercepted on his own line.

There were still scoring chances, with Whitby’s varied kicking game challenging the visitors’ defence and building pressure.

The young scrum half has a tremendous skillset – and his long-range kicks to touch from penalties are buying the team a good 20 metres or more than you see at Super League level.

He, like his Wigan counterpart Farrimond, are certain to be stars of the future at senior level – both with natural flair and a half back’s swagger.

Saints went for broke and hammered the line, with Roberts only just held up. And then Whitby’s kick forced another repeat set but that was squandered with an error rushing to play the ball. Pressure mistakes like that are understandable given what was at stake with the blood pumping.

And there was one last chance when another Whitby kick caused consternation, with Owen Dagnall palming it back for Elliot Jamieson to dive for the line but he was stopped short and that was the last chance.

It was hard luck on Saints side, featuring 10 lower age players who will all learn from this experience and be back for more next year when they will still be eligle for Academy.

Saints Academy: Louie Roberts, Ellis Anderson, Matthew Penketh, Owen Dagnall, Elliot Jamieson, Harry Robertson, George Whitby, Daniel Frost, Tom Humphreys, Oliver Polec, Jake Davies, Billy Keeley, Cole Marsh. Subs: Oliver Garmston, Alfie Tate, Matthew Evans, Oliver Stankevitch. 18th Man: Kian McGann.

Tries: Tom Humphreys (14), Oliver Garmston (58).

Goals: George Whitby (2).

Wigan Warriors Academy: Noah Hodkinson, Daniel Austin, Finlay Yeomans, Nathan Lowe, Joshua Cartwright, Charlie Yeomans, Jack Farrimond, Dylan Kelly-Duffy, Jack Purtill, Kian McDermott, Trent Kelly-Duffy, Lukas Mason, Taylor Kerr. Subs: Harlen Smith, Leo Wadsworth, Kalum Rathbone, Shea O’Connor. 18th Man: Michael Porter.

Tries: Purtill (36), Hodkinson (45).

Goals: Farrimond (3).

Drop-goal: Farrimond.