Super League: London Broncos shake off St Helens' challenge
London Broncos ended a run of 13 straight victories in the capital for St Helens with a 21-14 success at the Stoop.
Last Updated: 27/04/13 3:35pm
The win, the Broncos' first home victory this season, ended a run of 13 straight victories in the capital for the Saints.
Saints were missing a slew of top players to injury but grabbed the lead against the run of play on 17 minutes, Anthony Laffranchi powering over from close range after the hosts had knocked on close to their own line.
And within minutes the Saints had struck again, Adam Swift squeezing in at the corner after a Nathan Ashe kick had ricocheted kindly for Nathan Brown's men.
London were far from out of the contest though, and hit back with their first try on 25 minutes, Chris Bailey crashing over after a short pass from Craig Gower.
Luke Dorn for London and then Stuart Howarth for Saints both went close, while Sia Soliola was stopped in his tracks as he headed for the line by a great hit from Bailey.
The Broncos were probably unfortunate to be behind at the break, but put that right seconds after the restart, Robertson taking a looping pass from Dorn to canter in at the corner.
The hosts had their tails up and stretched further clear on 48 minutes, Lee touching down after Dan Sarginson had intercepted and raced clear.
St Helens huffed and puffed after that, but were getting precious little change out of the London defence, despite the best efforts of Ashe and Paul Wellens.
But with 12 minutes to go they re-ignited the contest, as seconds after Kieran Dixon was held just short for the Broncos, Mark Percival streaked clear for the away side, allowing Wellens to cross in the corner.
The Saints threw everything at the hosts in the closing moments, but were unable to find a decisive score, Michael Witt booting a penalty and drop-goal in the final two minutes to add to his earlier three conversions.
