Rugby League: Air's lift for embattled Broncos

AN INJURY-TIME drop goal was decisive at Huddersfield last night, as the London Broncos won their first game since 2 April, writes Dave Hadfield. Glen Air's kick in the 81st minute gave them a 21-20 victory, taking the home side's run of defeats to seven.

The Londoners dominated the early stages, building a 16-2 lead before Huddersfield responded with two tries before half-time. Karle Hammond's try seemed to have made it secure for the Broncos but Danny Arnold's effort four minutes from the end set up a nerve-wracking climax.

St Helens ran in nine tries, three of them from Chris Smith, to stretch their lead at the top of Super League with an emphatic 48-0 home win over Salford Reds yesterday. Sean Long scored his 500th point for the club, kicking six goals from eight attempts.

Wigan warmed up for Friday's crucial Super League game against Leeds Rhinos with an 18-12 victory at the bottom club, Hull. The Warriors' coach, John Monie, is hoping to keep up the pressure on leaders St Helens with his side's fourth consecutive triumph at Central Park when Leeds visit later in the week. "Hull gave us a stern test and that will have done us a lot of good," Monie said.

Even after going 14-0 ahead Wigan were made to fight by struggling Hull. A Greg Florimo try was all they had to show in the first-half except for three goals by Phil Jones. It was not until Jason Robinson scored that Wigan could breathe a little easier.

The Sharks hit back through Paul Cooke and then, after Gary Connolly had gone over for Wigan, Fili Seru scored Hull's second try to leave the visitors with a tense finale.