St Helens vs Catalan Dragons match report: Saints in 10th Super League final as Dragons run out of puff

St Helens 30 Catalan Dragons 12: This was a game too far for Catalan

Adam Swift put St Helens ahead on the stroke of half time with a thrilling run for their second try (Getty Images)

St Helens ended Catalan Dragons’ fairytale play-off run in emphatic fashion to secure their 10th Grand Final appearance at Old Trafford a week on Saturday.

Saints scored five tries to two, including one from Willie Manu on his final appearance at Langtree Park, to win 30-12 in the first semi-final and put them in sight of a first title since 2006.

The Dragons performed wonderfully well to pull off surprise wins at Leeds and Huddersfield to reach the last four, but this was a game too far.

The visitors were the best side throughout a scoreless opening quarter, courtesy of their dangerous offload game and took the lead through Morgan Escare.

Saints hit back to level within four minutes when loose forward Jordan Turner took on the Catalan line and forced his way through to touch down.

Turner was also instrumental in his side’s next try, switching the point of attack to bring Paul Wellens into the line from full-back and Adam Swift produced an outstanding finish at the corner, evading Escare on the way

Saints enjoyed a 12-6 interval lead and there was no way back for the Frenchmen when Manu finished off a break by winger Tom Makinson to score a third try.

PA