Cunningham confused by Saints’ defence

St Helens coach Keiron Cunningham was left mystified by the defence from his team, and the opposition’s, during Friday night’s game against Huddersfield.

Both the Saints and Paul Anderson‘s Giants had been among the top sides when it came to defence this season, but the game ended in a 35-34 win for the home side at Langtree Park.

“It was a bit erratic, both sides had issues defending their lines for some reason,” said Cunningham.

“I’m not sure what it was, I couldn’t tell you why, but you’ve gone from two of the best sides in the competition at defending the line, and both of them have leaked 30-plus points, and I’m certainly not happy.

“The only thing that takes the edge off it for me is that we actually got the two points.

“So I’m sure ‘Baloo’ (Paul Anderson) will be stinging, because he prides himself on his defensive structures.

“We seemed to break them down a few times.”

Cunningham was relieved that his team had not forgotten how to attack, especially as they conceded so many points at home.

“If you’re posting so many points, then you take it for granted that you’re going to win,” he added.

“Huddersfield have been scoring on average 30-plus points for a number of weeks, and coming away confortably with the game.

“Fortunately tonight our attack didn’t let us down. Our attack was firing, and Luke Walsh was good.

“A lot of the young kids were good, and they really helped the cause.”