Rugby League: Sharks undisturbed by improved Saints

Dave Hadfield
Monday 21 July 1997 23:02 BST
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A much improved display by St Helens saw them restrict Cronulla to a 28-12 victory in the World Club Championship in Sydney yesterday.

The Sharks, admittedly with a number of first-team regulars missing, did not match the fluency they achieved in England last month. They were, however, never in danger of losing once tries from Geoff Bell and Adam Dykes gave them a 14-4 lead at half-time, Saints' only points coming from the excellent Keiron Cunningham.

Two tries from Andrew Ettingshausen and one from Paul Donaghy kept Cronulla in control after the break although a wonderful run from Chris Joynt created a try for Paul Newlove.

The Brisbane Broncos captain, Allan Langer, is unlikely to take any further part in the WCC matches in Britain after coming off the field against Wigan on Sunday with a recurrence of a groin injury.

Maurice Lindsay, the chief executive of European Super League, says that he has heard nothing from his counterparts in Australia about a proposal to move the final of the competition to Auckland, Japan or Hong Kong should a British team not reach the final.

Joe Lydon, the Rugby League's technical director, is calling for a reduction in the number of overseas players. He wants the quota for Super League clubs cut from six to four from next season and reduced to three by 1999.

"This would enable clubs to manage their finances better but, more importantly, encourage the development of junior talent in this country," he said.

The referee Robert Connolly has dropped his threat to sue the Salford coach, Andy Gregory, for calling him "a big head and a poser".

Connolly said: "I have decided, for the good of the game, not to take any further action."

The Hull coach, Phil Sigsworth, is likely to leave the club this week, despite leading them to the First Division championship and promotion to Super League.

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