Smith snatches it for Saints
St Helens came from 12-0 and 28-22 down to overcome Hull 30-29 in the engage Super League at Knowsley Road.
Last Updated: 07/03/08 9:20pm
St Helens came from 12-0 and 28-22 down to overcome Hull in the engage Super League at Knowsley Road.
The Saints looked to be in for a rough ride after conceding two tries in the opening eight minutes, however they came back in devastating fashion.
Ade Gardner, Matty Smith, Willie Talau and Kyle Eastmond all crossed before the interview to put Saints in control.
However Hull showed their battling qualties after the break to lead 28-22 and 29-28 before Smith's last-minute penalty sealed it.
Hull arrived at Saints missing Shaun Berrigan, Richard Horne, Garreth Carvell, Ewan Dowes, Willie Manu and Richard Whiting.
However they made light of their injury crisis by dominating the opening period - with scrum-half Adam Dykes waltzing clear to score after three minutes.
Danny Tickle converted and he was on target five minutes later after hooker Danny Houghton powered over.
Passing
However St Helens hit back in fine fashion - as Gardner crossed for the 99th try of his career after a fine passing move.
And the deficit was cut to just two points on 20 minutes when Smith scored and converted his own try.
Tickle slotted over a penalty to put Hull 14-10 in front, however St Helens hit back with another two-try salvo before the interval.
Talau and homegrown product Kyle Eastmond both crossed - and with Smith converting both the home side had a 22-14 lead by the break.
But the home side were left stunned as Hull scored two quick tries after the restart.
First Craig Hall crossed on 43 minutes, before Danny Washbrook added to the tally. Tickle's third conversion saw the visitors into a 24-22 lead.
And it was 28-22 on 69 minutes when Kirk Yeaman crossed - however Saints levelled six minutes later when Jame Roby crashed over and Smith converted.
Dykes, though, looked to have won it with his late drop goal, but St Helens snatched it at the death with Smith's penalty.