St Helens cruised to their fifth Super League title with a 26-4 victory over Hull in the Grand Final at Old Trafford in Manchester on Saturday.
After nipping ahead 10-4 at the break in front of a record crowd of 72,582, Saints' greater class eventually told with tries from Willie Talau, Ade Gardner and Keiron Cunningham securing victory in the second half.
Victory also gave St Helens a league and cup double.
"The whole year has been an absolute dream," said Saints coach Daniel Anderson, who also oversaw Challenge Cup glory in August.
"I can only hope I have the opportunity to coach a team as good as this [again next year]. We will see what happens in the future but I think I will regale stories about this team and bore people. I am absolutely stoked. It blew me away," he said.
Hull coach Peter Sharp admitted the best team had won.
The Australian, whose side finished second to Saints in the table, said: "They are a very good side. They are definitely the best over here in England, they are quality."
"They took their chances. They are quick and they cover and defend very well. We had a few chances but couldn't quite take them," he said.
Saints had edged Hull just 10-4 after a tight first half but tries from Willie Talau, Ade Gardner and Keiron Cunningham sealed 26-4 victory in front of a record crowd of 72,582.
Saints went ahead in the 16th minute when Sean Long floated a superb kick to the corner and Francis Meli slid in to score.
Hull levelled five minutes later when full-back Shaun Briscoe's piercing run allowed Sid Domic to score in the corner.
Saints struck the next blow on the stroke of half-time as Leon Pryce found a gap to slide over and Jamie Lyon, in his final game for the club, converted.
Saints seized the advantage with two tries early in the second half.
Lyon converted the second to put Saints 20-4 ahead.
Saints hooker Keiron Cunningham put the result beyond reach with his side's fifth try just after the hour after exchanging passes with Maurie Fa'asavalu.
"It's been unbelievable, the fans have been awesome and it's been unreal," Lyon said.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely