TWO bites at the cherry! That was the assessment of Saints' boss Eric Hughes as he pondered with Denis Whittle on his team's Regal Trophy triumph against Hull on Sunday.

WHITTLE: Through to the last eight, but nearly let it slip. So said Saints' supporters as they streamed from the the Boulevard. Surely you must have been thinking along similar lines?

HUGHES: Without doubt, because in effect Saints had to win the game twice over after a series of silly errors allowed Hull to come back when they appeared out for the count in trailing 28-14 in the last quarter. You could argue that the situation cried out for a steady, what-we-have-we-hold policy, but rightly or wrongly that is not Saints' style, and I can well understand fans who say we are not professional enough in failing to deliver the killer punch when the opposition is on the ropes. But Saints did just that at the Boulevard, albeit belatedly, in that my players responded magnificently to the challenge by absorbing tremendous pressure and weathered the storm in what was a good old-fashioned cup-tie. As well as fully fired-up Hull line-up, Saints also had to contend with a highly-partisan Boulevard following, which is a daunting prospect in itself, and this with a side lacking eight regulars, including Ian Pickavance, a late cry-off with a damaged ankle. Dwelling on personal performances is something I normally avoid, but having said that, it would be remiss of me not to give special mention to Apollo Perelini and Dean Busby, both of whom had 'blinders.'

WHITTLE: Following the recent dismissals of Vila Matautia and Andy Northey rumour has it that the tackle bags at Knowsley Road now have the 'target area' clearly marked. Can you elaborate on this?

HUGHES: That has been the case for some time because tackling techniques figure highly on Saints' training schedules. As for Vila and Andy faulty challenges and certainly not malicious intent was their downfall and both players accepted their punishment with good grace. Matautia incidentally was found guilty of a reckless tackle and received a three-match ban, while Northey was adjudged 'careless' and was dealt a one-game suspension.

WHITTLE: What was your reaction to the Regal Trophy quarter-final draw?

HUGHES: One of relief that Saints are are home for a first time in a Cup-tie since the Doncaster clash early in 1994, and also for the club itself, who badly need a boost to the cash-flow to keep the bank manager happy.

WHITTLE: Have have any further attempts been made to reach contractual agreement with prop Jonathan Neill?

HUGHES: I understand the situation is still one of stalemate, with the sticking point apparently being Jonathan's reluctance to become a full-time professional. My own view is that I hope the matter is soon resolved because, as coach, I have a high regard for Neill's value to the Saints' squad.

WHITTLE: Dean Busby back in the team at Hull, Ian Pickavance out - such are the injury vagaries in the life of the Rugby League player. What is the current report from the medical room?

HUGHES: 'Picky's' damaged ankle gives him only a 50-50 chance of playing against Workington but Andy Haigh, who has been nursing a similar problem, could return along with Sonny Nickle who is back in training after a cartilage operation. Chris Morley has made a good recovery from a rib injury and came into the reckoning for last night's trip to Sheffield, as did Andy Northey, who has been struggling with a flu' virus, and I am hopeful that Scott Gibbs' knee trouble will have healed for the cup-tie with Halifax. As for Tommy Martyn and Alan Hunte, they are making good progress after major knee reconstruction but it would appear that they will be sidelined until the start of the Super League in March.

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