SAINTS scrum half Theo Fages snatched the team's first ever golden point victory with a drop goal in the third minute of extra time.

After extra time defeats at Castleford in 2017 and London last year, it was a case of third time lucky for the Saints.

The extra time win - secured when Saints were down to 12 men following the sin-binnning of Kevin Naiqama, was not just down to Fages' swing of the boot.

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It was also a credit to Saints' defensive tenacity to keep Rovers at bay to twice deny them an opportunity to get anywhere near the aitches after Lachlan Coote's first attempt had gone wide.

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Off the back of that defence, Saints won a favourable turnover and from that platform Fages went early and struck it straight and true to send Saints back top.

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In normal times it would have sparked a pile on of celebrating bodies - but under new rules that is not allowed.

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Saints went down the tunnel satisfied with a win against a surprisingly tough opposition that showed last week's win over Wigan was no fluke.

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All pictures by Bernard Platt