Magic Weekend 2021 Day 2 - St. James' Park

 This morning we ate a lovely breakfast and then relaxed in the hotel until lunchtime when we headed off to the great pub from last night to have lunch. They were busy but we had plenty of time! 


The first match was Castleford v Salford. We were sat among Castleford fans but we wanted Salford to win since Castleford are close behind Wigan in the league. But Tigers ran out fairly easy winners in the end, much to the delight of the three loud, vociferous women cheering them on in front of us. 


Second up were our most hated rivals Saint Helens taking on Catalans Dragons, who I'd say were my second team. (I think they are most fans' second team to be fair!) These are second and first in the table respectively, and it was the best match of the day! Catalans were 30-12 behind with five minutes to go. Catalans scored on the 75th minute.  They scored again straight after. And again straight after that to tie up the scores 30 all and take us to Golden Point extra time! Well if the stadium had a roof it would have probably come off! All the neutrals were cheering the Dragons, who understandably only had a small group of supporters here.


 The first period of extra time saw Catalans Samisoni Langi stretchered off and taken to hospital after a nasty tackle. This fired up the Dragons even more but mistakes crept in. Saints had a chance for a drop goal but missed! When Catalans' Jimmy Maloney got the chance he did not miss and won the game for the Dragons! It was brilliant!! 


The last game, Leeds v Hull FC was also close and went to Golden Point too, but it never felt quite so dramatic! With all the extra time and stoppages it was very late when we left the stadium. We grabbed a quick bite from Maccies and just made last orders at the Crows Nest!