Barrow Island old boy Morgan Knowles scores try in St Helens' Challenge Cup victory

Knowles scored the third of Saints’ eight tries at Langtree Park when he finished in the right-hand corner off Danny Richardson’s pass after Regan Grace had set up the chance with a 60-metre burst down the middle. It was the 22-year-old’s third try of the season.

By then Chris Makinson had already produced a spectacular finish down the same wing after Wakefield debutant Jack Croft had cancelled out Lachlan Coote’s early try.

Grace then struck to put St Helens 26-6 ahead at half-time and although Tyler Randell pulled a score back for Trinity early in the second half, the Super League leaders stepped on the gas again and scored further tries through Zeb Taia, Mark Percival, Jonny Lomax and Kevin Naiqama.

St Helens coach Justin Holbrook said: “They gave us a tough game. They were missing a few and we had some guys back.

“We’ve been able to stay patient and hang in there and take opportunities when they present themselves.

“We were driven last year but just not good enough. We’re on the right track.”

The road to Wembley was cut short for Barrovian Ryan Shaw, as Hull Kingston Rovers were narrowly beaten 28-22 at the other Craven Park by Warrington Wolves last Friday night.

Shaw converted three of Hull KR’s four tries as the hosts produced a spirited comeback from 22-0 down through tries from Ben Crooks, Josh Drinkwater (2) and Craig Hall, but Ben Currie’s score proved to be decisive for the Wolves, who will face Hull FC in the last four.

Knowles and St Helens have been drawn against Betfred Championship side Halifax in the other semi, with both being played at the University of Bolton Stadium on Saturday, July 27.

Back in the Championship, Askam’s Brad Walker was among the interchanges as Widnes Vikings comfortably defeated Sheffield Eagles 36-6, scoring seven tries in the process.

The result lifted Widnes above Barrow Raiders in the table and out of the relegation zone.