ST HELENS remain firmly on course for a fourth successive Carnegie Challenge Cup triumph after seeing off Super League champions 22-18 Leeds in impressive fashion at Headingley.

Saints may have lost the last two Grand Finals to their arch-rivals but they are unbeaten in the cup since a semi-final defeat by Hull in 2005 and the competition once more brought the best out in them.

England forward Jon Wilkin was the hero for the holders with a superb display, which included two crucial 40-20 kicks, despite playing out of position at stand-off.

The Rhinos briefly held the lead, courtesy of Jamie Jones-Buchanan’s 24th-minute try, but they were a clear second best for the second time in a fortnight and defeat leaves them still looking for their first Challenge Cup success since 1999.

Jubilant Catalans boss Kevin Walters insisted he never gave up hope after his side pulled off an amazing Carnegie Challenge Cup win over Bradford Bulls in Perpignan.

The 2007 finalists, who had only won once previously all season, trailed 26-0 after 45 minutes and seemed destined to get knocked out at the first hurdle.

But the Frenchmen then started a miraculous recovery and came out 40-38 victors in a thrilling fourth-round clash.

“At 26-0 you never stop believing but I knew it was getting harder,” said the Australian.

“We needed a bit of luck but we got that and then the players were just brilliant.”