Late drama ensued as Josh Jones' last-gasp try helped St Helens beat rivals Wigan Warriors 18-14 at Langtree Park on Friday.

Wigan, who lost to Saints in last season's Super League Grand Final, were leading 14-12 with just two minutes left on the clock in their penultimate Super 8 fixture.

However, despite some exerted late pressure Saints' defence held firm and snatched victory when Jones brilliantly took ownership of a high ball.

The visitors, who missed the chance to go top, drew first blood when Joel Tomkins broke through Saints' defence after a fine offload from Matty Smith, but the sides were level at the break when Luke Walsh showed great feet to cross the line.

A Matt Bowen penalty put Wigan back in front and a solo 40 metre score from George Williams extended the lead to 14-6, only for Adam Swift to bring Saints back into it in the 56th minute.

Wigan pushed to extend the lead and Oliver Gildart thought he had done just that when he crossed in the 73rd minute, but the try was ruled out after it was deemed he had failed to legally ground the ball.

And Shaun Wane's men were duly punished by Jones 78th minute try as Saints grabbed a morale-boosting win with the play-offs looming.

Saints' win means they, Wigan, Leeds Rhinos and Huddersfield Giants can all win the League Leaders' Shield in what promises to be a thrilling final round of Super 8 matches.

Giants kept their hopes intact by running in six tries in a high scoring 34-20 victory at Hull FC at the KC Stadium.

Aaron Murphy, a Jake Connor brace, Scott Grix, Jermaine McGillvary and Jamie Ellis were all on the scoresheet for Huddersfield.