Saints » Results

If anyone was in doubt about Saints’ title credentials this season, then the last 160 minutes should underline the swing of momentum heading towards the GPW Recruitment Stadium.

122 points scored, only 12 conceded and 22 tries in two devastating attacking displays of Super League rugby brought Saints’ winning streak to 14 and strengthened their position at the top of the table.

Against Castleford, Daniel Anderson’s side produced the complete first half performance, running in eight tries in a 40 minute spell the Tigers simply had no answer to.

The second half continued in much the same vein with three more tries as Saints produced some nice rugby to tie up a 68-12 win.

On the day Saints were granted planning permission for a new 18,000-seater stadium, they aimed to continue their day of celebration by scoring a win over the last team to beat them.

Chris Flannery came back into the side on the bench and Lee Gilmour started in the second row after the birth of his daughter Ella Grace.

Castleford shuffled their team as they sought a double against the Saints – Luke Dorn on the bench with Ryan McGoldrick coming in.

Saints had pressure early doors and perhaps should have scored on their first set of six. However, Castleford knocked the ball forward and from the scrum Matt Gidley strolled in. Long with the conversion.

Moments later, a high ball caused panic in the Tigers’ defence and Long was scampering over after a nice pass from Hargreaves. Long again cool with the extras.

Ten minutes in, 12-0 to the League leaders.

A few minutes later, Leon Pryce tested Kirk Dixon’s pace with clever chip on the last that was kicked into touch by the winger. From the scrum, Lee Gilmour wriggled his way over to increase the lead further. Long continuing his fine run of form with the boot to make it 18-0.

Castleford regained possession from the restart but couldn’t put any pressure on the Saints’ line because of the home side’s miserly defence.

Then a piece of genius from Ade Gardner. Picking the ball up from a Sherwin kick, he scooted into the middle, rounded two players as well as the full back to put down under the posts. Long with the extras.

Clough then added another four points seconds later with a show of strength.

It was turning into a procession with speed, skill and excellent handling all on display as Saints continued to rack up the points.

And Chris Flannery was next in, charging onto a pass to fly over. Long with the conversion.

Next up was Jon Wilkin – touching down under pressure after some neat support play from Lee Gilmour. Long with the conversion.

Meli then took advantage of some poor defending on a towering Pryce kick to stretch the score even further. Long just wide with the conversion.

Half Time: Saints 46 Castleford 0

Unlike the first half, Castleford closed the door on Saints and it proved difficult to add to the scoreline.

Roby brought the half century up very early into the second half with a typical scything run that the defence couldn’t halt. Long with the extras.

Dixon then broke Castleford’s duck five minutes later with a nice run down the touchline into the corner. He then brilliantly converted his own try with the sweetest conversion.

Castleford could have scored again through Ryan McGoldrick, but some nice cover tackling held him up over the line.

Shenton gave Castleford the second half ‘lead’ after taking a short ball close to the line. Dixon with the extras.

But Saints were soon back in the groove when Fa’asavalu drove to the line, got the ball out and Scully went over. The club captain converting his first try of the season.

He then added a second try and conversion moments later.

Meli then finished off the game with a try on the end of a fantastic handling passage of play.

Daniel Anderson said: “In the first half we scored eight tries through eight different scorers and looked very sharp. In the second half, credit to Castleford, they kept the ball out of our hands and the game became a little scrappy.

“We want the run to keep going but all we can do is prepare for each game. There is lots of competition in the squad at the moment and no-one wants to take a rest or take their eyes off the ball.

“In the second half it became a little of a battle within the ruck, but when Keiron came back on we got going and got revved up once again.”

And on the new stadium? “It’s a massive fillip for the Club and the Town. Eamonn certainly deserves the plaudits as he has driven the project from day one with the council. It is a legacy he has created for the town.”

Castleford head coach Terry Matterson added: “I was pleased with our response in the second half, but of course I am disappointed. Saints can attack and score all from wherever – especially if you stand back and watch them.

“We only had 12 sets in the first half and that isn’t enough ball. We need to kick on now and look to get out of bottom spot.”

Match Summary

Saints:

Tries: Gidley, Long, Gilmour, Gardner, Clough, Flannery, Wilkin, Meli (2), Roby, Sculthorpe (2)

Goals: Long (8 from 9), Sculthorpe (2 from 3)

Castleford:

Tries: Dixon, Shenton

Goals: Dixon (2 from 2)

Penalties:

Saints: 6

Castleford: 3

HT (Sts First): 46-0

FT (Sts First): 68-12

REF: Phil Bentham

ATT: 8430

MOM: Paul Sculthorpe

Teams:

Saints:

1. Paul Wellens; 2. Ade Gardner, 3. Matt Gidley, 4. Willie Talau, 5. Francis Meli; 6. Leon Pryce, 7. Sean Long; 17. James Graham, 9. Keiron Cunningham, 18. Bryn Hargreaves, 11. Lee Gilmour, 12. Jon Wilkin, 13. Paul Sculthorpe.

Subs: 14. James Roby, 16. Chris Flannery, 21. Paul Clough, 23. Maurie Fa’asavalu.

Castleford:

2. Stuart Donlan; 4. Kirk Dixon, 3. Michael Shenton, 21. Richard Owen, 5. Michael Wainwright; 23. Ryan McGoldrick, 7. Brent Sherwin; 14. Liam Higgins, 9. Andrew Henderson, 10. Michael Korkidas, 27. Ned Catic, 16. Peter Lupton, 13. Joe Westerman.

Subs: 1. Luke Dorn, 8. Mark Leafa, 18. Ryan Boyle, 20. Scott Moore.