SAINTS eased to their fifth win in a row thanks to a comfortable 52-6 victory over Wakefield Wildcats.
24 points from Jamie Foster complemented by some fantastic and exciting attack from his colleagues saw Royce Simmons’ men keep up the pressure at the top of the table.
Saints cruised to a 24-0 lead at the break thanks to a brace from Foster and his able boot converting four from four.
Jonny Lomax also crossed whilst Michael Shenton showed all his strength to grab his fifth of the season.
Chris Dean bagged one against his former employers as the second half began, but further scores from Ade Gardner, a wonderful team move finished off by Gary Wheeler, Paul Wellens’ sixth in five games and a stunning finish from Tommy Makinson sealed a superb win ahead of the Derby next week.
Saints made two changes from the side that beat Crusaders – Scott Moore coming in for Matty Ashurst and Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook replacing the injured Josh Perry.
Not that it made a scrap of difference as Saints tore into the Wildcats from the off.
They forced a drop out right from the kick off but after four solid drives a chip through went dead.
Moments later another high ball caused havoc in the Wildcats defence and Gary Wheeler grabbed Saints another set from the drop-out.
And on eight minutes, Jonny Lomax chipped through but Chris Flannery just couldn’t put it down as it went dead.
But nine minutes later, after yet another drop out, Saints got in.
The ball was kept alive and with Paul Wellens taking on the line, Jamie Foster had too much for Kevin Penny.
Foster bettering it with a wonder conversion from the touchline.
On 25 minutes, the lead was increased when James Roby’s quick pass found Lomax jinking his way over from short range. Foster making it 12-0.
Moments later Saints found space down the left hand side and Foster was in for his second.
Jon Wilkin taking all the plaudits for the run and pass.
Saints then chalked up their fourth after another drop out. Fast passing to the right found Roby who easily fed Michael Shenton who was in support.
The former Castleford favourite then twisted and used his strength to bring up his fifth in Saints’ colours. Foster converting again.
Half Time: Saints 24 Wakefield 0
Royce Simmons called for his side to cut out the post half time blues during the week – so he would have been annoyed with Chris Dean latching on to an interception and crossing after just a couple of minutes.
Saints almost hit back immediately when Scott Moore showed tremendous strength to cut through the defence and stretch over. But the video referee ruled it out for a knock on.
But they weren’t to be denied again and after Blaymire dropped a high ball Saints made him pay from the scrum. This time fast handling saw Ade Gardner cross for his third in two matches.
Tony Puletua then showed why Saints want him to stay another two years. Brought in by Lomax, he broke the line, fed Roby who then sent Gary Wheeler away from 40 yards out. Foster with the conversion.
Paul Wellens nabbed another before a break from inside the Saints half saw Tony Puletua get his second of the season.
Gary Wheeler showing great feet to set the big man away!
And as the hooter went Tommy Makinson latched on to a loose ball and flew in from distance.
Match Summary:
Saints:
Tries: Foster (2), Lomax, Shenton, Gardner. Wheeler, Wellens, Puletua, Makinson
Goals: Foster (8 from 9)
Wakefield:
Tries: Dean
Goals: Griffin (1 from 1)
Penalties:
Saints: 5
Wakefield: 2
HT: 24-0
FT: 52-6
REF: Steve Ganson
ATT: 7003
Teams:
Saints:
1. Paul Wellens; 2. Ade Gardner, 3. Michael Shenton, 17. Gary Wheeler, 22. Jamie Foster; 25. Lee, Gaskell, 20. Jonny Lomax; 10. James Graham, 9. James Roby, 15. Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, 13. Chris Flannery, 4. Sia Soliola, 11. Tony Puletua.
Subs: 12. Jon Wilkin, 14. Scott Moore, 21. Shaun Magennis, 28. Tommy Makinson.
Wakefield:
1. Matt Blaymire; 2. Kevin Penny, 18. Chris Dean, 5. Luke George, 29. Josh Griffin; 6. Ben Jeffries, 14. Tommy Lee; 31. Kyle Amor, 9. Julien Rinaldi, 17. Paul Johnson, 33. Tyrone McCarthy, 21. Frankie Mariano, 22. Stuart Howarth.
Subs: 10. Paul King, 11. Kevin Henderson, 25. Liam Higgins, 26. Matt Wildie.
