CHRIS Flannery bagged a hat-trick as Saints beat Wakefield to march into the top five.
The Australian took his tally in the Red Vee to 40 to see his charges off to a 38-12 victory – their seventh win in eight.
Saints comfortably led 22-6 at half time as they got the best of a scrappy match.
Sia Soliola scored twice as he latched onto breaks whilst Jonny Lomax led well from half-back.
Wakefield contributed a lot of pressure on the line, but only had a Dean Collis try to show for their endeavours.
Flannery brought up his hat-trick early in the second half before Tommy Makinson profited from great Michael Shenton work.
James Roby romped home from 90 yards but Wakefield added a late consolation through Peter Fox.
With Anthony Laffranchi in the side Saints began the match on the front foot but couldn’t find a way to unlock the Wildcats’ defence.
Yet on six minutes, a simple Paul Wellens’ break saw Chris Flannery get the scoreboard rolling.
Jonny Lomax converted but the lead was short-lived as Dean Collis latched on to a nice kick.
Paul Sykes levelling it up.
A bulldozing run from Sia Soliola put Saints ahead on 24 minutes and then he finished off a nice break to fly over from 40 yards.
Roby providing the wonder pass.
And just before the break Jonny Lomax nipped over close in, showing great strength to put down under pressure.
In the second half a wonderful chip through by Lomax saw Flannery scampering in for his second before he took on the line on the fifth to squeeze over.
On 55 minutes a sweeping move saw Makinson clock his third of the season, before James Roby intercepted and went the full length of the field.
Richie Mathers fed Peter Fox for a consolation – Sykes goaling off the touchline – but it was always going to be Saints’ night.
Match Summary:
Saints:
Tries: Flannery (3), Soliola (2), Lomax, Makinson, Roby
Goals: Lomax (3 from 8)
Wildcats:
Tries: Collis, Fox
Goals: Sykes (2 from 2)
Penalties:
Saints: 7
Wildcats: 15
HT: 22-6
FT: 38-12
REF: Thierry Alibert
ATT: 13177
Teams:
Saints:
1. Paul Wellens; 21. Tommy Makinson, 3. Michael Shenton, 26. Josh Jones, 5. Francis Meli; 6. Lance Hohaia, 7. Jonny Lomax; 14. Anthony Laffranchi, 9. James Roby, 16. Paul Clough, 13. Chris Flannery, 4. Sia Soliola, 15. Mark Flanagan.
Subs: 10. Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, 19. Andrew Dixon, 25. Carl Forster, 28. Joe Greenwood.
Wildcats:
1. Richard Mathers; 2. Peter Fox, 3. Dean Collis, 34. Paul Sykes, 5. Ben Cockayne; 21. Matt Wildie, 20. Tim Smith, 10. Andy Raleigh, 9. Andy Ellis, 15. Kyle Amor, 19. Frankie Mariano, 17. Danny Kirmond, 13. Danny Washbrook.
Subs: 4. Vince Mellars, 7. Kyle Wood, 14. Paul Aiton, 25. Matt James.
