SAINTS were irrepressible as they beat the beleaguered Bradford Bulls 54-0 at a rain-soaked Langtree Park.
Ten tries saw them break into the top four for the first time since February whilst claiming a hefty points swing in their favour too.
The platform was laid with a 28-0 half time lead thanks to a Josh Jones’ double; complemented by tries from Paul Wellens, the excellent Jonny Lomax and Francis Meli.
Bradford offered little in attack and even when they did, the home side’s defence was too good.
The second half was even more clinical with Wellens, Tommy Makinson and Lance Hohaia notching up more four-pointers.
Lomax added his second after great work from Michael Shenton before amazing footwork saw Jones grab a deserved hat-trick.
Team news before the game saw Francis Meli come in for the unavailable Adam Swift whilst Anthony Laffranchi was drafted back as prop after a week off for injury.
Bradford have been decimated by injury this season and had 11 first team players out; but still possessed a top forward line.
Saints began with three good kicks forcing the Bulls to come off their own line.
And that pressure told as after a penalty Lance Hohaia beat a man but was just hauled down inches from the whitewash before Paul Wellens bulldozed over.
Tommy Makinson missed the kick and on Saints’ next two drives the lead should have been increased – but the ball went to ground.
Josh Jones notched his fifth of the season on the 20 minute mark after he cut back on the inside to break through the defence.
Sia Soliola smashed his way up the middle and offloaded to Jonny Lomax for Saints’ third try of the night, goaled by Makinson, before Jones grabbed his second.
A nice kick through from Jon Wilkin was fumbled by Shaun Ainscough and Lomax was on hand to feed Jones who just put down under pressure.
Saints had a couple of chances as the half ticked down, and nailed one when Lomax’ mazy run saw Jones lay on a perfect ball for Meli.
Makinson’s fourth goal of the night making it 28-0 at half time.
Saints went further ahead early in the second half when Wellens latched on to James Roby’s quick kick on the last.
Makinson profited from Hohaia’s great pass moments later before ‘Larny’ grabbed one of his own by datring through the line.
Michael Shenton then scooted down the right hand side to find Makinson who simply drew the defender for Lomax’ second on 61 minutes.
Bradford did well to hold Saints out for the remainder of the match but Josh Jones showed amazing footwork to bag his hat-trick at the death.
Match Summary:
Saints:
Tries: Wellens (2), Jones (3), Lomax (2), Meli, Makinson, Hohaia
Goals: Makinson (7 from 10)
Bulls:
Tries:
Goals:
Penalties:
Saints: 8
Bulls: 8
HT: 28-0
FT: 54-0
REF: Tim Roby
ATT: 13,025
Teams:
Saints:
1. Paul Wellens; 21. Tommy Makinson, 3. Michael Shenton, 26. Josh Jones, 5. Francis Meli; 6. Lance Hohaia, 7. Jonny Lomax; 8. Josh Perry, 9. James Roby, 14. Anthony Laffranchi, 11. Tony Puletua, 4. Sia Soliola, 12. Jon Wilkin.
Subs: 10. Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, 13. Chris Flannery, 15. Mark Flanagan, 16. Paul Clough.
Bulls:
29. Michael Platt; 18. Shaun Ainscough, 12. Elliott Whitehead, 3. Keith Lulia, 33. Karl Pryce; 6. Ben Jeffries, 7. Luke Gale; 13. Jamie Langley, 9. Heath L’Estrange, 15. Bryn Hargreaves, 19. Tom Olbison, 26. John Bateman, 11. Olivier Elima.
Subs: 16. Manase Manuokafoa, 17. Ian Sibbit, 21. Tom Burgess, 23. Danny Addy.
