SAINTS ran in eight tries as they overwhelmed Wakefield Wildcats 42-12 at Langtree Park in Jon Wilkin’s Testimonial.
Paul Wellens and Ade Gardner each bagged a brace to leave Nathan Brown’s side undefeated in pre-season.
Saints were clinical when given the chance and led 16-6 at half time.
At a Baltic Langtree Park, James Roby and Willie Manu got the home side underway before Isaac Johns pulled one back for Wakefield.
But a superb Paul Wellens score – laid on by Jon Wilkin – gave Saints a deserved lead.
And once Lance Hohaia strolled over two minutes into the second half, it was a procession; Wellens, Gardner (2) and Lee Gaskell completing a comfortable win.
Saints fielded their strongest side with Josh Perry the only change from the 13 that started the friendly against Huddersfield.
Tony Puletua also returned to the team – on a subs bench that was reduced to seven replacements.
Wakefield had a strong team out too with Danny Kirmond and Kyle Amor the ones to miss out.
Saints were under pressure from the off as a couple of neatly taken chip kicks forced them back on their heels. The Wildcats then won a penalty which gave the Cats good field position.
The defence were up to the job though and within a couple of minutes they forged ahead.
A big drive from Josh Perry set up the space and once Steve Ganson had awarded the home side another set for offside, James Roby burst on to a pass.
Jordan Turner missing the extras.
Willie Manu increased the lead on 17 minutes after using this strength to push through the rearguard – goaled by Turner – and it could have been more seconds later but Lee Gaskell just couldn’t gather in a Sia Soliola pass.
Wakefield replied immediately as Isaac John found a massive gap in the defence; Paul Sykes converting to make it 10-6.
Both sides had chances to take the lead but when Saints were pinned on their own line they produced a drive of class that saw Wilkin setting up Paul Wellens for a great score.
Manu was the architect, snatching the ball near his own line and offloading for Roby.
Saints handling was then too quick for the Wildcats and Wilkin drew his opposite number for Wellens to fly over.
Turner adding his second conversion of the afternoon.
Two minutes into the second half, Lance Hohaia spotted a gap in the Wildcats’ line defence and scampered over from close distance.
Turner goaled to make it 22-6 and seven minutes later Gardner crossed in the corner.
Singleton’s knock on was scooped up by Hohaia who could have scored, but he choose to put in Wilkin who got caught.
Yet the former Hull KR forward offloaded to Jonny Lomax and he span the pass for Gardner.
Paul Wellens got his second and Saints’ sixth moments later and with less than 18 minutes to go Gaskell fired a nice pass for Turner to send Ade in for his second.
Lance Hohaia got Gaskell away for Saints’ eighth but Wakefield nudged a late consolation through Lee Smith.
Match Summary:
Saints:
Tries: Roby, Manu, Wellens (2), Hohaia, Gardner (2), Gaskell
Goals: Turner (5 from 8)
Wakefield:
Tries: John, Smith L,
Goals: Sykes (2)
Penalties:
Saints: 7
Wakefield: 4
HT: 16-6
FT: 42-12
REF: Ste Ganson
ATT: 2158
Teams:
Saints:
1. Paul Wellens; 21. Tommy Makinson, 3. Jordan Turner, 19. Josh Jones, 5. Francis Meli; 20. Lee Gaskell, 7, Jonny Lomax; 14. Anthony Laffranchi, 9. James Roby, 8. Josh Perry, 4. Sia Soliola, 12. Jon Wilkin 13. Willie Manu.
Subs: 2. Ade Gardner, 6. Lance Hohaia, 10. Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, 11. Tony Puletua, 15. Mark Flanagan, 24. Joe Greenwood, 25. Alex Walmsley.
Wakefield:
1. Richard Mathers; 2. Peter Fox; 20. Reece Lyne, 4. Lee Smith, 5. Ben Cockayne, 6. Paul Sykes, 7. Tim Smith, 8. Justin Poore, 9. Paul Aiton, 10. Andy Raleigh, 11. Ali Lauitiiti, 17. Frankie Mariano, 13. Danny Washbrook.
Subs: 18. Kyle Trout, 21. Matt Wildie, 22. Danny Cowling, 23. Brad Singleton, 25. Isaac John, 27. Chris Annakin, 28. Liam Kay.
