SAINTS had a Super League opener they’d want to forget as they lost 40-4 to Huddersfield at Langtree Park.
It was hardly the start Nathan Brown would have craved in his first match in charge as his side were dominated by the physical and quicker Giants.
Huddersfield deservedly led 22-0 at the break as Saints struggled to find any sort of rhythm or defence against an on form pack.
Danny Brough was the conductor landing five goals and playing a part in all three of his side’s tries.
Saints looked bereft of ideas at times and couldn’t force enough good field position.
And the second half didn’t get much better as Luke George, Larne Patrick and Shaun Lunt crossed.
Mark Flanagan adding a late, but very scant, consolation.
With a fully fit side to select from Saints left out Ade Gardner – Tommy Makinson taking the winger’s berth – and Lance Hohaia, Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Tony Puletua and Mark Flanagan making up a strong looking bench.
Huddersfield gave debuts to Stuart Fielden and Craig Kopczak in a side based on pure power.
Saints started the game on the front foot, offloading when they could to gain good field position.
But on the Giants’ first real foray into their opponent’s half Jermaine McGilvary cut inside and put the visitors up.
Danny Brough tagging on the extras.
On 11 minutes it got worse… Brett Ferres darting through a gap on the left hand side.
Brough made it 12-0 and then tagged on another kick to increase the lead further.
And it could have been 16-0 but he hit the post on another effort.
Saints knew that was a let off and put in a good set – Sia driving them the field.
Another big drive saw them gain a drop out, but they couldn’t find a way through a resolute defence.
That lack of potency was punished once again. The ball was kept alive, Leroy Cudjoe stepped inside and it was 20-0.
Brough then added another penalty to make it 22-0 at the break.
Saints needed a strong start to the second half and almost punched a hole in the defence when Jonny Lomax made a break.
But it was the Giants who increased the lead more; Luke George having the easiest of chances after a wonderful pass.
Larne Patrick profited from shocking defence to increase the advantage and then more slack tackling saw Shaun Lunt sneak in.
An error led to Cudjoe’s second but Saints did get a small consolation when Mark Flanagan ran a great line – but it was too little too late.
It goes without saying that Saints have a lot of work to do before next week’s away trip to Widnes.
Match Summary:
Saints:
Tries: Flanagan
Goals: Lomax (0 from 1)
Huddersfield:
Tries: McGilvary, Ferres, Cudjoe (2), George. Patrick, Lunt
Goals: Brough (6 from 6), Grix (0 from 2)
Penalties:
Saints: 5
Huddersfield: 7
HT: 0-22
FT: 4-40
REF: Richard Silverwood
ATT: 12003
Teams:
Saints:
1. Paul Wellens; 21. Tommy Makinson, 3. Jordan Turner, 19. Josh Jones, 5. Francis Meli; 20. Lee Gaskell, 7. Jonny Lomax; 8. Josh Perry, 9. James Roby, 14. Anthony Laffranchi, 4. Sia Soliola, 12. Jon Wilkin, 13. Willie Manu.
Subs: 6. Lance Hohaia, 10. Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, 11. Tony Puletua, 15. Mark Flanagan.
Huddersfield:
1. Scott Grix; 2. Luke George, 3. Leroy Cudjoe, 4. Joe Wardle, 5. Jermaine McGillvary; 6. Danny Brough, 7. Luke Robinson; 29. Stuart Fielden, 9. Shaun Lunt, 10. Craig Kopczak, 11. Brett Ferres, 16. Jason Chan, 12. Luke O’Donnell.
Subs: 8. Eorl Crabtree, 13. David Faiumu, 15. Larne Patrick, 19. Jamie Cording.
