SAINTS recorded a comfortable 38-10 win over London Broncos on Friday night.
They ran in seven tries to consolidate fifth spot in Super League and notch up their sixth win in seven matches.
Nathan Brown’s side led 22-0 at the break as they clinically unlocked the Broncos defence four times.
Adam Swift and Tommy Makinson’s tries were out of the top drawer thanks to strong handling – and they sandwiched big powerful markers from Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook and Francis Meli.
Anthony Walker and Jonny Lomax fired Saints further ahead in the second half before Daniel Sarginson and Iliess Macani pulled two back for the Broncos.
But Meli added another late on to hand his side victory.
Saints made one change from the side that beat Catalans – Lance Hohaia coming in for Gareth O’Brien – whilst Iliess Macani was on debut for London.
The home side made the strongest start and forced London back on their heels with two strong sets.
That pressure told too as the Broncos tried to push the pass and Willie Manu duly intercepted.
Seconds later Stuart Howarth took on the line and fed Adam Swift for his sixth of the season.
Jonny Lomax converting from the touchline.
It was a bright start from the Red V and they defended their line with aplomb a minute later to consolidate the lead.
On 13 minutes Anthony Laffranchi was held up on his back but eight later Howarth combined with Wilkin and ‘LMS’ rampaged in from distance.
Lomax tagging on the extras with ease.
And lead was increased further in the 29th minute when Francis Meli twisted, turned and plunged over.
Tommy Makinson got Saints’ fourth when he profited from Wilkin’s bomb.
It was a massive kick, spilled by Alex Hurst and within a couple of tackles, Hohaia and Turner made sure Tommy Makinson was in.
Lomax clocking his third conversion of the evening.
Saints saved a certain try with 30 seconds to go as Soward sparked a superb move on the right to lead 22-0 at the break.
Brown would have wanted his side keep up the heat on London in the second half and they did just that as Anthony Walker crossed for his first in the Red V.
It was a quality score – set up by Swift in his own half. He took advantage of the powerplay after a London knock on and kicked ahead down the field.
The winger chased it, got the ball back and moments later Walker was doing the rest.
It got worse for London too as after Alex Walmsley had split the defence in two Jamie Soward was binned for holding down.
And Saints profited – a chip kick being collected by Lomax.
London toiled but almost got in when Ben Fisher was caught inches before the line.
But their resilience did reap rewards as Daniel Sarginson got the better of Makinson on the far side.
As the game entered its final ten minutes London pushed Saints further into their own 20 but couldn’t find the killer pass.
However, a piece of total luck after Soward’s kick forward saw Iliess Macani mop up on his debut.
Francis Meli grabbed his second though at the death to send the home fans happy.
It was the final act on a game that was always comfortable for Saints as they continue to build momentum for the playoffs.
Match Summary:
Saints:
Tries: Swift, McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Meli (2), Makinson, Walker, Lomax,
Goals: Lomax (5 from 6), Makinson (0 from 1)
Broncos:
Tries: Sarginson. Macani
Goals: Soward (1 from 2)
Penalties:
Saints: 10
Broncos: 5
HT: 22-0
FT: 38-10
REF: Thierry Alibert
ATT: 9926
Teams:
Saints:
7. Jonny Lomax; 21. Tom Makinson, 3. Jordan Turner, 5. Francis Meli, 26. Adam Swift; 12. Jon Wilkin, 6. Lance Hohaia; 11. Tony Puletua, 36. Stuart Howarth, 14. Anthony Laffranchi, 19. Josh Jones, 13. Willie Manu, 10. Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook.
Subs: 1. Paul Wellens, 25. Alex Walmsley, 27. Anthony Walker, 38. Greg Richards.
Broncos:
25. Alex Hurst; 2. Liam Colbon, 38. Iliess Macani, 19. Daniel Sarginson, 16. Chris Melling; 28. James Woodburn-Hall, 33. Jamie Soward; 20. Matt Cook, 26. Ben Fisher, 8. Antonio Kaufusi, 11. Shane Rodney, 24. Mike McMeeken, 23. Tommy Lee.
Subs: 10. Mark Bryant, 18. Olsi Krasniqi, 30. Mike Bishay, 32. Joel Wicks.
