SAINTS were simply irresistible as they thrashed Hull KR 46-10 to progress in the playoffs.
Nathan Brown’s side ran in eight tries in a clinical and emphatic display to set up an Elimination Semi Final at Leeds Rhinos next Friday.
The damage was done in the first half as Saints scored six times to lead 34-4.
Hull KR had taken advantage of a mistake in the first minute to get the ball rolling – but it was all one way traffic from there.
Saints tore apart their opponents with Adam Swift picking up two tries whilst Francis Meli, Sia Soliola, Jordan Turner and Tommy Makinson grabbed the others in a breathtaking display.
In the second half Lance Hohaia capped a great display with a quality score set up by James Roby before Swift crossed for his hat-trick.
Craig Hall adding a late consolation for the visitors but it was only that.
Saints named the same 17 that beat Hull FC last week but Josh Jones swapped places with Sia Soliola to take the loose forward berth.
Hull KR had a number of players missing but welcomed back Michael Dobson as they aimed to beat their opponents for the fourth time this season.
The Robins made all the early running as Saints lost the ball on their opening set and then were forced to take the ball behind their line.
And Hull KR made the best of that repeat set by rapidly getting the ball out to Liam Slater who flew over in the corner.
Dobson missed the conversion but a mistake in the middle of the park almost handed Saints an early reply.
The visitors quelled the danger but on the next set Jonny Lomax quick feet and passing saw Francis Meli over for his 16th of the season.
Jordan Turner putting Saints ahead with the conversion.
On the 15 minute mark Saints stretched their advantage when they chanced their arm on the last. A cute chip right at the advantage line saw Adam Swift touchdown.
Turner then made it an eight point game with a wonderful conversion from the touchline.
And it got better as from the restart James Roby spotted a gap and sent Sia Soliola in from distance.
Adam Swift was denied moments later and then Jonny Lomax saved a certain try as Alex Brown almost went the length of the field.
Tommy Makinson and Swift evaded tackles in the 29th minute to slip Anthony Laffranchi in under the posts after some superb handling… but the video ref ruled a knock on in the build-up and was probably right.
But on Saints’ next set Hohaia found a gap, broke through, drew the full back and sent Turner. Sheer class.
Saints weren’t done either as with less than four minutes to go Tommy Makinson stretched over with one hand to increase the lead and then a chip over the top saw Lomax collect and get a superb pass away to Swift for his second.
Kris Welham had one chalked off for obstruction early in the second half and had other chances before Saints crossed again.
This time Roby picked one off his bootstraps, raced away and then set Hohaia free.
Turner with his sixth conversion of the night.
And Adam Swift got his hat-trick with 15 minutes to go as Roby linked with Lomax and Meli.
Craig Hall tagged a late consolation but it was nothing more and Saints progress to the next round.
Match Summary:
Saints:
Tries: Meli, Swift (3), Soliola, Turner, Makinson, Hohaia
Goals: Turner (7 from 8)
Hull KR:
Tries: Salter, Hall
Goals: Dobson (1 from 2)
Penalties:
Saints: 2
Hull KR: 3
HT: 34-4
FT: 46-10
REF: Richard Silverwood
ATT: TBC
Teams:
Saints:
7. Jonny Lomax; 21. Tommy Makinson, 3. Jordan Turner, 5. Francis Meli, 26. Adam Swift; 12. Jon Wilkin, 6. Lance Hohaia; 11. Tony Puletua, 9. James Roby, 10. Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, 13. Willie Manu, 4. Sia Soliola, 19. Josh Jones.
Subs: 1. Paul Wellens, 14. Anthony Laffranchi, 16. Paul Clough, 25. Alex Walmsley.
Hull KR:
5. David Hodgson, 3. Kris Welham, 18. Liam Salter, 26. Alex Brown; 14. Lincoln Withers, 7. Michael Dobson; 23. Mickey Paea, 9. Josh Hodgson, 16. Adam Walker, 13. Rhys Lovegrove, 15. Graeme Horne, 11. Constantine Mika.
Subs: 8. Evarn Tuimavave, 20. Jordan Cox, 24. James Green, 25. George Griffin.
