SAINTS crushed Salford Red Devils in a fine ten try performance to not only top Super League but perfectly set themselves up for a Souths showdown next Sunday.
Keiron Cunningham’s men were superior in every department scything through their host’s defence at will and turning aside all that was thrown at them.
The stats will show Mark Percival, Jordan Turner and Joe Greenwood each grabbed braces – but this was a real squad performance worthy of the Champions.
Saints made a couple late changes to their 17 – Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook and Luke Thompson coming into the line up and Mark Flanagan starting at 13 in place of Josh Jones.
And all three made telling contributions.
Kevin Locke returned for Salford and he almost had an immediate impact dancing through the defence on the Devils’ first attack.
Saints repelled borders but it was the home side that looked more likely in the early stages.
Yet, once Joe Greenwood put in a good run to clear the lines the visitor’s struck.
On the next set, Adam Swift scampered 50 metres, the ball came right and Mark Percival stepped inside Mason Caton-Brown for the opener.
Saints should have extended the lead but were pulled back for a forward pass that never was from Greenwood.
Salford replied with back to back sets but Vea broke through the centre after a wonderful drop off ball and within seconds Jordan Turner had increased the advantage.
Saints had the momentum and following two fine runs from Alex Walmsley Roby caught Greenwood on a fine line from dummy half for 12-0.
Mark Percival made it 14-0 but in the 28th minute Salford cut the lead.
Saints attacked on the right, Makinson kicked the ball on and a kind bounce landed in the hands of Ben Jones-Bishop who returned it with interest.
Michael Dobson making it 14-6 with the boot.
Saints weathered the storm and hit back with five minutes left in the first half.
Jon Wilkin’s high kick forced a knock on deep in Salford territory and then his pass caught Luke Thompson at full pelt.
Percival making it 20-6 at half time – and he had a hand in Saints’ next try just two minutes after the restart.
Jones-Bishop knocked on and from the scrum Lomax hit Percival and he put Makinson over in the corner.
In the 50th minute Theo Fages was held up over the line after two penalties put Salford right in prime territory.
And five minutes later a massive high ball from Wilkin once more was spilled by the Devils’ defence – at least twice – and Percival mopped up.
Wilko popped another up for LMS before Hock was sinbinned for what looked like a knee on Masoe in the tackle.
Saints took full advantage too Roby getting it away to Greenwood for his second of the night.
Jordan Turner stretched out for his second on 65 minutes and then Andre Savelio crossed thanks to a wonderful kick from Wilkin and Percival collect.
A perfect end to a perfect evening.
Match Summary:
Reds:
Tries: Jones-Bishop
Goals: Dobson (1 from 1)
Saints:
Tries: Percival (2), Turner (2), Greenwood (2), Thompson, Makinson, McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Savelio,
Goals: Burns (0 from 1), Percival (6 from 9)
Penalties:
Reds: 7
Saints: 6
HT: 20-6
FT: 52-6
REF: Ben Thaler
ATT: 4975
Teams:
Reds:
1. Kevin Locke; 2. Ben Jones-Bishop, 3. Josh Griffin, 18. Mason Caton-Brown, 5. Greg Johnson; 6. Rangi Chase, 7. Michael Dobson; 16. Scott Taylor, 9. Tommy Lee, 13. Gareth Hock, 11. Harrison Hansen, 17. Jordan Walne, 31. Cory Paterson.
Subs: 10. Lama Tasi. 14. Theo Fages, 15. Darrell Griffin, 20. Adam Walne,
Saints:
1. Jonny Lomax; 2. Tommy Makinson, 17. Mark Percival, 3. Jordan Turner, 5. Adam Swift; 6. Travis Burns, 12. Jon Wilkin; 10. Kyle Amor, 9. James Roby, 8. Mose Masoe, 21. Joe Greenwood, 11. Atelea Vea, 15. Mark Flanagan.
Subs: 13. Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, 14. Alex Walmsley, 18. Luke Thompson, 25. Andre Savelio.
