SAINTS returned to winning ways with a 34-16 win over local rivals Widnes Vikings.
They ran in six tries in a solid performance that included two wonder scores from Matty Fleming and Tommy Makinson.
But they also made tackles when it mattered to close the gap to Leeds to four points.
Saints began the game well but couldn’t press home their early dominance.
Luke Walsh, starting for the first time this season, put up a spinning high ball which was caught on his boot laces by Rhys Hanbury – and then Saints’ had another six right on Widnes’ line.
Jon Wilkin almost broke through in the fifth minute and Saints then three sets on Widnes’ line before Walsh’s reverse kick was almost collected by Tommy Makinson.
Widnes weathered that early storm and forced two repeats sets of their own, through two drop outs.
Saints were up to the task but after all their territorial advantage and chances, it was Widnes who scored first through Kevin Brown.
Jack Owens tagging on the extras.
Saints hit back as Walsh pinpointed a potential intercept opportunity and snaffled it to go under the posts.
Seconds later Saints were ahead and it was thanks to a bullocking run from James Roby.
He created the space for Travis Burns to dart over from close range.
Saints were on top but a nice pass in the centre of the field allowed Joe Mellor to scamper form distance to level it up at half time.
Saints began the second half, like the first, on the front foot.
Walsh chipped through to Burns who was clearly taken out on his way to the ball – but nothing was called – and then another high ball from the scrum half caused Hanbury more problems.
The hosts were clearly on top and finally got the try their play deserved when Walsh caught Walmsley on a great line.
Mark Percival almost sparked a wonder try on 55 minutes before, two minutes later, Makinson stopped a certain Matt Whitley try with a tackle right out of the top drawer.
Saints should have scored on the hour mark – the try being pulled back for a knock on that looked harsh – and Widnes duly went up the other end and scored through Whitley.
Cunningham’s men hit back in real style.
Jon Wilkin found a gap and sent Tommy Makinson on his way down the middle. Hanbury pulled off the tackle but the ball went right through Walsh and Percival for Matty Fleming to scorch over in the corner.
Widnes came again but on the last they kicked to Tommy Makinson and he produced a special try right of the top drawer.
He collected, stepped, ran on an angle and scampered 80 metres.
Wonderful.
Mark Percival rounding off the win with a try, under the posts, on his return.
Match Summary:
Saints:
Tries: Walsh, Burns, Walmsley, Fleming, Makinson, Percival
Goals: Burns (5 from 6)
Vikings:
Tries: Brown, Mellor, Whitley
Goals: Owens (2 from 3)
Penalties:
Saints: 3
Vikings: 6
HT: 12-12
FT: 34-16
REF: Phil Bentham
ATT: 11,271
Teams:
Saints:
2. Tommy Makinson; 30. Matty Fleming, 4. Josh Jones, 3. Jordan Turner, 5. Adam Swift; 6. Travis Burns, 7. Luke Walsh; 10. Kyle Amor, 9. James Roby, 8. Mose Masoe, 13. Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, 12. Jon Wilkin, 18. Luke Thompson.
Subs: 14. Alex Walmsley, 17. Mark Percival. 19. Greg Richards, 25. Andre Savelio.
Vikings:
1. Rhys Hanbury; 15. Jack Owens, 3. Cameron Phelps, 14. Chris Dean, 4. Stefan Marsh; 6. Kevin Brown, 7. Joe Mellor; 8. Eamon O’Carroll, 9. Lloyd White, 35. Gil Dudson, 28. Matt Whitley, 11. Danny Galea, 24. Macgraff Leuluai.
Subs: 10. Manase Manuokafoa, 16. Willie Isa, 25. Alex Gerrard, 33. Aaron Heremaia.
