SAINTS went back to the top of the U19s league table with a 36-12 victory over local rivals Warrington Wolves on Friday evening, writes Graham Henthorne.
The Saints did what their nearest rivals from over Billinge Lump couldn’t do in beating the Wolves.
Danny Richardson was in sparkling form with a personal haul of 20 points to lead from the front.
In contrast to previous weeks the game plan was executed to perfection giving the Saints every chance to down their rivals.
But what they could take forward was the defensive strength of the last few displays and this was what the Wolves couldn’t break down.
Another 40 minutes without a blemish on the scoreboard gave another indication of the determination of the team to win games.
Richardson’s brace coupled with yet another from Regan Grace gave the Saints a three score cushion at the interval and three further scores from Captain Joe Ryan and both hookers Aaron Smith and Josh Eaves was enough to give the Saints the win.
The internal battle between the Saints three hookers, Smith, Eaves and Jonah Cunningham, is one to watch in itself as they battle for the usual two spots in Saints U19s side.
A big game off the bench from Liam Cooper coupled with typical displays from Levy Nzoungou and Mr Perpetual Motion himself Morgan Knowles, gave the Saints the edge.
Another bruising battle is anticipated next Saturday as the Saints face the Castleford Tigers for the third time this season and another big display will be required to keep the Saints at the top.
Match Summary:
Saints U19s:
Tries: Danny Richardson 2, Regan Grace, Aaron Smith, Joe Ryan, Josh Eaves.
Goals: Danny Richardson 6.
Warrington Wolves U19s:
Tries: Declan Kay, Yoan Neue.
Goals: Morgan Smith.
Half Time: 18-0
Full Time: 36-12
Teams:
Saints:
18. Ricky Bailey; 2. David Eccleston, 20. Matty Fleming, 4. Calvin Wellington, 5. Regan Grace; 6. Danny Richardson, 7. Lewis Fairhurst; 8. Ross McCauley, 9. Aaron Smith, 10. Levy Nzoungou, 11. Olly Davies, 13. Morgan Knowles, 21. Joe Ryan.
Subs: 14. Josh Eaves, 15. Phil Atherton, 16. Liam Cooper, 17. Matty Lees.
Warrington:
1. Jack Johnson; 2. Declan Kay, 28. Toby King, 3. Charlie Phythian, 15. David Foggin-Johnson; 6. Morgan Smith, 7. Harry Rearden; 8. Daniel Murray, 9. Reece Brunt, 14. Robert Holroyd, 11. Alex Whalley, 12. Nathan Ainsworth, 13. Pat Moran.
Subs: 5. Ben Stansfield, 16. Ellis Gillam, 20. Andy Philbin, 22. Yoan Neue.
