SAINTS began their pre-season campaign with a solid 38-18 victory over Dewsbury Rams.
A much-improved second half performance saw them turn around a 14-10 deficit to eventually overhaul their spirited opponents.
Theo Fages impressed on his Langtree Park bow whilst Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook and Mark Percival both crossed for braces.
Ultimately, the game wasn’t about the result – more so Keiron Cunningham getting a look at his combinations.
Saints looked lively in the opening stages with both Jack Owens and Matty Dawson making line breaks.
But it took just five minutes for Luke Walsh to make his mark.
Seeing Rams’ fullback Karl Pryce over on the far side, he fired a beautiful 40:20 to the near touchline to give his side great position.
And within a couple of tackles, McCarthy-Scarsbrook was hit by a lovely ball to put Saints in front.
Buoyant, the home side forced another Dewsbury error in the 12th minute, but couldn’t take advantage; likewise a few minutes later.
That time Walsh was intercepted but Matty Dawson ran 70 metres to make a superb cover tackle.
The Rams had numbers though and a fine flowing move to the corner saw Dale Morton go over.
Dewsbury continued to press but good kick chase brought up the home side’s next chance … and they didn’t disappoint.
Walsh’s kick was knocked dead by the Rams and after the drop out, Saints took the ball to the left and Jordan Turner offloaded to Mark Percival under pressure.
The Rams hit back through Aaron Brown after Saints failed to deal with a kick along the floor – and then another kick saw Andy Kain go over and give the visitors the lead.
Saints needed to start the second half strong and they did – Mark Percival weaving his way through the Rams’ defence from distance.
Fages then showed a glimpse of what he is capable of. He made a superb break through sleight of foot to find Oli Davies. Seconds later another superb sidestep saw him cross in the corner.
Jack Owens tagging on the extras from the touchline.
Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook added a fantastic try on 60 minutes – made by Fages – before Kyle Trout replied with around 10 to go.
But Saints underlined their second half dominance with a fine move polished off by Calvin Wellington.
And there was time for Dougie Charnock to sneak over from dummy half right on the hooter.
Match Summary:
Saints:
Tries: McCarthy-Scarsbrook (2), Percival (2), Fages, Wellington, Charnock,
Goals: Walsh (1 from 2), Owens (2 from 3), Burns (2 from 2)
Rams:
Tries: Morton, Brown, Kain, Trout
Goals: Sykes (1 from 4)
Penalties:
Saints: 3
Rams: 2
HT: 10-14
FT: 38-18
REF: G Stokes
ATT: TBC
Teams:
Saints:
22. Jack Owens; 21. Matty Dawson, 3. Jordan Turner, 18. Dominique Peyroux, 4. Mark Percival; 6. Travis Burns, 7. Luke Walsh; 14. Lama Tasi, 9. James Roby, 10. Kyle Amor, 12. Jon Wilkin, 20. Joe Greenwood, 13. Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook.
Subs: 11. Atelea Vea, 15. Greg Richards, 16. Andre Savelio, 17. Luke Thompson, 19. Theo Fages, 25. Lewis Charnock, 26. Oliver Davies, 27. Jack Ashworth, 28. Morgan Knowles, 29. Ricky Bailey, 30. Calvin Wellington, 33. Jake Spedding, 34. Regan Grace.
Rams:
3. Karl Pryce; 2. Dale Morton, 15. Jason Crookes, 4. Shane Grady, 5. Dalton Grant; 6. Paul Sykes, 22. Andy Kain; 8. Matt Groat, 9. Tom Hemingway, 24. Jack Teanby, 32. Kyle Trout, 16. Toby Adamson, 14. Luke Adamson.
Subs: 10. Ryan Hepworth, 13. Aaron Brown, 17. Dom Speakman, 19. Nathan Conroy, 25. Joel Farrell, 27. Jason Muranka, 31. Ryan Wright.
