SAINTS second pre-season friendly went the way of Widnes Vikings who retained the Karalius Cup with a 30-16 win.
Two tries in the opening five minutes of the second half did the damage before Jordan Turner’s second threatened a comeback.
It didn’t materialise as Keiron Cunningham’s side were guilty of overplaying in the final stages – leaving plenty to work on as the season approaches.
That said, there were promising performances from Jordan Turner, who bagged a brace, Theo Fages and Dominique Peyroux who looked assured at centre.
Saints got off to the best possible start when Jon Wilkin’s 40:20 resulted in a fine Mark Percival score.
Walsh, Travis Burns and Jack Owens were involved, each combining for the winger to go over in the corner.
Ten minutes in, Widnes replied – and it was a tad fortuitous.
James Roby was adjudged to have knocked the ball on when he clearly took it off his boot, giving Widnes another set.
And Patrick Ah Van went over in the corner although he didn’t seem to have full control.
From the restart Saints were penalised for offside and Joe Mellor, seizing his opportunity, took a tap and scampered 70 metres.
Saints hit back when they forced a knock on right in Widnes territory.
Atelea Vea produced a strong run but on the last a high kick from Walsh saw Turner pluck it out of midair.
Walsh with the extras to make it 10-10.
The parity was short-lived as on 28 minutes Rhys Hanbury burrowed over the line. He looked held up, but the referee had other ideas.
Walsh intercepted on 37 minutes but couldn’t take advantage and then Widnes blew a chance over on the right hand side.
The second half began with a scuffle on the far side of the pitch as tempers overflowed.
But it was Widnes who took advantage of the discord through Hanbury who extended his side’s lead thanks to a nice overlap.
And it got worse as seconds later as Lloyd White scooted down the far side.
Saints faired better after the tries; controlling the game well but failing to make any in-roads in the Vikings’ half.
They finally did cross on 67 minutes thanks to a heap of pressure and a nice Turner run.
Saints threatened on a couple more occasions as the clock counted down but they couldn’t find the killer touch.
And Paddy Flynn sealed the Vikings’ win with a try right at the death.
Match Summary:
Saints:
Tries: Percival, Turner (2),
Goals: Walsh (1 from 2), Owens (1 from 1)
Vikings:
Tries: Ah Van, Mellor, Hanbury (2), White, Flynn
Goals: Thompson (3 from 4), Hanbury (0 from 1)
Penalties:
Saints: 7
Vikings: 5
HT: 10-16
FT: 16-30
REF: J Cobb
ATT: 3,691
Teams:
Saints:
22. Jack Owens; 21. Matty Dawson, 18. Dominique Peyroux, 3. Jordan Turner, 4. Mark Percival; 6. Travis Burns, 7. Luke Walsh; 10. Kyle Amor, 9. James Roby, 14. Lama Tasi, 12. Jon Wilkin, 11. Atelea Vea, 13. Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook.
Subs: 2. Tommy Makinson, 15. Greg Richards, 16. Andre Savelio, 17. Luke Thompson, 19. Theo Fages, 20. Joe Greenwood, 28. Morgan Knowles, 30. Calvin Wellington.
Vikings:
1. Rhys Hanbury; 2. Corey Thompson, 3. Chris Bridge, 17. Stefan Marsh, 5. Patrick Ah Van; 7. Joe Mellor, 6. Kevin Brown; 8. Eamon O’Carroll, 9. Lloyd White, 18. Gil Dudson, 15. Setaimata Sa, 14. Chris Dean, 13. Hep Cahill.
Subs: 10. Manase Manuokafoa, 16. Paddy Flynn, 19. Macgraff Leuluai, 21. Tom Gilmore, 22. Matt Whitley, 34. Sam Brooks, 42. Danny Walker.
