DOMINIQUE Peyroux’s first tries for the club weren’t enough as Saints went down 38-12 to Sydney Roosters in Game One of the World Club Series.
The centre grabbed a brace in the second half as Keiron Cunningham’s men produced a battling performance against the NRL Minor Premiers.
In fact for the first 20 minutes Saints were well in the fight.
They forced a drop out right from the kick off and then Luke Walsh almost won a 40:20 with a superb kick.
Moments later a little intricacy from Jon Wilkin had the Roosters back peddling.
The defence then repelled three sets as Sydney attempted to profit from Jake Friend’s jinking run.
Saints were certainly on top and when the Roosters lost the ball the home side went for it after seeing space on the right.
But the freeplay wasn’t utilised in international rules much to the dismay of the home support.
And from that play, the Roosters scored. Jack Owens was unlucky to find himself caught in goal and from the drop out Kane Evans showed his strength to get over.
27 minutes in and the Roosters scored again.
It was a lovely passing move that saw the Blake Ferguson cross; coming from inside their own half … but the final pass was at least a yard forward.
Saints won back to back sets from some superb defence at the half hour mark – but failed to control the ball when it mattered most.
And as the half entered its final stages a high Jon Wilkin ball looked to give Saints space on the right hand side – but the loose ball was collected and Dave Copley increased the advantage.
Saints needed to start the second half strongly and they did just that.
A fantastic set was completed by a high Jon Wilkin ball that caused panic in the defence.
Blake Ferguson spilled it but Dominique Peyroux was there to mop up over the line.
Saints defended another set admirably and then Peyroux forced an error right in prime Sydney territory.
And the centre almost capped that piece of play with a fine pass to Makinson, but he just couldn’t haul it in.
A minute later, the Roosters scored.
Saints dropped back for the kick on the last and Latrell Michell got the ball wide to Shaun Kenny-Dowall and he scorched down the right hand side.
And Guerra treated the home support to a masterclass in finishing a try following some superb handling shortly afterwards.
Dylan Napa was sinbinned for a high shot on Adam Swift at the hour mark and Saints utilised the space perfectly.
A simple passing move created the space for Peyroux to cross for his second.
Another kick over the top forced a drop out five minutes later but Vea’s pass was intercepted by Tupou and he went the length.
Saints had a dig in the final stages but another ball went to the ground and the chance was gone.
Match Summary:
Saints:
Tries: Peyroux (2),
Goals: Walsh (2 from 2)
Roosters:
Tries: Evans, Guerra (2), Ferguson, Copley, Kenny-Dowall, Tupou
Goals: Hastings (5 from 6)
Penalties:
Saints: 4
Roosters: 3
HT: 0-22
FT: 12-38
REF: Ben Thaler
ATT: 14,008
Teams:
Saints:
22. Jack Owens; 2. Tommy Makinson, 18. Dominique Peyroux, 3. Jordan Turner, 5. Adam Swift; 12. Jon Wilkin, 7. Luke Walsh; 8. Alex Walmsley, 6. Travis Burns, 16. Andre Savelio, 20. Joe Greenwood, 11. Atelea Vea, 13. Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook.
Subs: 10. Kyle Amor, 14. Lama Tasi, 17. Luke Thompson, 28. Morgan Knowles.
Roosters:
1. Blake Ferguson; 2. Daniel Tupou, 3. Dale Copley, 4. Latrell Mitchell, 5. Shaun Kenny-Dowall; 6. Jayden Nikorima, 7. Jackson Hastings; 8. Kane Evans, 9. Jake Friend, 10. Dylan Napa, 11. Aidan Guerra, 12. Mitchell Aubusson, 24. Sio Siua Taukeiaho.
Subs: 13. Sam Moa, 14. Isaac Liu, 15. Vincent Leuluai, 16. Ian Henderson.
