SAINTS ran in six tries to beat Salford Red Devils 34-20 and record their fourth win in five in Super League.
Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Mark Percival, Dominique Peyroux, Jonny Lomax, Theo Fages and Kyle Amor all crossed as Keiron Cunningham’s men climbed to fourth in the table.
The win was based on a solid first half that the head coach believed should have realised more points – even though they went behind early.
Salford forced an early drop out and after a try saving tackle from Luke Walsh, Niall Evalds scored in the corner on four minutes.
But four minutes later, following a 40:20 from Walsh, Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook was caught on a fine line to level it up.
Walsh putting his side in the lead with the boot.
Within 18 minutes the home side were ahead.
Strong runs from Lama Tasi and James Roby set up the chance – and Mark Percival stretched over from dummy half.
Saints then had another couple of chances to increase their lead before a three-set goal line stand stopped the Devils gaining a foothold.
And that defence and sheer will to keep their line intact was then transformed into points.
Alex Walmsley produced a barnstorming run, offloaded to Fages who then found Dominique Peyroux at pace to score.
At 16-4 Saints looked set fair, but on the stroke of half time Niall Evalds crossed in the corner to reduce the deficit.
No doubt rueing the misses chances, Saints started the second half on the front foot and were unlucky not to increase their advantage in the 44th minute.
James Roby broke through the middle but Jon Wilkin couldn’t haul in the hooker’s quick pass.
Saints weren’t done though and on their next attack they swept the ball left and Lomax danced his way through the defence.
But Justin Carney replied almost immediately and then Niall Evalds crossed for his hat-trick.
Thankfully, Saints stemmed the flow of points and it came off the back of a fantastic Theo Fages’ solo effort.
Fages and Wilkin were both held up over the line as the game entered its final ten minutes but with five to go Jack Owens produced a sublime pass for Kyle Amor to charge under the sticks.
Walsh adding his fifth conversion and sealing the win.
Match Summary:
Saints:
Tries: McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Percival, Peyroux, Lomax, Fages, Amor
Goals: Walsh (5 from 6)
Devils:
Tries: Evalds (3), Carney
Goals: O’Brien (1 from 4), Dobson (1 from 1)
Penalties:
Saints: 11
Devils: 9
HT: 16-8
FT: 34-20
REF: C Kendall
ATT: 9,299
Teams:
Saints:
1. Jonny Lomax; 5. Adam Swift, 21. Matty Dawson, 4. Mark Percival, 22. Jack Owens; 19. Theo Fages, 7. Luke Walsh; 14. Lama Tasi, 9. James Roby, 10. Kyle Amor, 18. Dominque Peyroux, 12. Jon Wilkin, 13. Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook.
Subs: 8. Alex Walmsley, 11. Atelea Vea, 16. Andre Savelio, 28. Morgan Knowles.
Devils:
14. Gareth O’Brien; 2. Justin Carney, 4. Junior Saíu, 1. Niall Evalds, 5. Daniel Vidot; 6. Robert Lui, 7. Michael Dobson; 8. Craig Kopczak, 19. Logan Tomkins, 10. George Griffin, 11. Ben Murdoch-Masila, 33. Josh Jones, 21. Ryan Lannon.
Subs: 12. Weller Hauraki, 15. Adam Walne, 16. Olsi Krasniqi, 17. Phil Joseph.
