REVIEWS are all the rage at this time of year! So sit back, grab a brew and some leftovers and enjoy our review of an action packed season.
Today we begin with what happened on the field in January through to March.
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January
After a long pre-season that featured trips to the Cassius Camp in the Lake District, four days with Plymouth-based Royal Marines of 42 Commando and a Christmas run up Rivington Pike, Saints began their campaign with a solid 38-18 victory over Championship side Dewsbury Rams. Theo Fages scored in the match that would have been in doubt if it wasn’t for the fans that helped clear snow off the pitch.
A week later Widnes Vikings took home the Karalius Cup with a 30-16 win at Langtree Park, with Coach Keiron Cunningham saying Saints looked a little “soft” at times during the defeat.
Cunningham signed an extension two days later; remaining a Saint until the end of 2018.
February
Saints got their Super League campaign off to a superb start beating Huddersfield Giants 30-16 at Langtree Park. Luke Walsh had a hand in all five tries with Mark Percival bagging a brace. The delight was short-lived though as Salford handed KC’s men a 44-10 reverse – not ideal preparation for the World Club Series game with Sydney Roosters which followed. Saints played well in parts but the Roosters were too strong, winning 38-12.
Many expected Saints to go the same way over at Hull KR at the end of the month, but James Roby inspired a 31-22 victory – their first league win at the Robins since 2007.
March
Castleford Tigers were next up at Langtree Park – the first of three games between the sides this season. Missing the suspended Travis Burns Saints emerged 28-22 winners in a damp game before hammering Wakefield Wildcats 44-4 at home a week later. Joe Greenwood and James Roby grabbing a brace each in the win.
Next up was a trip to Headingley and Leeds Rhinos. The Champions’ form had been sketchy but they won 30-18 – Saints coming back from 16-0 at one point to lead 18-16.
Saints aimed to bounce back against Wigan Warriors on Good Friday – but another poor start led to a 24-12 loss in front of a sell-out Langtree park crowd.
Battered and bruised Saints then travelled to Widnes Vikings on Easter Monday and won 20-12 – defence key in the second half – but sad news was to follow as Tommy Makinson was ruled out for the season with an ACL tear.
Our review continues tomorrow…
