Our review of the season continues with a look at July, August and September.
Please note that some of the YouTube links below may contain advertising that is no longer relevant.
July
Mark Percival produced a sublime finish as Saints beat Hull FC 19-12 to keep their top four hopes alive.
They then ran in seven tries to defeat Catalans 46-28.
According to Holbrook, Saints were in already in Super 8s mode and it showed as they moved to within one point of the top four with a comfortable 41-16 win over Wakefield in probably their most complete performance to date.
August
On to the Super 8s, and Saints first game brought a 26-12 win at Castleford. Holbrook’s side were excellent throughout with James Roby scoring a brace.
Two frustrating results followed … 8-6 at home to Hull FC before another late loss at Leeds.
Off the field James Bentley joined the club from Bradford Bulls, whilst the club held a very successful Junior Members Day.
But all eyes were on Ben Barba’s debut and it coincided with the visit of Wigan …
September
The star showed up well on his first outing too, scoring a try on debut, but the Warriors went away with the win.
It left Saints effectively needing to win their remaining fixtures to secure a semi-final berth – and they did just that.
Firstly, Jonny Lomax landed a dramatic win over Wakefield, before Huddersfield were despatched 40-16.
Ben Barba then starred in a 30-4 win over Salford.
Off the field, Mark Percival was named in the Dream Team, whilst James Roby scooped three honours at the club’s End of Season Awards.
The hooker won the Players’ Player of the Year, the Members’ Player of the Year and the Player of the Year accolades.
Elsewhere, Luke Thompson and Tommy Makinson signed new contracts to continue the good news.
Saints’ late season form had set up a semi-final at Castleford and what a game it proved to be.
For the vast majority of the game they were the better side and led with only moments to spare. But heartbreak was to follow as Luke Gale dropped a one-pointer in Golden Point Extra Time to send the League Leaders to Old Trafford.
After the game Justin Holbrook said: “I am very proud of the playing group and it was good to see the fans stick around after the game and make the journey over in the first place too. It was good for the players to see that as it has been a weird old season for them. We know we have to start better next year.
“It will take a while to get over this one but I love the playing group and I am looking forward to a full season here next year.”
Tomorrow, we’ll close out the year…
