Wakefield Trinity v Saints

Saints moved to within one point of the top four with a comfortable 41-16 win over Wakefield.

With the Super 8s just two weeks away Justin Holbrook’s side produced one of their most committed performances to date.

The first half in particular was the best this season as they led 24-6.

Danny Richardson and Theo Fages were at the hub, complemented by the lively James Roby and Jon Wilkin.

They then weathered a strong Trinity second half fightback before running in two more tries.

Richardson opened the scoring in the eighth minute after his deft kick forced a drop out.

The pack did the damage and then the youngster backed himself, dropped his shoulder and sliced through the defence.

But from the restart Saints dropped the ball and Matty Ashurst scored against his former employers.

Saints spurned chances to get back in front but in the 18th minute the evergreen James Roby took his chance.

This time it was Fages with the kick – Roby following it up and having the awareness to pounce after it had hit the bottom of the left post.

It didn’t take long for Saints to increase that advantage too.

Richardson set Ryan Morgan away on the right hand side; he popped it into the hands of Tommy Makinson who chipped over the top and then reclaimed the ball.

Majestic stuff from the winger.

Saints had their tails up and on the half hour mark scored again.

Fages pushed his nose through and was hauled down by the defence but a quick play the ball saw Zeb Taia combine with Mark Percival to set Regan Grace flying down the left side side to touch down.

24-6 to the Saints at half time.

Clearly well the front foot, Saints needed to start the second half as they did the first – but they conceded within the first couple of minutes.

A knock on gave the hosts to the chance to take advantage and Scott Grix profited.

And five minutes later it was almost game on as Saints had to defend back to back penalties.

But Wakefield spilled the ball.

Scrappy play was affecting both side’s attacking capabilities but Saints D was called up on numerous occasions to quell Trinity’s fast play.

But Percival added his fifth goal of the afternoon to edge Saints out after Taia was dragged back as he went for a Richardson kick.

Wakefield aren’t a top four side this season for no reason through and on the hour mark a free-flowing passing move saw Mason Caton-Brown pull his side to within 10 points.

Percival added another penalty in the 67th minute to settle the nerves before LMS came up with the gamebreaker.

Richardson’s monster kick was tapped back by Makinson and it was sent through hands for prop to scorch over.

Zeb Taia then crossed following a Fages’ break.

And Danny Richardson capped a great performance with a drop goal as the hooter sounded.