Saints continued their good form as they defeated Widnes 38-18 at the Magic Weekend.
Regan Grace took his try tally to eight in five matches with a brace whilst Ryan Morgan also grabbed a double in a solid win.
But they were pushed all the way by a Widnes side that scored early and kept on fighting throughout.
Matt Whitley had given the Vikings a fifth minute lead before Saints turned the screw and took their chances.
Firstly, Danny Richardson finished off a Dom Peyroux break and then Ben Barba chipped for Mark Percival to put down.
The mercurial full back was called upon to make try-saving tackle on Sam Wilde – before Saints turned defence into attack and Barba found Grace for his first.
Saints were 18-6 up but any thoughts they could take the game away from Widnes were halted when Wellington Albert pulled one back on 25 minutes.
Barba crossed for his 19th of the season shortly afterwards but when Peyroux was sinbinned for holding back Aaron Heremaia on a kick through just before half time, Jimmy Keinhorst went through a gap.
Saints extended their lead five minutes into the second half with a Richardson penalty – before Ryan Morgan scored his brace.
The first came after a superb Percival break; the centre stepping multiple defenders and finding Richardson on his right.
The scrum half then linked with Makinson to pop Morgan over.
His second came from another sweeping move to the right; Barba and Richardson both involved.
Widnes tried their luck as the game came to an end – but found Saints a tough nut to crack – and eventually a loose pass was scooped up and returned 50 metres for Grace’s second.
Benny Barba and the @Saints1890 boys loving a #MagicWeekend win ⚪? pic.twitter.com/66gLikexqe
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) 19 May 2018
OH WHEN THE SAINTS…. ???#MagicWeekend pic.twitter.com/Vr1ybdDCFc
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) 19 May 2018
“We were a little bit off with some of our passing and a little bit off defensively in the first half but I am happy with the win.”
That was one of the thoughts of Saints Head Coach Justin Holbrook after Saints’ 38-18 win over Widnes at the Magic Weekend.
“People don’t give Widnes enough credit,” he said. “I know they haven’t been winning but I watched last week’s game and they were unlucky not to beat Leeds in the Cup. If they had done then it would have been a different week for us.
“We came here knowing they hadn’t be winning games and everyone had automatically given us the win. That can make it hard for players.
“I thought at half time it was really close but in the second half I thought we really dominated and came away with a good win.”
He continued: “Regan Grace and Danny Richardson both played well for us today – and I thought Dom Peyroux had his best game for us. He set a really high standard which was great.
Peyroux is a BEAST ?
BIG run from the forward to set @DannyRich96 free for another @Saints1890 belter ⚪? pic.twitter.com/k8mLcftoXh
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) 19 May 2018
“When you come to this venue you want to play the best game you can as a player. Obviously we did that last year and everyone sets high standards but you cannot hit those every week. I am happy to get the win.”
Match Summary:
Vikings:
Tries: Whitley, Albert, Keinhorst
Goals: Marsh (3 from 3)
Saints:
Tries: Richardson, Percival, Grace (2), Barba, Morgan (2)
Goals: Richardson (5 from 8)
Penalties Awarded:
Vikings: 9
Saints: 6
HT: 18-22
FT: 18-38
REF: L Moore
ATT: 38,881
Teams:
Vikings:
1. Rhys Hanbury; 5. Patrick Ah Van, 4. Charly Runciman, 38. Jimmy Keinhorst, 2. Stefan Marsh; 6. Joseph Mellor, 33. Aaron Heremaia; 25. James Chapelhow, 21. Jordan Johnstone, 19. Greg Burke, 12. Matt Whitley, 17. Samuel Wilde, 13. Hep Cahill.
Subs: 16. Thomas Olbison, 20. Macgraff Leuluai, 23. Danny Walker, 36. Wellington Albert.
Saints:
23. Ben Barba; 2. Tommy Makinson, 3. Ryan Morgan, 4. Mark Percival, 19. Regan Grace; 1. Jonny Lomax, 18. Danny Richardson; 14. Luke Douglas, 9. James Roby, 16. Luke Thompson, 17. Dom Peyroux, 11. Zeb Taia, 12. Jon Wilkin.
Subs: 6. Theo Fages, 13. Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, 15. Morgan Knowles, 20. Matty Lees.
