ST HELENS HULL

JAMIE Shaul put the smile back on Lee Radford’s face with a try double as Hull avoided their worst start to a season since 1999.

The full- back scored the Black and Whites’ fi rst and last touchdowns as champions Saints slumped to a third straight loss .

And while last season’s Grand Final winners failed to gain redemption for their Good Friday defeat at Wigan, Hull bounced back from the home humiliation by Hull KR.

“Jamie is from East Hull, the same neck of the woods as I am,” said coach Radford following his side’s third win of the campaign.

“When you get beaten by Hull KR it is not a nice part of the planet to be on, so he was stinging as much as I was.

“For him to come out and put on that performance is fantastic. But it is a massive win and I am really pleased for the group, the owner and the fans. ”

In contrast, Saints boss Keiron Cunningham delivered a stinging attack on unnamed senior stars despite a gritty effort that saw them lead 18- 16 with just over a quarter of the game to go.

He gave full debuts to winger Ricky Bailey, 17, and centre Jack Ashworth, 18, plus a fi rst start to forward Andre Savelio.

“I am deeply disappointed with a few individuals,” said Cunningham. “A lot of players really busted their bodies and tried their best.

“But there were a few who can think themselves very lucky we have a few injuries and my arm may be forced and they can play in the next few weeks.

“I am not blaming the youngsters, there were a couple of my senior players who deeply let down this team.” Former Saint Leon Pryce created an assist for Shaul’s opening try after four minutes and then touched down himself seven minutes into the second period to put Hull 16- 12 ahead.

In between, former Bradford full- back Curtis Naughton marked his fi rst appearance for Hull with a 23rd- minute try.

Jordan Turner, who spent three seasons at the KC Stadium, put Saints back in front, only for Fetuli Talanoa’s 66th- minute try and Jordan Rankin’s conversion to edge Hull back in to the lead.

Tommy Makinson kicked a penalty but was left fl at- footed as Shaul raced past him for the game- winning score.

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