Barba blow spoils Saints romp
BEN BARBA handed leaders St Helens a major injury scare on a night when he had enhanced his reputation as the best player in the competition.
The Australian fullback was in imperious form during an exhilarating display, harvesting a hat-trick of tries and several assists.
With eight minutes remaining, though, he fell innocuously to the ground as he offloaded and, after five minutes
SALFORD ST HELENS
of treatment, Barba’s neck was put in a brace and he was carried off.
St Helens are noted for a commitment to free-flowing league and under Justin Holbrook they have rediscovered their swagger.
Barba was at the heart of everything for Saints and his pass sent Tommy Makinson over for an early opener. A second soon arrived when Makinson caught a high kick from Danny Richardson and ushered in Dominique Peyroux.
Barba then finished a slick handling sequence before turning provider by sending Ryan Morgan over the line.
Barba claimed the try of the game in the 35th minute, intercepting Josh Wood’s pass and racing nearly the length of the field to score.
Although Saints forward Matthew Lees saw red for a late hit on Niall Evalds, Regan Grace made it 32-6 at the break. The procession continued in the second half as Grace scored his second and Mark Percival got in on the act.
It was soon time for Barba to reclaim centre stage as he finished clinically for his 15th try of the season, before what had been an outstanding night was spoilt when he was carried off.