Holbrook so proud
upright, but the home side were suddenly 14-6 to the good.
Whatever coach Steve McNamara said to his Frenchman at half time was certainly working because despite the Giants trying to steady the ship, the home side went further ahead on 53 with a cracking try – Samisoni Langi powering down the middle before finding Gigot in support and his excellent inside pass put Mead under the posts for his second try, easily converted by Gigot for a 20-6 lead.
Catalans were dominating, and only excellent goalline work from Rankin and Jared Simpson prevented Mead scoring again after Gigot had earlier been held up inches short.
Turner almost got the Giants back on the scoresheet when he was held up by Gigot on 61, but the Giants had a let-off .............................. 9 ...................................... 8 ......................... 10 ...................................... 8 .......................................... 9 ............................ 7 .............................. 8 ................................... 9 ................................... 9 ....................... 9 .................................. 9 ............. 9 ST Helens coach Justin Holbrook spoke of his pride after seeing his team add Widnes’ scalp to that of Wigan over the Easter period.
After edging out the Warriors 21-18 on home soil on Good Friday, the Saints ran out 28-6 victors over Widnes in difficult conditions at Halton Stadium.
Despite playing two derbies in quick succession, Holbrook kept faith with the majority of the team for both matches and was rewarded with an impressive display against the Vikings.
Holbrook said: “I’m really happy to come away with the win. It was tough conditions out there and I’m really pleased to get the points.
“I’m really proud of the playing group as 16 players of the 17 that played against Wigan on Good Friday have backed that up today and played here at Widnes. It’s a credit to the players.
“Our handling was very, very good and there was some good skill levels shown out there. It was a good test for us and to come away with the victory is exactly what we wanted.”
Saints played with confidence and fluidity and Holbrook said his star full-back Ben Barba was central to his team’s approach at the Vikings, as well as scoring sensation Tommy Makinson whose brace of tries included his 100th for the club. ■■Amateur rugby league’s showpiece Holliday Cup final was postponed because of yesterday’s snow.
Underbank and Moldgreen had been due to meet at Laund Hill. It will now be rescheduled.