SAINTS BACK ON TEMPO TOP

Giants thrown to Kristian’s lions

Three pre- lockdown defeats had left Kristian Woolf’s side among the chasing pack, having virtually monopolised top spot in the previous two seasons.

But with Walmsley leading Woolf’s trio of in- form front rowers against an injury- hit, Huddersfield side, Saints leap- frogged rivals Wigan as they look to retain their title.

England international Walmsley has been arguably the form player in the whole competition since the return to action, with Matty Lees a willing wing man in the middle. And the mid- season loss of Luke Thompson to Canterbury Bulldogs has barely been noticed due to the performances of his replacement, returning hero James Graham.

Graham has led with words and actions, and with all three punching major holes in defences every week, Saints look every inch title contenders again.

The trio seem to be thriving under Super League’s fast- paced new rules,

GRACE- FUL: Regan Grace runs the length of the field to score the third try for St Helens playing long minutes compared to their opponents.

They handed debuts to youngsters Owen Trout and Reiss Butterworth, and also fielded NRL- bound starlet Dominic Young on the wing.

While coach Simon Woolford couldn’t fault the commitment of his side for most of the game, it was men against boys at times. They were behind from the fourth minute when Lachlan Coote touched down after a fortuitous ricochet from Aaron Smith’s kick kick. Smith then scored himself from a trademark Walmsley offload, and when Regan Grace scooped up a loose ball to race away and make it 18- 0 after less than 25 minutes, a complete demolition looked on the cards.

But Huddersfield regrouped, didn’t concede a try for over 20 minutes and even crossed themselves through the impressive Trout.

The procession restarted in the closing half hour though as Louie Mccarthy- Scarsbrook, Grace, Matty Costello, Coote, Dom Peyroux and Walmsley completed the rout.