Salford Red Devils 6 St Helens 52 (Half-time 6-20)
Reigning Super League title holders St Helens wasted little time in claiming their second victory of the new campaign, with a comprehensive demolition of Salford Red Devils at the AJ Bell Stadium last night. Saints were already cruising by half-time after crossing the hosts' line four times, but proceeded to better that in the second period, as they ran in six more tries in a 52-6 thrashing.
The game was as one-sided as the score line suggests, with only a solo try from new recruit Ben Jones-Bishop (adding to his brace from game one last week) to warm the hands of the home supporters, which was converted by Michael Dobson.
The visitors were remorseless in their pursuit of points, recording tries from Mark Percival, Jordan Turner, Joe Greenwood and Luke Thompson in a lop-sided first period. After the break there was no let-up in their intensity, as winger Tommy Makinson joined in the fun for the away side. Percival and Greenwood bagged their second tries for Saints, either side of Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook's four-pointer. The icing on their cake came when they moved beyond the 50-points mark, as Turner grabbed his second try and Andre Savelio completed the rout. Percival did not need to be as clinical with his kicking, but still managed six successful conversions to bolster the score during the match.
Head coach Iestyn Harris blamed a lack of composure for his side's comprehensive reversal.
His obvious anger at the poor performance in his side's first home game of the new season was evident, as he told BBC Radio Manchester: "I'm bitterly disappointed." Clearly not accepting the lack of application from his players, he was also apologetic to the home crowd, as his disappointment extended to "the fans who have come out in their numbers."
The Super League fixtures continue this evening, with three intriguing contests to look forward to.
Hull FC host the attack-minded Warrington Wolves, which promises to be an entertaining affair. Challenge Cup holders Leeds Rhinos will be looking for victory at Headingley against Widnes Vikings. Wigan Warriors will be looking to pile on the misery for Huddersfield Giants, who failed to score in their home game last time out.
