Saints 66 Salford City Reds 16

CLIFFHANGER one week, runaway romp the next! Saints' fans can't complain life is dull after this 11-try slaughter of a Reds' squad boosted by a shock win over Wigan.

Although the World Club Champions inched home in the last minute against Halifax the previous week, there was never the slightest chance of a repetition here as Saints ruthlessly despatched a Salford side lacking seven regulars.

Much of Saints' handling and running was simply breathtaking as they amassed their highest total of the season, giving a healthy boost to their points difference.

Individual scoring honours abounded, with the outstanding Paul Wellens and Tony Stewart notching first-ever hat-tricks, while Sean Long laid on an incredible goalkicking display in converting each try, with several being from the touchline.

Back in his favourite loose-forward position, Paul Sculthorpe took the man-of-the-match award with another performance of massive authority, and he was well supported up front by Tim Jonkers, David Fairleigh, Peter Shiels and Keiron Cunningham.

As well as Wellens, Stewart and Long, there were also telling contributions from the entire three-quarter line, although Paul Newlove strove without success for the try that would have placed him in the all-time top 20.

Making his debut for Saints, ex- Leigh forward Heath Cruckshank had little chance to shine but along with another former Hilton Parker in Mick Higham gave notice that the team's strength-in-depth has been boosted.

Salford gained some consolation with three second-half tries, but their cause was not helped by injuries to ex-Saint Karle Hammond and Paul Southern.

The Reds were best served by captain Darren Brown, hooker Malcolm Alker, loose forward Mike Wainwright, second-rower Jason Nicol and centre Francis Maloney.

Early indications that the Reds' defence was to be put to the sword came when Wellens broke inside Saints' half and, on reaching full-back Gary Broadbent, sent Stewart racing over from 60 yards with Paul Highton in vain pursuit.

Shiels, Long, Stewart and Anthony Sullivan had build-up roles in two tries by Wellens before Broadbent stopped Chris Joynt in full flight. However, there was no respite for Salford as Sculthorpe nipped over to give Saints their fourth touchdown in 13 minutes.

Skipper Joynt had his reward for supporting a Newlove break to push Saints lead to 30-0 on the half-hour, and the Triple Crown holders put the finishing touch to a brilliant first half when Stewart scored under posts following a Cunningham run.

Cunningham and Wellens quickly carved out a try for Kevin Iro on the restart, before Salford at last opened their account when Alker touched down after Long lost possession. Maloney converted, and the Reds enjoyed another boost when Brown crossed after a double run-around movement.

Razor-sharp Stewart completed his hat-trick courtesy of Iro, who then made a try for Steve Hall before Alker scored his second try for Salford after chasing a Saints' dropped pass.

A wholly convincing dummy by Wellens led to his third touchdown, and slick-handling Saints saved the best try till the last when Long (twice) and Newlove were involved in an 80-yard raid which ended with Sullivan scoring one of Saints' unforgettables.

Reflecting on fourth-placed Saints' third win at Knowsley Road in 10 days coach Ian Millward said: "With the Cup out of the way I said the Super League season starts here and now it is all systems go for Old Trafford.

"That last try was unbelievable, but we don't do a lot of it in training. I hand out the jerseys and the players just go out and throw the ball around!"

The canny Australian who has revolutionised Saints' style can certainly say that again after the latest points extravaganza.