St Helen’s Totally Wicked Stadium was the epicenter of a Tom Makinson masterclass last night. His hat-trick of tries enabled Betfred Super League champions, St Helens, run riot against Wakefield. This was their second win in seven days, to further consolidate a top of the table finish.
Makinson doubled his try tally for the season by half-time to put his side on their way to a 48-6 victory at Warrington. While captain James Roby touched down twice to bring up a century of Super League tries. Teenager Lewis Dodd impressed and scored the first try of his career on his second appearance.
Saints went into half-time with an undeniable advantage as they stormed 30 points ahead of Wakefield. Wakefield showed more resolve in the second half, to deal with the majority of St Helen’s offensive moves. Winger Innes Senior deserves credit for his incredible long-distance intercept try which brought the Saints back down to earth.
Full-back Alex Walkers’ fumble in the opening stages set the tone for a half that would prove soul-destroying for Trinity fans. Roby secured the opening try after the young center, Jack Welsby, released a last second pass leaving Roby to catch and touch down for his 99th try.
Despite a disallowed try moments earlier, a trademark Lachlan Coote’s pass gifted the unstoppable Makinson his first try of the match on 16 minutes. Trinity struggled in possession and rarely threatened the Saints, who continued to dominate. Wakefield were undone by a devastating 20-minute spell before the break where they conceded five tries.
Roby forced his way over for his second while prop Alex Walmsley charging over for his 10th of the season and Makinson went over twice more in five minutes to complete his hat-trick.
Defensively, Wakefield were much better at the restart. Their backline worked together and became a harder force to contend with. The introduction of prop Eddie Battye added variation to Trinity’s invisible offensive line.
Saints were well into their stride by the time coach Kristian Woolf subbed Roby on the 55-minute mark, but his team were quickly compromised as his clean sheet hopes were shattered three minutes later when Senior ceased Jonny Lomax’s pass and went 90 meters for an impressive interception try, leaving Ryan Hampshire to convert the consolation goal.
St Helen’s were a force that could not be stopped and on the 66th minute mark struck again. Welsby released his winger Regan Grace, who finished decisively at the corner.
Coote breezed through a tired Wakefield defence to get Dodd over for a try, despite Max Jowitt’s last ditch attempt to stop his run.
As the game neared its conclusion, Kevin Naiqama secured Saints’ ninth try of the match a minute from time. Rewarding them with their 11th win from 14 this season.
