Saints surge clear at summit

St Helens moved two points clear at the top of the engage Super League table with a resounding 44-24 victory over fading Harlequins.

Tony Puletua scored two of the visitors' eight tries at the Twickenham Stoop as they handed their opponents a sixth successive defeat.

Despite being hit by an injury crisis Saints, without the likes of Jason Cayless, Sean Long, James Roby and Paul Wellens, enjoyed a cruise in the capital, running in 34 unanswered points in the first half.

To their credit Quins continued to battle hard, scoring four tries after the break to at least bring some respectability in the final reckoning.

No answer

However, the hosts - who have seen their play-off hopes hit badly by a worrying slump in form - simply had no answer to the leaders in the opening 40 minutes.

Tom Armstrong rounded off a flowing Saints move in the corner to open the scoring before Puletua barged his way over after 17 minutes.

James Graham, who had set up the first of the day for his fellow forward, went from scorer to provider by forcing his way to the line after Leon Pryce's 40-20.

There were three more tries to come before the interval - Kyle Eastmond, who also slotted over six conversions, Puletua and the outstanding Pryce all crossing to wrap up the two points by the halfway point.

Perhaps with the words of coach Brian McDermott still ringing in their ears, Quins put in a much-improved display in the second half.

Good strength

Gareth Haggerty touched down and although Chris Dean replied for Saints, Chad Robinson showing good strength to get over for a second home try.

Saints' final points of the afternoon came courtesy of a Jon Wilkin effort just short of the hour mark.

Quins gave their supporters, many of whom had come along to 'Down Under Day' at the Stoop, something to cheer about with two more tries in the final 10 minutes.

Danny Ward and Matt Gafa both got their name on the scoresheet with Danny Orr converting both, though the late rally came simply too late to prevent the London club slipping to another defeat.