SAINTS assistant coach Jamahl Lolesi was on the whole pleased with the defensive effort that helped secure a 21-8 win at Widnes.

Although the game was scrappy at times, Saints were always in control and claimed their 10th win out of 11 matches.

It was not without cost, with Adam Swift and Greg Richards both leaving the field with head knocks and Joe Greenwood sin-binned for his part in a melee at the end.

Lolesi said: "It was important to come here and get the two points.

"We got the points and were really happy with the defensive effort.

"When you watch Widnes you know they can attack and Kev Brown is a hell of a player to play against.

"They didn't have much to play for and therefore played carefree, moving it around well to put us under pressure.

"Our defence held up for long periods and to concede one try through natural play was a pleasing effort.

"We came under a bit of stick midway through the year so it is all credit to the players who have managed to turn it around and get going.

"A few characters have played some leading roles there too.

"We are under no illusions though, the bigger games lie ahead. We will put our efforts into next week, see where we finish up and then go into the semis."