SAINTS boss Keiron Cunningham praised the patient and professional way in which his side despatched struggling Warrington.

Three tries in a late first half six-minute spell put Saints in the driving seat after they had bossed the opening half hour, with a disciplined but enterprising brand of rugby.

With the kicking game and leadership of returning Matty Smith key, Saints controlled the game and played it in the right part of the pitch throughout.

And when they needed to defend, apart from one blip, they did so.

Cunningham said: "We were really patient.

“It was probably the best first half of rugby we have played for a couple of years.

"It was no coincidence that we put our seven back out there and produced that.

"The weight of possession told in the end; we stuck at it, got opportunities and took them. We scored three good tries.

"We didn't have the greatest start to the second half but we regrouped. We were playing a corned animal in Warrington and we knew they would come and play and play really quick. We regrouped really well and got back to the job, restarted the half and it was a patient performance."

Saints attacked both edges well, but once again Mark Percival was international class in the left centres.

Cunningham added: "Zeb Taia was really threatening on the left edge and Mark Percival has not had as much ball in his life.

“You have to get your best players the ball, we seem to be doing that and Percy is having a field day. I'm also pleased for Adam Swift.

“He had it tough for the first couple of weeks but worked hard and over the last couple of weeks been brilliant. He took his tries well.

"Matty Smith got man of the match and he played his first game in two-and-a-half months.

“The way he manages himself in the dressing room before he goes out onto the field is impressive, as is how he performs in training.

"Good players make other players better and we should only improve now.

"We have a lot of potential. Jonny Lomax isn't far away and Tommy Makinson is playing well as are the outside backs and middles.

"We have to kick on and improve further now.

"It is a long old season and now we have to get ready for Salford.

"If we keep putting in the performances then you get what you deserve.

"We have won two games in a row so we will enjoy the moment, but tomorrow we're back to hard work and looking at Salford."

Warrington boss Tony Smith felt Saints' kicking game was the key factor.

 Smith: "I thought their kicking game was better than our's. That put them in the field position for those points to come.
Aside for nine minutes in the first half there was not much between us.
"First time we out some pressure on them we score. But it showed we need to be the side inflicting the pain, not receiving it.
"We have got to stick with it. But some basic handling errors are hurting us big time, as are penalties in terms of field position.
"Three weeks ago Saints had a tough game at Hull but got beat, then played well in Catalans and won and they have played pretty solid tonight.
"We have to find that game that unlocks."
There was no return in Wire colours for ex-Saint Andre Savelio, who was was left out by the coach. 
"He will play reserve grade this weekend and needs to work on his defence.
"That needs to be stronger before Dre can get back out there but he's determined to get that right," Smith said.