SAINTS boss Justin Holbrook was pleased his side stepped over the traditional Catalans banana skin after an early scare to clock up another home win.

Saints trailed four times before finally putting the Dragons to the sword with a late flourish.

The victory closes the gap on the fourth-placed Wakefield to three points and sets up next week’s clash nicely.

Holbrook said: “This was a danger game for us after our win over Hull last week.

“We were never going to get automatically given the points today – we had to go and earn them. They pushed and pushed us so I was pleased to get the win.

“Our start wasn’t up to the high standards we have had in the past but I wasn’t worried.

"It was always going to be a dangerous game and you have to give Catalans credit.

“They have some dangerous players and in the last few weeks they have played better so I am happy with the result.

“I am really happy how we finished the game off. We swapped the lead a few times and I was really impressed with the boys’ attention to detail to finish off a game like that.”

There was special praise for the way prop Alex Walmsley lifted the team off the bench, both in attack and more noticeably in defence.

“Big Al was outstanding for us particularly when we were a little bit off with our defence. He is known for his attack, but he defended well. He and Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook have been outstanding for us.”

Holbrook revealed that fellow prop Kyle Amor missed the game with a pulled hamstring training which, although minor, still makes him a doubt for Wakefield.

On the fledgling half back pairing between Theo Fages and Danny Richardson Holbrook continued: “It is going OK. Theo is taking a bit more responsibility and is coming up with some really good quality touches for us.

“Danny is still finding his feet, but he is solid and doing a good job for us now.

“I am OK with where we are at there, we will keep working but they are playing well together.”

“Theo has responded to the responsibility and he has had more opportunities and taken them. He is looking really dangerous.

“I was a bit critical early on that he was not looking for or taking opportunities but he has certainly improved that in last few weeks.

“He is playing really well and is a key part of our team at the moment.”

Holbrook also said there was positive news on the horizon with regards to Matty Smith, who has been sidelined after ripping his eyelid at Leeds three weeks ago.

“Matty has improved a lot and can start training again. We still have not got a timeframe but we are hoping sooner rather than later so that could be a matter of a few weeks at the earliest.

“I am being positive with that, but so too is Matty. It is improving a lot and he can come back to training which is fantastic for everyone,” Holbrook said.

“It will be a tough game at Wakefield next week. It was a really important for us to win today.

“It can be hard when people just assume you are going to win so I am happy with how we finished the game off.”