SAINTS skipper James Roby was hailed by coach Justin Holbrook after a man of the match performance against Hull KR.

Roby capped a fine all round game with his 100th try in Saints colours in a game that was often frustrating to watch.

The veteran number nine was constantly taking Saints forward from dummy half, and back to his dynamic and industrious best after suffering a debilitating rib cartilage injury after Easter.

Holbrook said: “James was good and back to his best. He was a stand out for us, really impressive and sharp and that was great to see.

"It has taken him a while, which we knew it would, with a rib injury.

“It was good for his to reach 100 tries for the club too. He is a great player and he showed that tonight.”

Overall it was not a classic game, as was probably to be expected after last Sunday's tough cup game.

Saints were always in the driving seat and had they executed with more precision, the score would have blown out.

Holbrook was nevertheless pleased with a victory that stretches Saints' lead to six points and a huge for and against advantage.

He said: “We came off a tough game on Sunday and it was always going to be a challenge for us.

“I thought we handled that challenge really well. I thought the players lifted after a tough game and controlled the game well, so I am really happy.

“It got a bit scrappy.

"We got down to their line quite easily but couldn’t get over it. We came close a few times but all in all I was just really pleased to come away with a good win.

“It is really important that we won, no matter who we are playing. It was a little bit scratchy, it was a slow game and that made it hard for us as we couldn’t do much about that. But I thought we played well and were in control of it.

“We had plenty more chances, Tommy Mak chasing the kick on half time, over then Benny gets over the line, we came close three or four other times. So at 26-4 I am happy."