THE margin of victory probably does not reflect Saints' complete control of the game, but nevertheless the14-6 win over Wigan stretched their lead to a mammoth 10 points at the top of Super League.

Saints scored two tries, a first half touchdown from Dom Peyroux and a second half effort from Morgan Knowles giving them the lead they never looked like relinquishing even though Sam Tomkins scored a late one to keep it interesting.

Although Wigan were missing half a dozen first teamers, and handed a debut to new signing Chris Hankinson, they still presented a physical and determined challenge.

That meant Saints, themselves missing Zeb Taia, Ben Barba and Mark Percival, had to meet fire with fire - and one of the highlights was the sight of Taulima Tautai getting bounced by a three-man tackle with Matty Lees prominent.

Lees had a strong game, as did Jack Ashworth in his first game in the red vee for two years.

But man of the match was outstanding skipper James Roby.

Peyroux opened the scoring on 10 minutes when he chased up a fumbled a Theo Fages diagonal grubber kick to pounce for the try.

Danny Richardson hit the conversion and then slotted a penalty to make it 8-0 after a Wigan indiscretion after Luke Thompson’s 30 metre break.

Saints had chances to extend their lead with John Bateman getting across to snuff out a Tommy Makinson break.

Wigan had pressure too and James Roby made a try saving tackle on Gabe Hamlin at the other end to keep Saints ahead.

In the second half Saints extended their lead when Knowles powered across the try line.

Wigan would not roll over and Romain Navarerette had a try chalked off for a double movement on the hour mark.

Tomkins threw the game back into the melting pot in the last 10 minutes with an un to the line and added the extras.

But Saints defended stoutly to record a 13th successive win to claim a first regular season double over Wigan since 2009.

Wigan Warriors:1. Sam Tomkins; 2. Tom Davies, 41. Chris Hankinson, 3. Dan Sarginson, 22. Liam Marshall; 34. Josh Woods, 7. Sam Powell; 8. Tony Clubb, 9. Thomas Leuluai, 10. Ben Flower, 19. Willie Isa, 14. John Bateman, 25. Romain Navarrete.

Subs: 17. Taulima Tautai, 30. Gabriel Hamlin, 39. Liam Paisley, 40. Joe Greenwood.

Saints: 1. Jonny Lomax; 5. Adam Swift, 2. Tommy Makinson, 3. Ryan Morgan, 19. Regan Grace; 6. Theo Fages, 18. Danny Richardson; 10. Kyle Amor, 9. James Roby, 16. Luke Thompson, 17. Dom Peyroux, 15. Morgan Knowles, 12. Jon Wilkin.

Subs: 13. Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, 14. Luke Douglas, 20. Matty Lees, 21. Jack Ashworth.