SAINTS have got a battle on their hands at Wakefield if they are to preserve their winning league run.

Not only do they trail 12-6 on the scoreboard, they are struggling with injuries having lost Jonny Lomax, Mark Oercival and Luke Thompson already.

Saints started well enough, tackling resolutely before taking the lead in the ninth minute.

After a fine burst from Lomax, who inter-passed smartly with Mark Flanagan before being hauled down, Wellens stretched over for his first try of the year.

Saints bombed a certain score when Tommy Makinson failed to see three men outside him when surging up the middle from broken play – and that went begging.

Adam Swift crossed in the corner but was pulled back for a forward pass.

A long kick was not fielded cleanly by Swift, forcing a drop out.

And after a penalty from the next play former Saint Matty Ashurst sneaked over.

Saints lost Lomax and had to shuffle the back line, and then Luke Thompson was led off with a head knock after getting on the wrong end of Mose Masoe’s tackle.

Masoe looked like he had set up another score, but it is one of those nights with Joe Greenwood dropping it.

An interception gave Ali Lauitiiti a run downfield from which Saints never regrouped. A penalty from Jon Wilkin intensified the pressure and straightforward handling saw Reece Lyne cross.

Hall converted to make it 12-6 at the break.