Rush a happy man as Saints get back to winning ways (From St Helens Star)

Mike Rush a happy man as St Helens get back to winning ways

10:07am Monday 20th August 2012 in Latest News

MIKE Rush had plenty of reasons to smile after watching Saints return to winning ways against Castleford.

They bounced back from successive defeats to run in eight tries in a 44-12 victory and also produced a much improved defensive performance to please the coach.

Rush was also happy to learn that an RFL fine imposed for criticising referee Thierry Alibert would be suspended.

Speaking after the victory, Rush praised his skipper Paul Wellens, who crossed for another try and had a hand in several others.

He said: "Paul Wellens was my man of the match. He scored one and lay on another and to be fair he made another when he came around the corner and Jonny got a kick away.

"He is a good captain who leads from the front. He said a lot of things about how we needed to finish this season well and it certainly showed how much it mattered to him."

Tommy Makinson, who retained his place when Ade Gardner was unfit, scored two of the Saints touchdowns, including a length-of-the-field effort.

Rush added: "I thought Tommy Makinson was very good. Sometimes young players need a little kick up the backside or the feel of feet behind him.

“Sometimes they need to know that nothing is god given. He was excellent."

The coach also admitted his relief that the RFL had chosen to impose a £500 suspended fine for his criticism of Mr Alibert, instead of a direct punishment.

Rush added: "I'm the tightest man in the world so I'm happy I don't have to part with any money."