AFTER the emotional highs of reaching Wembley and then announcing his departure, coach Justin Holbrook was happy to see his side with a number of absences chalk up another win.

Three tries in a nine-minute spell - from Danny Richardson, Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook and Tommy Makinson - put them in the driving seat at the break.

But in an often turgid second half, in which Saints were denied ball in decent field position, they had only a well-taken Kevin Naiqama try to show for it.

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They nevertheless kept their line intact until two minutes from time to show plaent of effort and energy after a demanding week against a team battling for Super League survival.

Holbrook said: "I thought it was a really good performance from us tonight after a lot of emotional highs from last week’s game.

"We were up against a really dangerous attacking side tonight a team in a dangerous spot as to where they sit on the ladder.

"The fact that we had a few out tonight made it a really good performance.

"Defensively we were fantastic tonight against a dangerous side.

"Although we did not get much ball in the second half we handled that ok, although we did not play great in that second half and got the win which is important."

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Holbrook announced that he was joining NRL side Gold Coast Titans on Wednesday, but the players did not let that distract them in getting the job done.

"It has been very tough for myself – though I am trying not to make it about me. I am really proud with how they played tonight.

"It was hard to play tonight – a very slow type of game," he said.

Cries of 'Only one Justin Holbrook' rang out at the end and he was inundated with selfie requests as he went to the tunnel.

The feeling is mutual.

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"I love the fans and it means a lot to myself and our team.

"We are having a good year and I am enjoying it.

"All I want to do is give it my best and have the team play the best they can. We are going well this year.

"We all know we fell short last year, so we are doing best to go further this year.

"But I have enjoyed every minute of it.

"It was a tough decision to leave a place when everyone is happy and going well, but that is the only time I would get the chance to leave.

"If we are not going well I would not get the chance so I do feel a bit selfish about that.

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"It is difficult but it is where I want to coach. I have made it clear that I have loved every minute of it – and I just want to enjoy the rest of this year, that is for sure," he said.

He also gave an update on the players who missed tonight - saying Regan Grace and Jonny Lomax should be right for Warrington."

"Alex, Cootey and Morgan Knowles might be two weeks away I think.

"They are not too far away which is good news and everyone will be right for the cup final," he said.

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On Thursday both Challenge Cup finalists face each other at Warrington - not ideal timing.

"Warrington will be tough for both sides and it is as awkward as a game you can get for both sides when you know, in two weeks time you are playing for the Challenge Cup trophy.

"It will be hard for both sides," Holbrook said.