AS we rolled into April, Saints suffered their first reverse of the campaign – an 18-10 defeat in Perpignan.

They had led twice, but struggled without Theo Fages and late cry-off Jonny Lomax.

Saints bounced back in fine style the following week with an emphatic 38-12 victory over rivals Warrington.

A spell just before half time was key in opening up a 20-6 lead, and although Wire responded Matty Lees’ chase of a high ball earned a well-deserved crucial try.

A late highlight was Regan Grace’s dazzling 70 metre effort in which he bamboozled the Wolves defence to scorch over.

And it got even better the week after with a 5,500-strong travelling army packing the away end at Wigan on Good Friday. A Regan Grace hat-trick and Lachlan Coote out-jumping Zak Hardaker for a try were the highlights of a 36-10.

It looked too easy for Saints posting 62 and 50 points on Hull and Catalans respectively.

Kevin Naiqama and Tommy Makinson grabbed hat-tricks in a tough win at Hull KR.

In the cup Saints defeated Huddersfield and Wakefield to reach the semis.

It was not all plain-sailing and surprise package Salford looked set to chalk their first win at Saints for 40 years when they led 30-16.

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But a late rally allowed James Bentley to nick it in the dying seconds.

Other highlights of this period were the 36-16 win over Castleford at Anfield and a 21-10 win at Warrington.

They did, however, suffer a golden-point reverse at London.