A WIN is a win – I think that’s how most associated with the mighty Saints will see it this week.

Our 32-12 triumph over bottom club Hull KR might not have been the most convincing win of all time, but it does mean the champions are now a perfect four-from-four since the resumption of the Betfred Super League.

In the words of head coach Kristian Woolf, this performance was fully understandable after a week that had its own challenges and disruptions – namely coaching staff being unable to coach the team in person due to the false positive COVID-19 test of a fellow member of staff that led to a near two-week isolation period.

However, like I said, we got the two points, and one of the biggest signs of a great side is when you can still grind out a win when not at your best.

Sometimes performances like this keep your feet on the ground, and while a lot is being said about the team at the moment, this just illustrates that nothing is won yet.

The first half was filled with far too many uncharacteristic errors but, no doubt with some clear direction in the sheds, we were much improved in the second half, which we won by 20-0.

Probably the biggest positive to come out of the match on Sunday was the performance of some of the young blokes – namely Jack Welsby, who helped himself to a brace, and prop Matty Lees, who never seems to take a backwards step.

Alongside those two, James Bentley continues to impress me week after week, as does Lachlan Coote and of course captain marvel James Roby.

Following the exit of Theo Fages with a hyper-extended knee injury, Robes stepped up in the half-back role and took control of the game alongside Jonny Lomax.

Roby looked more than comfortable away from dummy half, showing just how versatile he still is at 34.

Hopefully the early news on Theo is positive and not a major injury worry, but I’m sure the gaffer was boosted by his stand-in half if required in the next few weeks.

However, with games coming thick and fast now, is this the opportunity to give young half-back star Lewis Dodd his chance to shine?

I’m a big fan of giving youth a chance, and this kid certainly has the ability and temperament to go all the way when given his opportunity.

Next up for the Saints in the Betfred Super League is the Huddersfield Giants, who themselves turned in an indifferent performance this weekend when going down 31-12 to a resurgent Hull FC.

The Giants looked impressive in their opening two games since the restart, despite going down by one point on both occasions. However - admittedly missing both first choice halves Aiden Sezer and ex-Saint Lee Gaskell - the Giants were well beaten this time.

Huddersfield narrowly beat us back in March just before lockdown and, although ‘revenge’ will not be spoken about, I think we will get out of the blocks at Headingley on Friday evening and have too much for Simon Woolford’s men.