SAINTS rattled in nine tries to ruthlessly put Super League basement side London Broncos to the sword and climb back to the top of the table at the midway point of the 2024 campaign.

Two early tries from wing Waqa Blake followed by touchdowns from halves Lewis Dodd and Moses Mbye put Saints in the driving seat at the break.

A quick-fire treble from Daryl Clark and tries from Konrad Hurrell and Mark Percival, who added eight goals, took the score to 52.

A last minute try from London wing Lee Kershaw scuppered Saints’ mission of keeping the tryline intact – but it was nevertheless a fine all-round performance in front of a huge and noisy travelling support.

Wellens said: “I think across the board we were really good and that was the challenge for the team today, but more importantly the individuals within it to want to come down here and give a really good account of themselves.

“I think our experienced players were very good and led on that.

“Daryl Clark and Moses Mbye were very impressive but they were supported by a good many more as well so that was pleasing.”

Saints did their points difference the power of good, but they did so in a patient and methodical manner – and that paid dividends.

Wellens said: “I don't think you ever go into a game thinking we're going to score 50 points. If you go into a game thinking about scoring 50 points invariably you don't.

“But we had a real strong conversation around the group saying if we commit to a real tough style of rugby league, bring fatigue into the game, commit to our identity in essence then there could potentially be points there for us.

“But we knew we were also going to be good with the ball, not disrespect possession and all the things that you talk about when you play any other team.”

It looked very much like Saints were going to shut the Londoners out, only for the Broncos to strike through Kershaw entering the final minute.

Wellens said: “I challenged the team half time, I said ‘I like the 24 points, but I like the zero even better. Let's keep it that way.’ “(That final play) was not down to Moses Mbye missing touch - that can happen. But I thought we didn't respond well enough.

“I just said to the team that it's probably the one blot on the copy book today but if you learn from that it can be a positive moving forward.

“Whilst I don't like it now, it might be a blessing in disguise.”