IT was indeed a gusty win – just as I predicted in last week’s column – for Saints at Huddersfield on Sunday.

My score suggestion of seven points or more was spot on as Paul Wellens’ side ran out 18-10 winners at the John Smith’s Stadium.

All that mattered was securing those two points, as the team fights for its place in the top six of the Betfred Super League table, but if we are to challenge for silverware then the team needs to significantly improve.

The game started brightly with Saints taking the lead through skipper Jonny Lomax, doing what he does best in running at defences, but it didn’t take long before we were 10-6 down, with the Giants exploiting that poor edge defence.

Both sides of the field were taken apart, as yet again Saints looked short of numbers and with the last defender insisting on trying to solve, unfortunately without success.

The second try came on the back of a Harry Robertson error as he fumbled an Adam Clune bomb.

Unfortunately, this pulled Jon Bennison off his wing and the Giants took advantage of the space.

Full-back can be a thankless position at times, especially under those air raids from opposing kickers.

However, what I did admire was Harry’s ability to not dwell on a couple of mistakes and play his game, ultimately picking up the Betfred Player of the Match award.

Sione Matautia crossed for the next try after running a good line off Moses Mbye taking Saints 12-10 up.

Sione, who along with the returning Morgan Knowles has added some much-needed intensity into the Saints backrow, will be integral in the run to the playoffs.

It was the youngster Robertson who finally sealed the win after great work by Tee Ritson.

The Cumbrian winger scooped up a loose Jonny Lomax pass and used his pace to pull clear.

Robertson did what all good full-backs do and pushed in support, taking the visitors two scores clear and to a vital two league points.

We now sit fourth in the Betfred Super League table, six points behind third-placed Warrington and 10 behind joint league leaders Hull KR and Wigan.

The Warriors remain favourites at 1/1 to retain their crown at Old Trafford on October 12, while the in-form Rovers are available at 11/4 to win their first ever Super League title.

Wire are next at 9/2, followed by Saints at a generous 11/1 – worth a punt for the winners of four Grand Finals in the last five years?

Our place in the top six is admittedly far from secure at present, and we face a tough trip to rivals Warrington on Saturday.

Sam Burgess’ team come into this game on the back of a defeat to the Leigh Leopards, but I expect both sides to raise their games this weekend.

Wolves will be without their pack leader Paul Vaughan who was the latest player to suffer the wrath of the match review panel and be handed a three-game ban for head contact.

I’m hoping Saints can build on Sunday’s win and take it to the Wire on their own patch.

However, the home side are 4/11 favourites and I can’t disagree with that.

We need to be strong in the middle and control the Warrington ruck speed, not allowing the likes of George Williams to play on the front foot and pick off our edges.

If we are to make a statement that they are ready for play-off football and competing for silverware, this is the perfect opportunity.

If Wello can fashion an against-the-odds victory, I suspect it will be by a small margin so Saints to win by 1-12 points at 16/5 looks the value bet to me.