Saints on high

8:03am Saturday 19th July 2008

St Helens coach Daniel Anderson described as ``a very professional job'' his team's eight-try rout of 12-man Wigan at the JJB Stadium.

The engage Super League leaders cruised to a 15th straight win and a crushing hat-trick of derby victories with a 46-12 triumph over Brian Noble's men.

``It was a very professional job,'' said Anderson. ``We had to adjust to the wet conditions but I thought we kicked really well."

The Warriors were forced to play all but the first five minutes a man short after hooker Michael McIlorum was sent off by referee Ashley Klein for a high tackle on Great Britain winger Ade Gardner and Saints made them pay with an eight-try romp.

Scrum-half Sean Long, given a guard of honour by his Saints team-mates to mark his 300th game for the club, scored one of the tries and kicked six goals from seven attempts on his landmark appearance.

Anderson added: "Longy was in very good control of our game. To play 300 games is a tremendous achievement and it was well recognised. I'm a big fan of traditions and the recognition of milestone. He did play up to that billing.''

Saints lost former captain Paul Sculthorpe early in the game with a hamstring strain that could make him a doubt for next week's Challenge Cup semi-final and second rower Lee Gilmour missed the second half with a head injury.

Wigan coach Brian Noble admitted the dismissal of McIlorum was crucial as his side went down to their first home defeat for three months.

``Of course I'm disappointed about the sending-off,'' he said. ``It was the first minute of the game and there was a bit of a delay before the red card came out. We need to find out why there was a delay.

``It spoiled the game a little bit. It's difficult enough to play this team with 13 men so with 12 it's a tough ask. The player is pretty devastated. He feels quite responsible."

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