Saints maul Giants to move clear

St Helens moved two points clear of Bradford and Leeds at the top of the engage Super League with a 54-4 victory against Huddersfield - their ninth consecutive win.

Sizzling Saints served up a 10-try treat and to add to their celebrations it was announced to the fans at half-time that Jon Wilkin had signed an extended five-year contract with Ade Gardner and James Graham agreeing four-year deals.

Wilkin, who bagged a brace of tries, and Gardner were on the score sheet as Saints turned on the style. Teenager Steve Tyrer confirmed his potential with a 22-point haul from two tries and seven goals.

Saints went into the clash still without Sean Long, Francis Meli and Paul Sculthorpe but Huddersfield also had their problems with Eorl Crabtree and Martin Aspinwall absent.

But the world champions, who opened the season with an 18-10 victory at Huddersfield in February took only five minutes to go in front when Willie Talau put Wilkin over.

But Huddersfield hit back with Chris Nero darting onto Brad Drew's smart kick to cut the gap to 6-4 after 13 minutes with the try awarded by video referee Phil Bentham. That was the Giants' only touch down although new Aussie signing Rod Jensen did have a 73rd-minute touchdown ruled out.

Saints responded to Nero's try in typical fashion with Leon Pryce slicing his way over. Huddersfield's task became even tougher when Keiron Cunningham surged through the midfield with Talau going over in the corner to make it 16-4.

Substitute Maurie Fa'asavalu added to the Giants' woes before Tyrer bagged his first from Talau's kick.

Saints added another five tries in the second half with Gardner going over after 46 minutes and then Wilkin touching down for his second try.

Lee Gilmour made it 44-4 and Saints completed the convincing win with late tries from Tyrer and Wellens.