Rugby

MATCH REPORT

The Bradford Bulls failed to carry forward last weeks dogged defence as Paul Wellens and Jamie Foster each bagged a brace of tries to hand St Helens a 28-16 victory and claim their first win at their temporary Widnes base.

Saints, who have moved to the Stobart Stadium until their new ground is ready in 2012, had already lost to Warrington Wolves and Harlequins RL.

Saints welcomed back Sol Soliola and Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook but Paul Clough, injured at Headingley, was missing along with Jon Wilkin and the suspended Scott Moore.

There was no engage Super League return either for Kyle Eastmond, whose club suspension has been lifted despite being found guilty of serious misconduct.

He was given a run-out in the Under-20s contest against Bradford and was among the try scorers in a 36-14 victory.

With Leon Pryce still absent, Saints boss Royce Simmons continued with Lomax and Lee Gaskell at half-back after their dazzling display at Headingley.

Bradford were still without Gareth Raynor, Ian Sibbit and Dave Halley, while Chev Walker could not force his way back despite recovering from a pectoral injury.

The unchanged Bulls were buoyant after wrecking Castleford Tigers' 100% record last Sunday and could not have made a better start with Shaun Ainscough's fourth try in five games.

Jamie Foster slipped as he chased Marc Herbert's kick and Ainscough sped over with Patrick Ah Van booting the touchline conversion.

Saints hit back in typical swashbuckling style with only stubborn defence denying Chris Flannery.

But there was more than an element of luck about Saints' first try with Lomax feeding Wellens, whose poor pass bounced kindly for Foster to squeeze over in the corner.

Saints went in front midway through the first half with Wellens using his strength to crash through a clutch of defenders after taking a Lomax pass. Foster added the conversion to make it 10-6.

The Bulls would have levelled if Ainscough had been able to take a difficult long pass from Matt Diskin.

Bradford had Paul Sykes sin-binned by referee Richard Silverwood for holding down after 35 minutes and Saints took advantage from back-to-back penalties for Wellens to charge onto Lomax's pass for his second try.

Foster's conversion extended the lead to 16-6 at the break and the Bulls were still down to 12 men when Lomax and James Roby combined for Foster to go over in the corner.

Action man Lomax again provided the final pass for Flannery to give Bradford an almost impossible task at 26-6.

Smart handling sent Ah Van in at the corner after 63 minutes before Soliola was yellow carded.

Saints were down to 11 men at one stage with Michael Shenton also sin-binned before Ainscough added his second try three minutes from time.