The RFL

History was made at Odsal yesterday as classy St Helens marched to their 16th successive away win to smash Bradford Bulls’ record of 15 straight victories set in 1997.

These old rivals have enjoyed so many classic battles down the years but Saints’ 44-18 success merely emphasised the gulf which has developed between them in recent times.

Mick Potter’s men opened the scoring through Francis Meli before Bradford conjured an admirable response with converted tries from Glenn Morrison and Rikki Sheriffe.

Yet the visitors, strengthened by the introduction of powerhouse forwards Maurie Fa'asavalu and Tony Puletua, hit back with four more scores from James Roby, Jon Wilkin, Chris Flannery and Kyle Eastmond to lead 28-14 at the break.

There was no way back for Bradford thereafter as Semi Tadulala's 63rd-minute try proved little more than consolation for Steve McNamara’s men.

Saints were not done and further tries from Fa'asavalu, Puletua and Meli added gloss to the scoreline and gave the Super League leaders an impressive eight-try haul.

St Helens coach Potter praised Roby and Fa'asavalu for their contributions, saying: "Robes showed how quick he is out of dummy half and can add some real value to our team off the bench.

"Maurie was also very good today. He was dynamic and you wouldn't want him running at you, let me tell you."

Meanwhile, reigning champions Leeds Rhinos reasserted their title credentials with a thumping 48-14 victory over Harlequins RL at the Stoop on Saturday.

Rob Burrow provided the inspiration as the Rhinos ran in eight tries as they blitzed the previously in-form Quins.

Leeds boss Brian McClennan insisted: “I’m happy with the win, but I’m not totally happy with the performance.”

Warrington Wolves coach Tony Smith would relish the opportunity to return to Barcelona after beating Catalans Dragons in the first Super League match to be played in Spain.

The Wolves battled back from a 12-6 deficit just after half-time to return to winning ways with a 24-12 victory at the Olympic Stadium.

The historic match drew a crowd of 18,150, with over 12,000 French fans making the two-hour trip over the border to the Catalan capital while around 1,500 travelled from Warrington.

Smith said: "It's been a great experience and great for rugby league, to have that carnival atmosphere in the city. If we're asked to come again we'll put our hand up."

Catalans coach Kevin Walters also hopes a Barcelona game becomes a regular fixture, saying: "The fans seemed to enjoy it and we like coming down here so we could possibly make it an annual event."

Hull Kingston Rovers came from behind to overpower Celtic Crusaders and secure a welcome 32-18 victory in Bridgend on Saturday.

Rovers boss Justin Morgan singled out two-try hero Clint Newton for special praise, saying: “He is an aggressive player but did not get suckered in by the opposition and came up with some really smart plays. You expect that of someone of Clint Newton's character.”

• back