THE eagerly-awaited contest between the Betfred Super League’s top two sides certainly lived up to its billing - and brought the best out of the Saints, who go rightfully back to the top of the table.

In front of the biggest crowd of the season so far, Holbrook’s men turned in a clinical display to dismantle Warrington, scoring seven tries to their two.

It was a great response to the loss in France the week before, which no doubt refocused the players for the challenge on Friday.

Wire gaffer Steve Price was full of praise for the Saints after the game, commenting on how much more they wanted it while craftily insisting his team have much more to give. Salford will no doubt test this themselves against his boys on Friday.

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In what was a great team performance, I’ll give a few special mentions for some outstanding individual performances - starting with Regan Grace.

Besides the spectacular long range try and the professionalism showed after a cheap shot from Tom Lineham, I thought it was Regan’s best game positionally, defusing the Warrington kicking game on countless occasions.

Lachlan Coote seems to be going from strength to strength each game. He’s struck a great relationship with the outstanding Jonny Lomax, causing no end of trouble for the opposition defences which was again evident on Friday.

Finally, it’s that man James Roby. It’s getting monotonous speaking about how good Roby is, and the effect he has on the team, but it’s the little things that impress me too. On top of all his dummy half runs and relentless tackling... every single loose ball resulted in Robes beating a Wire player to the ball.

So it’s on to the big one... Wigan on Good Friday!

Now on current form and judging by the off-field antics taking place right now, this should be a non-contest. But as I and I’m sure many others have found out in previous derbies, nothing can be taken for granted.

For me Saints just need to focus on their own game and turn in a performance similar to Friday and the result will look after itself.

The Warriors have numerous injury problems ahead of the busy Easter period, on top of the suspension of hooker Sam Powell. All this coming off the back of the confirmation that Shaun Edwards will not be joining the club next season, opting to continue his role as defensive coach with Six Nations champions Wales (no real shock there), and a defeat at Wakefield last weekend.

But we all know that a wounded animal can be dangerous. The one thing Wigan’s youngsters like Morgan Smithies and Joe Shorrocks will bring is enthusiasm and energy.

That being said I can only see one winner in this game and I have a feeling it will be Saints by 10pts - which is 2/1 with title sponsors Betfred.