Rugby League: St Helens romp past weary Leeds

THE cricket season is not upon us yet but there were plenty of centuries in the First Division yesterday. St Helens went two points clear of Wigan to set up a hugely important game between the two at Central Park in the traditional Good Friday encounter writes Richard Wetherell.

Alan Hunte celebrated this ascent with his 100th try during St Helens' 42-8 romp against Leeds. His fellow international, Gary Connelly, scored two tries as Saints inflicted their third defeat of the season against the Loiners whose season is rapidly falling apart.

Greg Austin reached a similar mark to Hunte and Paul Bishop kicked his 100th goal for the club - he kicked six in all as well as crossing for two tries - during the 40-6 demolition Halifax inflicted on the Challenge Cup finalists, Widnes.

A third big win was at Valley Parade as Bradford Northern overwhelmed Sheffield 50-8 with yet another player reaching three figures. Here it was Steve McGowan, who joined Hunte and Austin in the try ton-up club.

A try from Gary Sanderson, four minutes from the end, took Warrington past Salford 24-23.