Super League champions Leeds Rhinos have suffered their second defeat of the season with a conclusive 46-6 loss at a dominant St Helens.
The home side got off to an explosive start with three tries inside the opening 10 minutes.
Ade Gardner was the first to go over after just two minutes when he collected a high kick before touching down. Jonny Lomax stepped up to kick what was the first of seven goals in the match.
Lomax then scored his first try of the game minutes later as he caught the Leeds defence flat footed to power over the line.
The third score of the evening came soon after thanks to Gary Wheeler's try.
The Saints tore apart a woeful Leeds defence again before the break as Lomax's second try gave his side a 24-0 lead at half time.
The second half began with a bang for St Helens when Paul Wellens touched down only two minutes in.
Leeds finally got on the scoreboard after 50 minutes as Zak Hardaker wriggled through to score. Kevin Sinfield kicked through the posts to make it 30-6 to the hosts.
Despite the faint threat of a Rhinos comeback, they were undone again just after the hour when Lance Hohaia touched down.
Ade Gardner grabbed his second try of the match four minutes later when he finished off an overlapping move.
Gary Wheeler completed the rout with five minutes to play as he eased past the Rhinos' backline before putting the ball down.
Jack Prescott
