Saints set benchmark against Vikings, claims Rush

St Helens acting head coach Mike Rush said his side had set the benchmark for the rest of the season.

His side thrashed Widnes Vikings 62-0 at Langtree Park on Friday night, and admitted his side had been focusing on defence during the past week.

Rush said: “We defended better and that was probably the goal at the beginning of the game, to have a better effort than in the last seven or eight minutes of last week.

 “We produced something tonight that was a benchmark performance from us. Last week we were pleased to get through, but not in a way we wanted to play. Tonight was about doing better and I thought defensively and offensively we were better.

“It was something like at the level we were at against Leeds and Warrington as well as Castleford. That determination to defend our line, it was there tonight. We now want to continue to build this momentum and take it into next week.”

Rush also paid tribute to Adam Swift, whose Grandfather Harold died ahead of the Challenge Cup game against Widnes.

Swift played in that match, and also scored a hat trick in the return league fixture on Friday.

Rush said: “Adam Swift did really well. He’s had some tough times in the last seven days. Harold was a big part of Rugby League in this town, and I’m sure all his family are proud of what he achieved today.”