Wigan crush Saints

Defending champions Wigan produced a devastating display to destroy St Helens 32-10 in a surprisingly one-sided derby at the Stobart Stadium to go top of Engage Super League for the first time this season.

The Warriors were at their clinical best as they roared into a 26-0 lead after 46 minutes and, although Saints restored some pride with quick-fire tries from Tony Puletua and Tom Makinson, there was no disguising the ease of the champions' victory.

Points machine Pat Richards scored one of his side's five tries and kicked six goals from as many attempts as Wigan became the fifth different leaders of Super League XVI.

Lee Mossop, Joel Tompkins, Brett Finch and Jeff Lima scored the Warriors' other tries.

Leeds needed a late try from Ali Lauitiiti to secure a hard-fought 12-7 victory over the Crusaders at the Racecourse Ground.

The former New Zealand international's try, converted by Kevin Sinfield, came with just four minutes to go as the Rhinos recovered from a 4-0 half-time deficit to eventually prevail.

Peter Lupton's try was the only score of the first half and, despite Michael Witt's penalty and drop goal, scores from Danny McGuire and Lauitiiti snatched the win for Brian McDermott's side.

Danny Orr crashed over late on as Castleford snatched a 15-8 victory in a tight encounter at Salford.

With the scores locked at 8-8 at The Willows, the Tigers scrum-half forced his way over from close range seven minutes from time and Rangi Chase made victory certain with a drop goal.

Jordan Thompson also touched down and Kirk Dixon kicked three crucial goals for the Tigers while the Reds' points came through Jodie Broughton and Daniel Holdsworth tries.