SAINTS boss Justin Holbrook was not reading too much into his side's fine 34-14 victory at Warrington ahead of the Super League play-off semi-final in two weeks time.

The Super 8s clash, with nothing riding on it apart from pride, was a far from placid affair.

And a set-to in the first half, which resulted in a flurry of three yellow cards showed that the players were not turning up to go through the motions.

Holbrook was not getting carried away, and pointed out that they were without injured halves Tyrone Roberts and Kevin Brown for the whole of the second half.

He said: "It was just important we played well but I don't think it matters who won or lost today for two weeks' time.

"And we won't be getting carried away because their seven and six didn't play the second half.

"So it was great from our end with our strike players on the field and they didn't and weren't going to get too many opportunities in the second half so we will keep the win in context.

"It's been an awkward week to be honest when you know you are playing the same side again in two weeks, it's hard.

"We've played well all year and just wanted to continue that, we've put ourselves in a good position and didn't want to let ourselves down.

"We scored some good tries and defended well so I'm happy with the performance. The boys have worked hard all year so we want to enjoy these last few games.

"We play that many games and before the Super 8s started we were already going to have a home semi-final so motivation levels can't stay that high every single week.

"It's an exciting time of year and we are not there yet but it's coming and it's just a one semi-final system."

Holbrook was delighted to see full back Ben Barba bounce back to form with two tries in an eye-catching display.

Holbrook added: "I've defended Ben over the last six or eight weeks and with good reason because he's had some niggling injuries he's been trying to get over, but he showed what he can do today.

"When you are an elite player and not 100 per cent you come back to the pack - and that's what happened because he's been carrying niggling injuries."

Warrington boss Price was also adamant that this defeat will mean nothing in their semi-final clash when they travel to face the league leaders.

The Wolves were not helped by half-back pairing Tyrone Roberts (concussion) and Kevin Brown (abductor) both being forced from the field with injuries.

"Today's result is not going to mean too much in two weeks' time and we will get a few players back and go again," said Price

"I was looking for a better display to be honest, we have been playing a lot better footy than we displayed today.

"It was hard work when we lost our halves Tyrone Roberts and Kevin Brown - it would be difficult for any team when you lose your two key playmakers - and both back-rowers were struggling with injuries, so we have a bit of work to do.

"But these things happen in rugby league and you've got to find a way.

"St Helens are a good football team and league leaders for a reason and lapses in any part of the field they punish you as they showed today."