Although they took an early lead through a Jonny Lomax – and went on to rattle in six tries, they made life difficult for themselves at times and were never really able to shake off a dogged and desperate Trinity side.
For a big chunk of the first half Wakefield dominated field position, with Saints making guilty of a few errors in yardage to allow the hosts ample time to press the line.
But three more first half tries, somewhat against the run of play, put Saints in the driving seat before the break.
Tommy Makinson, James Roby’s first of the year and Jon Bennison all crossed to make it 20-6 at the break.
A further score from Makinson and one from Lewis Dodd wrapped up the scoring in a game that sees Saints’ winning run stretch to six matches since the Challenge Cup semi final defeat.
It leaves Saints third, behind Wigan and Catalans on points difference – but there were aspects of the performance that coach Wellens would like to see his side improve.
Wellens said: “I have mixed emotions. We are delighted to get another win to continue our run of results but there were some parts of our game where, down the track, if we want to achieve what we want to achieve we need to be better at.
“Wakefield is a difficult place to come – particularly when you come up against a desperate team that is fighting for their lives.
“So I am pleased that despite not being at our best in certain areas we still got the result.
“There was a lot to like about the way they dug deep for each other – and it was tough conditions with the heat playing its part in that.
“But we kept turning up for each other but there were a few areas that we need to improve.”
Saints now play Leigh on Friday, followed by a trip to Warrington before wrapping up with a final game of the regular season at home to Hull FC on 22 September.
And then the play offs start.
