Sunday 13 March 2016

Castleford 16 Salford 32 - Match Report

Salford fans celebrated long into the night in Castleford after a great win, Paul Whiteside was there for the Devil in the Detail podcast and here is his view of the game.

Salford travelled to Wheldon road without a win there since 2004. That season we managed two league wins there in thrilling encounters.
As the game started both sides defended well in the opening few minutes before the match really caught fire with Justin Carney and Nathan Massey clashing. Carney was sin binned and the Tigers got a penalty.



Salford dealt with the sin bin though and actually took the lead from Gareth o briens penalty kick.  When Jusin Carney returned after his ten minute cooling down period he came up with a try saving tackle on Denny Solomona to stop the Castleford man scoring.

 Castleford continued to press, Gareth O brien made a great tackle to stop Luke Dorn levelling the scorers. Salford regained the momentum and Captain Tommy Lee burst through and passed to Junior Sau who fed Greg Johnson for salford's first try. O Brien added the goal 0-8.



Castleford were on the score sheet soon after. A long looping pass from Luke Gale found Solomona who finished well in the corner. Luke Gale failed to convert but Salford still lead 4-8.  Castleford put Salford under more pressure on half time when Ben Murdoch masila was penalised for tackling high near the Salford line. Luke Gale kicked the penalty as the hooter sounded and Salford lead 6-8 at half time.

Salford had to do a lot of tackling in the first half and did well to have a half time advantage.   At the start of the second half danger man Solomona was again found by a long Luke Gale pass but referee Phil Bentham disallowed the try for a forward pass.



Salfords Josh Griffin showed great strength to take on the Tigers defence and ground the ball with Gaz O Brien kicking the extras from wide out superbly Salford lead 6 -14.  Salford were forcing errors from the Castleford Tigers, a knock on by them followed by some creative Salford play sent Justin Carney over to score to the delight of Salfords travelling army of supporters.

Gaz O Brien kicked another goal from  the touch line and Salford lead 6-20.  Salford were in good form and creating chances. The Castleford players were blowing hard but Michael Dobson poor grubber kick was pounced on by Paul McShane who raced away, the ball was worked to Solomona who scored in at the corner. Luke Gale added the goal 12-20 to Salford.



Castleford sensed the comeback was on and Salford were now on the back foot.
When Greg Johnson shot out of the defensive line leaving space for Solomona to grab his hat trick try.  Luke Gale missing with the kick Salford still lead 16-20 but the nerves were all there for everyone to see.

It was becoming tense and the Salford faithful feared the worse as Castleford tested the Salford defence. The pressure was brilliantly soaked up and with Salford breaking clear allowing Josh Griffin to score easing the pressue on everyone with a well finished try in the corner,  Gaz O Brien was on fire with the boot to give Salford breathing space again at 16-26.



Castleford now had to gamble to try and get back in the game.   Luke Gale knocked on and Salford took advantage in the free play with Michael Dobson kicking through for Justin Carney to chase.
 A foot race with Adam Milner who had a head start was on but The Tank on the Flank wasn't to be denied and scored in the corner.  The Salford supporters burst into raptures behind the posts. It was great for Justin Carney who had a real tough afternoon but he had the last laugh.

Gaz O Brien made it 6 out of 6. Shortly after the hooter sounded and it was a proud afternoon for a brave Salford side who gave everything. The support was fantastic from the fans who travelled in big numbers today. The sun shone on Salford today apart from a injury to Rob Lui a great day for Salford Red Devils
Final score castleford 16 Salford 32.

No comments:

Post a Comment