Salford 12 Hull KR 29 Super 8 qualifiers match report

Salford returned to the AJ Bell stadium looking to bounce back from last weeks defeat against Leigh. Hull KR were tonight's visitors in what was a must win game for both sides. Rovers started brightly and with early pressure scored the opening try through Josh Mantellato who converted off the touch line 0-6.

Michael Dobson again working very hard puts in a good kick chase to force a drop out. George Griffin comes up with the error and knocks the drop out on. Hull KR take advantage as Albert Kelly puts in a clever grubber kick for James Greenwood to pounce on. Rovers lead is extended to 12 as Mantellato converts the try. Salford are making unforced errors this time Greg Johnson knocks on from a drop out. 16 minutes in and Mantellato kicks a penalty to edge Rovers further ahead 0-14.

Rovers are doing the basics right running and tackling harder. The Salford supporters finally have something to cheer in the 22nd minute as Robert Lui's superb pass finds Mason Caton Brown who finishes brilliantly to squeeze in at the corner. Gareth O Brien misses the goal 4-14. Another Salford mistake and this time Ben Cockayne takes full advantage of the free play kicking through twice. Rovers force a drop out and Salford concede a penalty within range which Mantellato boots over 6-16.

Albert Kelly is really controlling the game with some great kicking, this time he puts a 40/20 kick to peg Salford deep in there own half with defending to do. The Red Devils are caught cold at the scrum as the ball is moved wide and Ken sio breezes over. Another good kick from Mantellato 4-22. Some light relief right on the hooter when Gareth o Brien kicks a penalty to make the half time score Salford 6 Hull KR 22.

A positive start is needed to the second half but when Greg Johnson knocks on returning the ball from the kick off the Salford faithful must fear the worst. This time the defence is better as the danger passes. Junior Sau desperate to get back in the game chases a real lost cause to force a scrum ten yards from the rovers line. Salford attack desperate for points but Ben Murdoch Masila agonisingly loss the ball over the line.

With half an hour remaining o Brien scores a try and converts it to give a ray of hope 12-22. Salford's night is summoned up when o Brien knocks on from the kick off to put Rovers back on the front foot. Another penalty is conceded, Mantellato has no hestitation and kicks the goal 12-24. 20 minutes remain as Salford pile pressure on but the hull KR defence is very good and matches every move.

The Red Devils attack is predictable and the important plays are telegraphed. The visitors are managing the game the right way and Albert Kelly turns the screw 14 minutes from time with a drop goal 12-25. Salford beaten in every department tonight concede another try again Kelly the creator. Another cruel grubber kick as Thomas Mimms makes it look all to easy scoring the try.

Nothing flash from hull KR but the deserved everything they got tonight. The Salford players look shattered as the hooter sounds! All is not lost with four games still to play but what effect will this result have on the Salford players?. Two weeks to turn things around with Leeds away a tough prospect up next. A very disappointing night finished Salford 12 Hull KR 29. Paul Whiteside away day red

Batley Bulldogs Super 8 qualifiers preview

Batley Bulldogs. 3rd in the championship.
Coach John Kear, captain Keegan Hirst.


Last 8 league meetings.
2008. Salford 46. Batley 0
2008. Batley 22. Salford 48
2003. Batley 16. Salford 54
2003. Salford 54. Batley 12
1996. Salford 60. Batley 6
1996. Batley 18. Salford 56
1995. Batley 12. Salford 12
1995. Salford 52. Batley 24

Past great players. Carl Gibson 1982-86,
Bill Hudson1946/47
Barry Eaton 2002-2005
Danny Maun 200-2003,2008-2013
Glen Tomlinson 1991-96,
2001-2002 Richard Price 1998-2001
Craig Lingard 1998-2008
Paul Harrison 1998, 2002-2005

Honours Championship winners 1923/24
Challenge cup winners1896/97,1897/98,1900/01
Yorkshire cup winners,
1898/99 and 1923/24.

Batley continued there success story this year finishing third in a relatively low budget. With a thrilling victory over Leigh I the opening league game, the Bulldogs will be no push overs on there home turf at mount pleasant. John Kear has done a real solid job and they will be sad to see him leave at the end of the

Video

Salford took on Batley in 1901 here is the highlights of the game

Memorable match. Wednesday 29th November 1995 Mount pleasant
Batley 12 Salford reds 12.
It was a wild wintry mid week night in West Yorkshire. Salford riding high in the centenary season. It was a struggle that season for Batley finishing 10th one place above the bottom club, there rivals dewsbury. On this occasion though they have Salford a real scare. The Reds went on to clinch the division 1 title finishing seven points clear of keighley Cougars, winning 17 of there 20 games. Some good times followed for Salford in the next few years. We won the division one title the following year and were promoted to super league. Back to back challenge cup semi finals in 1997 and 1998. Plus a 6th place finish in are first attempt at super league

Match report Leigh 32 Salford 26 Super 8 Qualifiers

Salford travelled to Leigh for there second game of the super 8 qualifiers. With five ex Salford players in the Centurions 17 it was always going to be a fiercely fought contest. The Red Devils hit the ground running with early oppertunites as Mason Caton Brown is denied a try in the corner. George Griffin moments later makes a terrific break but Robert Lui is pulled down meters short. All this action in the opening four minutes. Lui then takes a heavy knock on his knee and receives some attention from the physio. Leigh strike first though as Josh Drinkwater sends Reni Maitua in for a try which Martin Ridyard converts. 6-0.

The next set of six Leigh are on the attack again as Ridyard sends Corey Paterson charging over. Conversion is added 12-0 after ten minutes. Micky Higham causing problems with his darting runs from dummy half. Salford spring in to life as Mason Caton Brown deep in his own half finds the gap and beats half the Leigh team to race away and score a sensational try. Gareth o Brien kicks the goal 12-6.

Leigh then get a huge slice of luck as drinkwaters kick bounces off lui back into his arms and he sends Greg McNally under the posts for a try. Ridyard kicks the goal 18-6. Salford start to attack and move the ball out wide, Gareth o Brien sends a super floating pass to Niall Evalds who finishes well in the corner. O Brien kicks goes just wide. 18-10. With just over three minutes of the half remaining Salford concede a penalty within range of the posts and Ridyard boots the two points over. The teams go in at half time Leigh in front 20-10.

Leigh kick the second half off but Robert Lui spills the ball and the centurions are on the attack from the drop out. Salford defend really well and clear the danger. Ben Murdoch Masila is denied a try by the video referee. A decision that could have gone either really. Salford are starting to take control and the video referee is called upon again as Josh Griffins nice flick pass to Mason Caton brown is scrutinised. Adam Higson the Leigh winger comes up with a great tackle as Brown just steps in touch as Salford are denied again. Josh Griffin makes a break and finds junior Sau who scorches through a gap to put Robert lui under the posts for a much needed Salford try! O Brien kicks the goal to pull it back to 20-16 as Leigh start to feel the pressure

. A loose pass to Higson as Leigh attack lands in touch and the momentum of the match seems to be changing. With 20 minutes to go Michael Dobsons high kick causes pandemonium in the Leigh defence. Junior Sau touches down but the referee is not convinced and asks for the video assistance. Again Salford are denied as Sau is adjudged to have knocked on! With 17 minutes to go Salford trail by four points but are totally on top. Fantastic ball movement from right to left and Josh griffin squeezes over in the corner. The referee again calls for the video replay! Griffin is denied as a knock on is given. Leigh then try to take the sting out of Salford by kicking a penalty goal to increase there lead to 22-16.

On the next set of six Leigh are over, a great finish from the winger Higson. Ridyard misses the conversion but Leigh have a ten point cushion 26-16. From the kick off it goes from bad to worse for Salford as o Brien kicks out on the full to invite Leigh back on the attack with a penalty. A wonderful off load from former Australian international Willie Tonga to Matty Dawson who scores in the corner to add to the Red Devils misery! Ridyard rubs salt in the wounds with a kick off the touch line 32-16.

Salford fight back with two tries in the last five minutes from Ben Murdoch Masila and the impressive Caton Brown! 32-26 with 11 seconds remaining. From the kick off Dobson is caught as the full time hooter sounds! Leigh players are delighted, Salford dejected! Final score Leigh 32 Salford 26. A disappointing result after last weeks great performance. The pressure is now on with a win against Hull KR on Friday night being the number one priority. The intensity of last week was missing today and that's something Ian Watson and Tim sheens will need to put right in time for next week. Paul Whiteside away day red.

Leigh Centruions V Salford Red Devils - Super 8 qualifiers Big match preview

Salford Red Devils travel to Leigh Centurions on Saturday looking to make it 2 wins from 2 games in the Super league Super 8 qualifiers, in this blog we look forward to the game.

The battles

Saturday will be a interesting battle between these two  fullbacks. Greg McNally  of Leigh Centurions has the creativity to cause Salford Red Devils damage if given time and space.

Gaz Obrien has fitted into Salfords fullback position very well this season and when given ball in space can be very dangerous.

Both solid defenders and are very important to their teams. The winner of this particular battle will go a long way to deciding a winner on Saturday.

Rob Lui will battle against Martin Ridyard on Saturday, both top performers for their teams this season and have the ability to open up any defence.

Martin Ridyard has scored a shed load of points this season and is arguably leighs biggest threat.

Rob Lui short kicking game is tremendous and with the ball in hand has the quality and creativity to cause Leigh lots of problems.

Both players will be looking be the match winner for their team.

The forward battle will be intense and George Griffin and Fuifui Moi Moi are two of the best on the field. The explosive Tongan with lots of NRL experience will be relishing a chance to take on A superleague team. George Griffin currenly Salfords form forward of 2016, his performances this season have been fantastic both in attack and defence. Both of these men will be looking to make a impression in this game.

Salford and Leigh have a great rivalry and since last season lots of ex Reds have ended up playing for Leigh. Ex Salford Captain Harrison Hanson,  Gaz Hock, Cory Paterson were big players for Salford who now wear the shirt of Leigh. They will be looking get revenge on  Salford and Marwan Koukash for letting them  go.

Andrew Dixon, Reni Matua and Liam Hood worked hard in a Salford shirt and will be putting in a similar effort of Saturday to try and force a Leigh win.

The Salford Red Devils of 2016 are a upgrade on the 2015, a team that has had to experience a points deduction through no fault of their own as put in some outstanding performances this season.

The pressure of the Super 8 Qualifiers is intense and I'm  sure that the boys will be up for the challenge to bring 2 poins back to The AJ bell stadium.

Previous Super 8 qualifier

Salford defeated leigh at the AJ bell stadium last season. Salford Red Devils gained revenge for their shock Challenge Cup defeat at Leigh Centurions in April to make it two wins out of two in the First Utility Super 8s Qualifiers with a 46-18 win on Sunday. Two-try Rangi Chase was in inspired form for Salford who ran in four converted tries in the last 20 minutes against a tiring defence

See the action below

Team news for this game will appear below when announced

Don't forget to Tune into this weeks podcast below for all the big match build up to the big game on Saturday

https://soundcloud.com/devil-in-the-detail-srd/leighvsalford

Salford Red Devils 34 Huddesfield 12 Super 8 Qualifiers

Salford Red Devils were triumphant in their 1st super 8 qualifying game against Huddesfield Giants as a Mason Caton Brown hatrick gave them the 2 points, Paul Whiteside takes you through the action.

Salford got their middle eight campaign under way against Huddersfield Giants at the AJ Bell stadium. New signings Feleti Mateo and Luke Burgess were both in the 17. Salford started with a good intense tempo! Coming out really fired up with real snap in tackles.

An early attack forced the Giants to drop out after Robert Lui put a clever grubber kick through. from the resulting attack George Griffin hits a perfect line to charge over for the opening try. Gareth O Brien kicks the goal 6-0.

Huddersfield  struggled  to find any rhythm as a Jamie Ellis's looping pass found the touch judge. Salford  grew in confidence and look dangerous every time they had the ball. Lui again forces a drop out with another crafty kick. Good quick hands by Salford with  Josh Griffin finding  Mason Caton Brown who squeezed over for a try. Superb finish from the flying winger. O Brien kicks off the touch line to extend Salfords lead to 12-0.

With 15 minutes gone Huddesfield Giants are penalised for not being square! O Brien kicks the goal to extend the lead 14-0.

Luke Burgess enters the fray and his first contribution is a real solid tackle that forces the Giants to knock on. Half an hour gone and Salford come up with there first real mistake as Caton Brown spills the ball in goal. The Giants cranked up the pressure and Eorl Crabtree is held up over the line!

Two drop outs are forced but Salford are outstanding in defence keeping their line intact. Mason Caton Brown is unlucky as his try is disallowed for a forward pass. Two minutes before the break and after absorbing so much pressure Weller Hauraki powers over. O Brien kicks off the touch line to cap off a near perfect first half. 20-0.

Huddersfield started the second half looking more positive but again when it looks easier to score the ball ends up in touch. Michael Dobson is again leading the team around the pitch superbly and his lovely short ball sends Ben Murdoch Masila over for a try that really does ease the Salford supporters nerves. O Brien misses the kick but with a 24-0 lead the Red Devils are in total control.

On the back of a penalty to get some good field position the Giants get a try from close range, Nathan Mason going over. Danny Brough kicks the goal 24-6. From the kick off another penalty gets the Giants down the pitch. Oliver Roberts scores a soft try to give Huddersfield hope of a come back. Brough adds the goal 24-12.

The Giants try to pull Salford into a scrap, Brough and Carney tangle as Salford seem to be sucked in to these tactics. Then comes the crucial part of the match the Giants come up with a mistake and a thrilling Salford move sees the try of the game! Mason Caton Brown shows lightening pace to score in the corner. O Brien misses the kick 28-12. The game seems safe now and with 7 minutes to go the impressive Feleti Mateo gets a brilliant pass away to the man of the moment Caton Brown who races over for his hat trick much to the delight of the Salford crowd! O Brien kicks the goal 34-12 to give the Red Devils the perfect start to this 7 game survival competition.

This was probably one of there best 80 minutes of the season. Solid in defence and thrilling on attack scoring some special tries and doing the tough stuff when it mattered. On to Leigh next week which should be another exciting contest one which I can't wait to see The team and supporters should be proud today after it was a very good day for Salford RLFC. Final score Salford 34 Huddersfield 12.

Ian Watson was happy with the performance here is what he had to say about the win.

Salford Red Devils v Huddesfield Giants Super 8 Qualifiers Big Match Preview

The Super 8 qualifiers start here, Salford Red Devils take on Huddesfield Giants in a huge game at the AJ Bell on Sunday. Read out big match preview here with all the info looking forward to the game.

There is battles to be won and lost all over the field here is the stand out battles on Sunday afternoon.

Battle 1

Rob Lui V Danny Brough

Rob Lui has been the main play maker for the Red Devils this season so far and can turn a game in an instant. The Super 8 qualifiers will be a high intensity game which will be a good game for Lui to dominate and see Salford though to a victory.

Danny Brough is huge for Huddesfield Giants. He dictates play for the Visitors and has the ability to made a difference in crutial high pressure moments. If the Red Devils can limit his actions in the game and keep him busy in defence then they have every chance of nullifying his effect on the game

Ben Murdock Masala has been a rock in the Salford Red Devils pack this season. A huge presence on the field both  in attack and defence his skill and the ability to put big hits may be a factor which gives Salford Red Devils the win on Sunday.

Ukua Taai is another big unit on the field, he has had a big season for Huddesfield giants and they will be looking for him to put in another big performance on Sunday.

There could be fireworks on the field between these two if the hits get big at the AJ bell on Sunday.

Craig Kopczak v Earl  Crabtree

2 ex teams mates come head to head for the 3rd time this season. Kopczak has been a stand out for the home side in 2016 and has really lead from the front. His no nonsense runs and defence had been the reason why the Devils have won the battle upfront in most home games this season..

Crabtree is a big powerful front rower and brings a whole new meaning to a Giant from Huddersfield. For me this seasons he hasn't been as good for the visitors then he has been in recent seasons and hasn't reached his potential and capabilities in 2016. Hopefully the Reds big pack with the likes of Masilla, Kopczak and Hauraki can all be a Jack the giant slayer at the AJ Bell on Sunday.

STATS

Previous games

Salford travelled to Huddesfield and won a thrilling game. A last minute Try by Nial Evalds for Salford secured the victory for the Red Devils. Highlights are below

The return fixure was also a tense encounter Huddesfield came up with the victory with a  drop goal by Danny Brough the difference between the teams. The highlights are below

Squads for the game on Sunday

A copy of the squad will appear here when they are announced and we can update the preview

https://soundcloud.com/devil-in-the-detail-srd/super-8-qualifiers-preview-bring-it-on

Our Podcast is available above tune into listen this weeks preview of the middle 8s and all your Salford Red Devils chat, news and general rugby league banter.