Warrington 12 Salford 38 Match Report

 

Salford recorded a convincing win against Warrington on Bank Holiday Monday, Paul Whiteside looks back at a amazing win.

After Fridays heroics Salford travelled to Warrington in search of a first league double over the wolves since 2006. Ian Watson made a few changes with Todd Carney, Josh Wood and Jake Bibby coming in. Logan Tomkins, Micheal Dobson and kris welham were rested. 

It was a nervous opening with both sides completing their sets and not giving much away. Young Jake Bibby opened the scoring for Salford with a very well taken try under pressure. Gareth O Brien converting off the touch line 0-6.

On the next set of six things got even better for the Red Devil's when Todd Carney ghosted through finding Junior Sau who put Niall evalds over for a super try. O Brien kicking to extend the lead to 0-12. Shortly after that Carney and Sau combine again down Salford's left and Evalds got his second try the conversation was good 0-18.

 

The Wolves then lost Julien to the sin bin,this seemed to spur the home side on who enjoyed a good spell of pressure only to be denied by sensational Salford defence. 

Weller Hauraki was then sent to the sin bin for a professional foul. The Red Devil's defence became like the Alamo as Warrington threw everything at them as they became desperate for points. The lively Brad Dwyer eventually crossed with Patton converting 6-18. 

Two minutes before the break Robert Lui came up with a thrilling break. Ben Murdoch Masila was in support and the Wolves some how stopped the big man. On the next play Carney is at his creative best to send Sau over. O Brien agonisingly hits the post with the conversation. A fantastic first half ends 6-22. 

 The first action of the second half sees the prolific Niall evalds complete his hat trick 6-26 conversion missed.

 

Warrington don't seem to have an answer to Salford's attack as Robert Lui breaks through yet again. Carney kicks for Evalds who finishes superbly to grab his fourth try. O Brien converts to put Salford 6-32 up! The huge away following are delighted and continue to sing there hearts out.

Tom lineham finished well in the corner to give the wolves a crumb of comfort before the excellent O Brien kicks a 40/20! From the tap Daniel Murray runs very strong sucking in defenders before Kris Brining powers over from close range to complete a memorable afternoon for Salford. 

The season just keeps getting better for Ian Watson and this team of heroes. You really sense that anything is possible and the sky certainly is the limit for this group of players. 

Speaking to Willie Poching after the game he was very grounded and just focused on the next game which is Wakefield next Sunday. The momentum continues to build for Salford who are now enjoying the best season since 1980. 

As Hair cut 100 once sang, Fantastic Day!!! Final score Warrington 12 Salford 38.

 
 Your listening to this weeks pop up podcast all your Salford Red Devil's news and chat, we talk to Club Blogger David Clegg about how it's great being a Salford fan right now, Ian Watson, Rob Lui and more Tune in here.

Warrington V Salford match preview

Salford travel to Warrington this Bank Holiday Monday after a great win on Friday over Catalan. Rob Parkinson looks at where the game will be won or lost.

 

 The hooking role is such a important part of rugby league in the modern era and there will be plenty of talent on show.

Kris Brinning has been a sensation in 2017 for Salford and with Logan Tomkins being the senior hooker at the club both have been a great foil for each other's game in 2017.

Brad Dyer is Warringtons dynamo, the interchange hooker will be looking at causing Salfords problems around the ruck. Daryl Clark is Warringtons main attacking threat.

With Speed, strength and agility Daryl Clark is Warringtons main danger man going forward.

 

Kris Welham has made a instant impact from when he signed for Salford late in the transfer window in 2017, a quality centre has the pace and skills to trouble any defense. 

He also creates try's for his wing partner too so Warrington will need to monitor him closely.

Ryan Atkins Warringtons strike centre is strong and powerful near the line, 

He scores lots of tries and is 2nd top meter maker according to Sky Sports. Warrington will be looking for a big game from him Monday.

 

Gaz O'Brien and Stef Rachford both face their former clubs this Bank Holiday, both are dynamic fullbacks both very capable in attack and defence.

With lots of tired legs on the field on Monday after the game on Friday these two will be looking to exploit this and turn the game their teams way.

Previous meetings 

 

 
Stats

 

 

Squads

 

Check out this weeks pop up podcast all your Salford Red Devil's chat. Paul and Rob look back at the Catalan win with reaction from Logan Tomkins, Rob Lui and Ryan Lannon. We are joined by Club blogger David Clegg to talk about the great rugby being served up as we preview the Warrington Game.

match report

 

Salford produced a 5 star performance as the cities of Salford and Manchester came together to pay their respects to the people who lost their lives in Mondays Terrorist attacks in Manchester. Paul Whiteside looks back at this memorable win.

Salford returned to the AJ Bell stadium to face Catalan Dragons in almost 30 degrees temperatures! The sun was shining before kick off as an excited crowd gathered. The Dragons had parted company with there coach Laurent Frayssinous earlier in the week after defeat at The Magic Weekend. The Red Devil's were out for revenge after being humbled in Perpignan on Easter Monday. 

The first action saw Remi Casty sin binned in the fourth minute for a late challenge on Garth O Brien. 

Moments later O Brien sliced through to score the opening try. Michael Dobson added the goal 6-0 and a perfect start.

It got better for Salford when Lami Tasi calmly picked out Josh Jones with a super pass, Jones  charged over with Dobson adding the conversation 12-0.

15 minutes on the clock and new signing James Hasson was sin binned for a high tackle. This didn't seem to disrupt Salford at all. Shortly after some fantastic ball movement and quick hands saw Kris Welham score a memorable try a real joy to watch. Dobson again added the goal 18-0 and Salford were clearly on top. 

 

Half an hour on the clock and the pressure is ramped up on the Dragons by Jones who showed great desire in defence to force a drop out. From the next play the prolific Niall Evalds gets a try streaking through the jaded Dragons defenders. Dobson misses the kick but at 22-0 there's only one team in this.

 Just before the break Salford score arguably the best try of the season. Greg Johnson made a half break but the support play is magnificent, the ball flys through different hands as the confidence of the Red Devil's is quite remarkable! Ryan Lannon gets the try to thrill the excited crowd who are on there feet. Dobson adds the goal to put Salford 28-0 up at half time.

Two minutes in to the second half and the game is over as a contest. Kris Brining showing terrific strength to score Dobson's goal makes it 34-0.

Vincent Duport gets The Dragons on the scoreboard after a 40/20 kick down field finally gives the visitors some relief 34-6.

Robert Lui who performed well all night collected  a stray Catalan kick and races 80yards to score a super Salford try by showing great pace. Dobson kicked Salford to the 40 point mark and the fans were enjoying the entertainment.. The Red Devil's are rampant and look absolutely unplayable as Olsi Krasniqi scored from close range 46-6. 

 

With 12 minutes to go the highlight of the second half and it's a sight to behold. Ben Murdoch Masila goes rampaging through on a breath taking break rounding defenders like a nimble half back. Eventually he's caught short but Mark Flanagan got over the try line a play later 50-6.

Greg Johnson then sums up this Salford side and the spirit and desire they have by tracking back to pull off a wonderful try saving tackle. The final try of the game goes to the Dragons with just two minutes remaining. It was a real special atmosphere tonight and Salford really made it a night to remember for the 5000 supporters who came to the game, Ian Watson was delighted after the match but now turns his focus to Warrington on Monday. 

Salford Red Devil's gained many new friends tonight and made the whole of Salford and Greater Manchester very proud. Salford 50 Catalan 12

Pictures by Steve McCormick.

 

Your listening to this weeks podcast here all your salford Red Devil's chat and news looking back at the magic weekend win with Koppy and Watto.  We are joined by Norman Robinson Salfords record breaking time keeper who takes about his time following Salford and all the latest news  from the club.

Big match preview

Salford entertain Catalan Dragons at the AJ bell stadium on Friday, Read Paul Parkin's big match preview as he looks forward to the game

 

Battle 1  Gareth O’Brien v Tony Gigot

This will be an intriguing contest. O’Brien is integral to our attacking plans. For Salford Gaz came back into the starting line-up last week at the Magic Weekend win against Leigh and what an impact he was, Leigh had clearly spotted his match winning potential which led to them ending the game with 12 men, he is also sound under the high ball as well. 

Catalans must have been delighted that Gigots lengthy ban was lifted a few weeks back and welcomed him back with open arms. A very dangerous returner of the ball with pace and movement, he’s already back into his stride with the touchdowns.

 

Battle 2 Ben Murdoch-Masila v Sam Moa

Two big South Sea islanders clash here, in fact both are fellow compatriots from Tonga and it could be a massive contest in all ways imaginable. BMM has been unbelievable and unplayable almost of this season, powerful runs taking 3,4 or more men with him, big hits in defence and not to mention his try scoring, with has led him to hit 11 four pointers in 11 outings in all comps already. 

Sam Moa is a vastly experienced forward with a fearsome reputation. A strong runner of the ball and a destructive powerhouse. Having previously represented Cronulla, Hull FC & Sydney Roosters.

 

Battle 3 Michael Dobson/Rob Lui v Luke Walsh/Richie Myler

Now this will be mouth watering 4 quality half backs all with varying skill sets. For Salford we’ve got the “general” Michael Dobson and the “maverick” Rob Lui the two players that make us tick. 

Dobbo’s quality and experience have been invaluable to us this season, he know how at slowing the game down or speeding it up, also he guiding us around the park has been nothing sort of brilliant, as for Lui, a totally different style of player, a real jack-in-the-box with all the tricks to boot, he has a tendency to mesmerise defences with his mazy runs and stepping running style, he cause defences all kinds of trouble whilst creating space for the rest of the team to exploit. 

On the Dragons roster are two half backs that will be no strangers to any Salford fan. In Luke Walsh brought in from St Helens they have a very astute player, like Dobson a key organiser for his team with a brilliant kicking game that will be a thorn in our side without doubt, the other half back, again a foil for his partner is former Salford “favourite” Myler, a real quality support player who can bag a try from anywhere and prove to be a game winner.

Previous meetings

 

 

Stats

 

Form 

 

Squads

Having first met the Dragons in their currentform in 2006 there have been some fierce battles between the 2 sides. This week however sees two teams with vastly contrasting fortunes. Whilst we are still flying high in second spot on the Super League table and through to the quarter finals of the cup the Dragons have been on a shocking run including a hammering by Hull FC I the challenge cup. Following last weeks defeat to Huddersfield they said au revoir to head coach Laurent Frayssinous which will without doubt bind what is a very strong squad together to make this very tricky for the Reds.

 

 

Your listening to this weeks Devil in the Detail podcast here, all your Salford RL chat to enjoy. Ian Watson and Craig Kopczak look back at the Magic Weekend win and we talk to Norman Robinson Salfords record breaking time keeper about his time watching Salford.

magic weekend results

It's been a Magic weekend so far for rugby league read all about it here

 

Widnes Viking 12 Wakefield Trinity 34

Wakefield Trinity produced a strong performance in the 1st game of the magic weekend to send bottom club Widnes to defeat. Ex Red Rangi Chase made his Widnes debut but was unable to prevent Wakefield from getting the 2 points.

 

Wakefield started the game in good form allowing Scott Grix to score twice in the 1st half to build a 16-0 lead at half time. Trinity cut loose in the 2nd half with 2 tries from ex Reds Ben Jones Bishop and one for Marty Ashurst.

Widnes concelation tries came from Hep Cahill and Ryan Ince as Dennis Betts tasted defeat again.

Hull 0 St Helens 45

A off colour Hull were beaten badly by a St Helens side being watched by their new coach Justin Holbrook in this one sided contest.

 

Alex Walmsley scored 1st for Saints and when Morgan Knowles pounced on a Hull error to make it 19-0 at half-time the writing was on the wall for FC.

Walmsley's 2nd broke Hull FC resistance and tries from Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook and Tommy Makinson followed  before a brace from Regan Grace's completed the scoring for St Helens.

Wigan 24 Warrington 24

Warrington and Wigan served up a thriller to end the 1st day of the Magic Weekend.

 

Wigan started the better and a two tries by Liam Marshall gave the Warriors as 12-6 lead at half time. Liam Marshall completed his hatrick early in the 2nd half and with a 18-6 lead the Warriors looked in control.

Warrington hit back with Ex Red Stefan Ratchford,  Tom Lineman and Jack Hughes this allowed Warrington to take the lead. The drama wasn't over as Joe Burgess scored at the end of the game to tie the scores.

A thrilling end to a great day of Rugby league.

More games today to look forward too 

 

Huddersfield

 

Leigh v Salford 3:15 kickoff

 

Castleford v Leeds 5:30 kickoff

Your listening to this weeks podcast here all the big match build up for the magic weekend game v Leigh. Ray French BBC Commentary legend gives us his view on Salfords season so far, Nick Pinkney talks about his Salford Career and lots more from Lee Mossop, Logan Tomkins, Willie Poaching and more.

match report

  

It was a magic weekend for Salford with another win up at Newcastle against Leigh. Check out Paul Whiteside's match report here.

Salford arrived at St James park looking for the 10th league win of the season. With day ones results a win for the Red Devil's would lift them to second in the super league table. 

Speaking to George Griffin before the game he said he will be back in action soon and his injury was recovering well. 

Today's opponents Leigh were visitors to the AJ bell stadium on good Friday in a game Salford won 12-6. 

The Salford faithful were in big numbers in the famous gallowgate end and in fine voice as the two sides emerged from the tunnel. 

The first real action saw former Salford hooker Liam Hood cut through for the centurions. Gareth O Brien made the tackle but on the next play Leigh had the numbers out wide and Matty Fleming scored the opening try. Josh Drinkwater with the conversation 6-0.

Salford were straight back in the game after a Leigh error on the next set. Michael Dobson last tackle kick takes a kind deflection off a Leigh defender lands kindly in the arms of Ben Murdoch Masila for a try. Dobson can't convert 6-4.

 

The Red Devil's levelled the scores in the 16th minute from a Gareth O Brien penalty goal from close range 6-6.

On the next set Salford were penalised whilst in possession 10 yards from there own line! This is the perfect invitation for Leigh and full back Mitch Brown who carved Salford's defence wife open for a try. Drinkwater adds the goal 12-6.

With 20 minutes on the clock the frantic start to the match continued, Dobson and Lui combined to send Murdoch Masila over. The video referee is called upon and try is awarded. Dobson's goal squared things up at 12-12.

Salford started to really find their feet and attacked again. The ball moves from left to right and the excellent Kris Welham saw the gap to score a fine try. Dobson's conversation sees Salford hit the front 12-18.

Another Leigh handling error invited more Salford pressure. Dobson's kick trapped Leigh in goal. The pressure started to mount after Leigh come up with another error superb ball movement from centre Welham and Greg Johnson finished wonderfully to extend the lead. Dobson's goal is good 12-24.

 

Just before the break the video referee was called up on as Leigh got over the line. The Salford defence look to have got there bodies underneath the ball and it was ruled out. 12-24 half time.

Back to back penalties at the start of the second half get Salford on the front foot. Leigh's defence was good and they held out well. The Centurions got the first try of the second half when Ben Crooks broke clear and rounded the Salford full back Gareth O Brien. Drinkwaters kick puts Leigh within 6 points of the Red Devil's at 18-24.

The pressure began to build on Salford as they conceded a drop out. Two Leigh penalties follow but defence was fantastic and kept Leigh at bay.

Adam Higson was shown a straight red card for a very high tackle on Gareth O Brien. From the penalty Salford make the extra man count as Niall Evalds touches down. Dobson's kick again was excellent to give some breathing space at 18-30.

With 20 minutes remaining the exciting Ryan Lannon entered the field. Leigh are not for throwing the towel in and Matty Dawson grabbed a try to give them a lifeline. 

 

Danny Drinkwater couldn't convert it was 22-30 with 16 minutes remaining it was a great game.

Leigh make a error from the kick off as Salford  looked to put the game to bed. Kris Welham fed his winger Johnson who finishes superbly in the corner. The video referee was called in to action the try was given. Greg Johnson who is starting to make a habit of scoring super tries is building a great partnership with his centre partner Welham. Dobson missed the  kick it was 22-34 going in to the final 10 minutes of the match. 

The flood lights came on in this magnificent stadium to add a little bit extra to what has been a spectacular atmosphere.

Salford finally secure the two points from Micheal Dobson's penalty goal with 5 minutes remaining 22-36.

Ben Murdoch Masila again a tower of strength weighing in with two tries. Michael Dobson and Robert Lui ran the show for Salford. Greg Johnson and Kris Welham partnership continues to blossom. It's a win that sees us reach the 20 point mark in the league as the momentum continues to build. Final score Leigh 22 Salford 36.

 

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

Your listening to this weeks podcast all your Salford Red Devil's rugby league chat, we are joined by RL commentator Ray French who talks about Salfords season, ex Red Nick Pinkney talks about his career. We look back at Salfords challenge win v Hull KR and speak to Lee Mossop, Logan Tomkins and Willie Mason. Enjoy 

magic weekend Salford V Leigh preview

 Magic weekend has finally arrived and we are super excited Check out Paul Parkin's big match preview below looking forward to the game on Sunday

So we meet again, no this is an Ian Fleming “Bond” script its Salford V Leigh, we’ve enjoyed some epic battles against each other over the years, good and bad for both sides. 

This weekends Magic meeting could be pivotal in both teams season. Leigh have been on a poor run of form but this will be one game they’ll have targeted for getting their season back on the rails. Both teams priorities maybe looking at opposite ends of the table but this will be full blooded and passionate, Leigh with a few ex-reds in their ranks and the history between the clubs (and their Chairmen), looking forward to it.

 

Battle 1  Gareth Hock v Lama Tasi

What can you say about Gareth Hock that hasn’t already been said, well one thing that is often overlooking in his colourful career is he’s a very good player. We as Salford fans already know what a handful he can be both for and against us in the past and he’ll take some serious stopping this weekend, he’s been in a fine run of form this season and there have even been calls for the him to be called back into the international fold.

 Up against him for the Red Devils will be the big Samoan powerhouse Lama Tasi. The “Bondi Bruiser” is a man on a mission this season, recreating the type of rugby we witness on his arrival in Super League. His “rugged” tackling style has put many a forward on the seat of his pants a few times already this year. Both men have great go forward and formidable defensive attributes, so keep an eye out for these two clashing.

 

Battle 2 Ben Crooks v Josh Jones

Ben Crooks the once Super League dream team member is a guy with huge talent, on loan from Castleford the lad sure knows where the try line is.  His talent was spotted over in Oz when Parramatta took him over there, despite not making a first grade appetence for the Eels he will have undoubtabley learnt some skill which Leigh are benefitting from. Josh Jones has been one of our most consistent performers over the past 2 seasons. His powerful, uncompromising running style causes teams no matter of issues, whether that be him playing second row or centre, can you imagine having to try and stop him in full flight!!!

 

Battle 3 Mickey Higham & Eloi Pelissier v Logan Tomkins & Kris Brining

For the second week running I have picked the hookers as a key component for either sides efforts for victory this weekend. For Leigh this for me is their major threat with 3 (If you include Liam Hood) very good “number 9’s” Firstly the vastly experienced Mickey Higham, he’s been there and seen it all at the very top level for over 15 years, a very canny operator who will seek out any weakness in a defensive line. Leigh made an excellent decision to bring in Frenchman Pelissier, nippy, clever and, like Higham, an organiser who’ll boss the Leigh forwards around the park. 

For us, like I mentioned last week Tomkins and Brining are going to be hugely important in any Salford win, both in fantastic form and Brining was most peoples Man of the Match in last weeks cup game against Hull KR scoring a fantastic solo try.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your listening to this weeks Devil in the Detail, all your Salford Red Devil's news and chat to enjoy. We are joined by  Rugby league legend broadcaster Ray French who gives us his view on Salfords 2017 form, ex Red Nick Pinkney talks about his career, Lee Mossop Greg Johnson Logan Tomkins and Willie Poaching talk about the Victory against Hull KR.

Paul Whiteside looks at the local amateur rugby scene as Paul Parkin takes us through the news of the week as we prepare for Magic Weekend. 

Salford 24 v Hull KR 14

 

The Road to Wembley is being followed by Salford and with the win against Hull KR yesterday a Wembley appearance is getting closer. Paul Whiteside looks back at another win.

Challenge Cup fever arrived at the AJ Bell stadium with Tim Sheens Hull Kingston Rovers the visitors. The Robins arrived in high spirits currently sitting top of the championship. The first half got under way at a real fast pace. 

Rovers made a early break showing Salford the speed they possess. The Red Devil's first real chance came on the back of some good powerful running from Lami Tasi and Ben Murdoch Masila laying the platform for Robert Lui to work his magic. Lui's neat kick through looked to provide a try for the in form Kris Welham but he was unluckily denied by the video referee. 

The opening points deservingly come for the Robins  when from a set scrum Shaun Lunt races sixty yards  on the blind side to score a try. Jamie Ellis adds the goal 0-6.

Shortly after Lunt tries his luck blind side from another scrum and Salford are caught asleep again! It's poetry in motion for the experienced rovers hooker who darts over for his second try.Ellis adds the goal 0-12.

 

The visitors then extended there lead to 0-14 with a penalty goal to add to Salford's frustration. Just before half time there was a chink of light for the Red Devil's as Ryan Lannon collected Micheal Dobson's grubber to score. The Salford scrum half converted the goal and it was 6-14 at the break.

Whatever Ian Watson said to his side at the break they certainly took note. Craig Kopczack charging through showing great pace to stand the full back up for a super try. Dobson's goal pegs the score back to 12-14. Salford came out firing and wave after wave attack the rovers line continued.

The pressure was relentless and the Hull Kingston Rovers cracked when the excellent Kris Brining raced away from a set scrum to put Salford in front for the first time. Dobson couldnt convert at 16-14. 

The game is still on a knife edge with a tremendous atmosphere in the stadium. Lannon bursts through and showed great speed,  some how the cover defence caught him just short of the line. Rovers laid on too long and Butler Fleming was sin binned. Dobson wisely takes the two points on offer and it's 18-14 Salford.

 

Kris Welham again had a superb game. His clever kick through and willingness in defence forced a drop out. From the next play Murdoch Masila went close only to be denied by the video referee. 

 

The Rovers continue to battle away and after Tasi is penalised for a high tackle a chance seems certain. Nerve jangling moments for the Red Devil's and all their supporters before a huge sigh of relief when Ben Cockyanes pass ended up in touch. Then came the match winning Salford play! 

Substitute Gareth O Brien put the high kick up which caused panic for Rovers Welham is on hand to calmly palm the ball back to Murdoch Masila who crashes over to send Salford in to the quarter finals of the Challenge Cup.

Michael Dobson kicks off the touch line to make the game safe.

 A real tough night for Salford who's Wembley dream lives on. Willie Poching was delighted with the second half defence, stating the 9 days before the next match against Leigh at the magic weekend is what the players need.

 Rest and preparation is vital now after a very busy period in the season. Final score Salford 24 Hull Kr 14.

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

 

Your listening to this weeks Devil in the Detail podcast all your Salford Red Devil's chat, Paul Parkin joins us for all the big news of the week, Adam Walne and Lami Tasi talk about the Wigan Win with Ian Watson and lots more Salford chat tune in.