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