Salford suffered a heavy defeat to Leeds Rhinos on a warm Sunday afternoon at the AJ Bell Stadium. Paul Whiteside takes you through the action.
On a red hot day a mouth watering clash of rugby league was on the menu at the AJ Bell Stadium with second place Salford taking on third placed Leeds. The Rhinos were in good form with four wins in there last five games in all competitions.
The Red Devil's were without the inspirational Mark Flanagan and Logan Tomkins, with Josh Wood coming in at hooker.
It was young Wood who got the first try following a mistake from Leeds full back Jack Walker Michael Dobson converted 6-0 after just three minutes.
Carl Ablett came close for the visitors but his try was ruled out for a double movement. Ryan Hall powered his way to the line shortly after with Kalum Watkins converting to level the scores at 6-6. Leeds started to really up the anti forcing drop outs and building pressure. Junior Sau came up with a try saving tackle on Tom Briscoe after Niall Evalds had shot out of the line looking for the interception.
Dobson's knock on centre field gave the Rhinos good field position and quick hands to Briscoe for a try. Watkins kick from the touch line hit the post 6-10.
It was now all one way traffic Leeds busting Salford down the middle with the Red Devil's having now answer to there power and pace. Watkins went over on the very next set this time adding the goal to open up a ten point lead. 6-16.
Five minutes later and Salford are carved up all to easy again this time Matt Parcell crossing the line, Watkins again adding the goal 6-22.
Ten minutes before the break Junior Sau was sin binned for a high tackle on Watkins. The Rhinos made the extra man count instantly with Joel Moon grabbing a try. Jordan Lilly missed the kick 6-26. Jamie Jones Buchanan then went over Lilly goal 6-32. There was time for just one more before the interval with Danny McGuire placing a perfect kick behind Salford's defence for Briscoe. Lilly missed the goal but Salford had a huge task ahead of them 6-36 half time!
Ben Murdoch Masila charged over in the early exchanges of the second half. Dobson's conversation making the score 12-36. Salford then huffed and puffed before Leeds took the sting out of the match on the hour mark when young Lilly kicked a penalty goal 12-38.
Dobson worked tirelessly all game and was rewarded with a try on 64 minutes which he converted 18-38. The next set of six really summed up Salford's day when O Brien threw a real hospital pass to Lui who couldn't take it in deep in the Red Devil's half. The impressive Anthony mullally crossing for a try which Lilly converted 18-44.
Murdoch Masila showed great strength to score his second try as he really looks unstoppable in the opponents 20 zone. Dobson added the goal to give the score a bit of respectability 24-44. Dobson then put a lovely weighted kick for Robert Lui who just couldn't gather over the try line. Leeds had the last word scoring on the hooter with jack walker. Lilly bringing up the 50 points with a kick off the touch line to rub salt in the wounds.
A day to forget for Salford and how many of these have been against Leeds over the years. The two sides will meet again at least once more this year in the super eights. Ian Watson was bitterly disappointed after match with injuries to Kris Brining and Greg Johnson to deal with. An away trip to Castleford awaits next Friday where Ian and the lads will look to put things right.
Salford 24 Leeds 50.
Pictures by Steve McCormick
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