Salford got off to the perfect possible start as they looked to make it back to back wins. Robert Lui’s high kick caused panic in the Leeds defence before Lee Mossop touched down for the second week running.
The Red Devils defence was rarely tested in the early stages as they dictated the play.
The lead was doubled after good work and pressure forced a Leeds drop out.
Adam Walker powered over from close range.
By now Leeds were back peddling as Salford attacked at will and seemed totally in control.
Krisnan Inu’s slick off load sent Jake Bibby racing down the touch line. The young winger was stopped short as The Rhinos desperately clung on.
Despite Salford’s dominance in attack their defence was solid when it had to be.
When Derrell Olpherts knocked on ten yards out from The Red Devils try line Leeds finally got a sniff of some points. Mikolaj Oledzki scored to hand the visitors a life line right on the half time hooter.
Joey Lussick scored for the fourth game in a row with his typical trademark scoot from dummy. The young Australian hooker showing tremendous strength to grab a vital try after just three minutes of the second half to give Ian Watson’s men some breathing space.
Salford were now finding their rhythm with attacks flowing and passes sticking.
Lui and Niall Evalds kept the ball alive before the unstoppable Adam Walker had the home supporters delirious as he smashed his way through the heart of the Rhinos defence to score his second try. Walker seems to have found his home at Salford as his performances continue to impress and he is definitely enjoying his rugby playing with a huge smile on his face and bags of aggression.
An outstanding pack performance lay the platform, with Lee Mossop and Gil Dudson making the hard yards along with Walker and Daniel Murray coming off the bench to inflict yet more damage. Josh Jones and George Griffin yet again produced all action eighty minute displays working tirelessly in attack and defence. Griffin playing like the bionic man hacked through a loose Leeds pass. His cool head allowing Salford to gain another attacking opportunity with a set of six in prime position. Lui did the damage darting over for a well deserved try. Inu with the conversion 28-6.
The Rhinos scored two tries in the closing stages from lightning quick youngster Harry Newman and winger Ash Handley.
In all fairness this was a game that Salford were on top in from minute one. A vital two points in the race for the top five, Ian Watson’s side continue to punch above their weight and are gaining quite a few admirers along the way.
Speaking after the match a delighted Ian Watson praised his team efforts.
“It’s a great win for us, Leeds are a good team, they’ve had some changes but they’ve got some great players in their squad. We need to really kick on from here now and build on the first half of the season.”
The win takes Salford to sixth place in the League table. Next Saturday Hull Kingston Rovers visit The AJ Bell Stadium in a last sixteen Challenge cup tie. Another match that’s one not to miss.
Not many Salford coaches over the last 50 years have beaten Leeds three times but Ian Watson has now joined that club. Tonight is the first time we have beaten Leeds in consecutive seasons since the 1970s.
Salford 28 Leeds 16
Paul Whiteside.
Pictures by Steve McCormick
great all round performance
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