After last Thursdays home disappointment against Huddersfield, a trip to the Halliwell Jones Stadium looked a daunting task for Salford.
The Wolves were embarrassed by Salford at Easter and we’re targeting revenge in this fixture.
Ian Watson had to shuffle his depleted squad once again. Krisnan Inu moved to the wing in place of Ken Sio. Junior Sau returned to the side along with Adam Walker.
Warrington started at a fast tempo and were perhaps a shade unlucky in the early stages with Josh Charnley being denied a try for a forward pass by referee Chris Kendall. Salford took full advantage and went in front with a superb solo effort from Ryan Lannon. A jinking run and turn of pace saw the all action loan star back himself in a foot race to the line. Inu converted 0-6.
The hosts were rattled as the Red Devils out shone them particularly in defence with a tiresome work rate. Gil Dudson ran hard, tackled everything and was first to nearly every kick and chase. The man has one a terrific engine!
After his horrific eye injury last week Niall Evalds was right back in the thick of the action pulling off a try saving tackle.
Warrington we’re piling the pressure on with numerous sets of six but Salford stood firm until the twenty sixth minute. Jason Clark crashed over from close range with Declan Patton levelling the scores with his conversion.
The amount of tackling Salford were being forced to do was starting to take its toll and when a penalty came within striking distance Inu didn’t hesitate to snatch the two points on offer 6-8.
Kris Welham grabbed the first points of the second half, scorching in from a set scrum in sensational fashion. The hard working centre is a true honest professional and has been a fantastic servant to Salford over the past few years. Moments later Salford were over for another try on the back of a Jake Mamo mistake. Jackson Hastings kicked on the first tackle and what a kick it was. Pin point accuracy for Inu to score in the corner. A real training ground move played out immaculately.
At 6-16 Salford were dominating, Warrington and their fans were well and truly shell shocked. Salford’s loyal band of supporters behind the sticks were then transported to dreamland. Another high kick caused chaos and Junior Sau palmed the ball back brilliantly for Inu to score.
Sitaleki Akauola was sin binned for a nasty looking tackle on Tyrone McCarthy as the match approached the final quarter. The twelve men of Warrington managed to pinch a try in his absence when Matt Davis went over after another good spell of possession for the home side.
Australian star stand off Blake Austin huffed and puffed but Salford’s heroic defence kept the wolves at bay.
A fantastic team performance giving Salford another priceless victory.
Tui Lolohea had the biggest smile of the night after the final hooter and for a young man dumped by Leeds just a few weeks ago it is heart warming to see him building confidence with his new club. His defence was excellent and their are glimpses of what he can do with the ball starting to show through.
A delighted Salford coach Ian Watson said after the match, “we questioned the effort and the attitude after last weeks game and we don’t want to have to do that for the remainder of this season. I am overjoyed with the performance in the effort areas, I am proud of every player that came on the field today. “
Consistency is now the key with seven games remaining. This Salford side continue to punch above their weight and work through adversity. The next few matches will be a stern test to see how far they can go on this exciting 2019 journey.
The Red Devil’s are back in action next Sunday at The AJ Bell Stadium against Catalans Dragons. It’s another crucial match with both sides pushing for a place in the top five.
Warrington 12 Salford 22
Paul Whiteside.
Pictures by Mike Inkley
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