King Lui’s 6 of best slay the Dragons of France

It was a high noon kick off at the AJ Bell Stadium but the early start didn’t faze Salford who were quick out of the blocks against Catalan. 

The Red Devil’s threatened early on as The Frenchmen were immediately put on the back foot.

Jake Bibby got the games opening try finishing superbly in the corner as he acrobatically avoided the corner flag to touch down. Robert Lui kicked off the touchline 6-0. 

Moments later live wire Lui spilt the Dragon’s defence to gallop away. Niall Evalds was there in support to extend the lead with the try. Lui again added the conversion.

In what was quite a bad tempered first half with an ever increasing penalty count Weller Hauraki was sent to the sin bin just after the half way mark. The tough tackling and big hits continued though as the whole ground shuddered when Lama Tasi crunched Catalan forward Sam Moa with a real bone rattler. 

Catalan responded with a try while the Red Devil’s were down to 12 men. Tony Gigot with excellent vision to pin point a kick into the in goal area for wing man Fouad Yaha. Gigot dragged the conversion wide 12-4.

Josh Wood and Robert Lui were working well at half back and Salford went in at half time 8 points to the good.

Towards the end of the first half Salford looked like they were going to be drawn in to a real dog fight with the Dragons as the game looked close to boiling point. Whatever Ian Watson said to his players at the half time break payed of though as they stepped up a gear. Ben Nakubuwai went on a thrilling break Josh Wood was in backing up in support to find Greg Johnson who had an easy finish. Lui again converted to put Salford in control 18-4.

With an hour on the clock Salford received a penalty well within kicking range but decided to chance there arm and take a tap. Yaha intercepted and went almost the length of the field. Gigot converted 18-10.

With just 13 minutes remaining Lui this time calming added a penalty goal to nudge Salford further ahead at 20-10 before moments later came the try of the match. Lui with a sublime pass to Evalds who raced away. Mark Flanagan and Josh Wood linked up in support before Josh Jones received the final pass to crash over. The crowd were on there feet and delighted. Lui again added the goal 26-10.

The ever willing Kris Welham then scored what seemed an impossible try. Evalds offloading to Welham who had no where to go. He some how created just enough space with fantastic footwork and trickery to fool a tiering Dragon’s defence to score in the corner. A few weeks ago star man Lui said practice makes perfect when it comes to goal kicking. His hard work certainly paid off as he thumped over the conversion from the touch line to make it 6/6 with the boot. 

Greg Bird powered over in the closing seconds for Catalan but the day belonged to Salford. Ian Watson was very calm speaking after the game and knows how important rest and recovery is before Monday’s trip to Leeds. Ian was particularly impressed with young Josh Wood. "He gives us real good options at 7 or 9 and is a brilliant defender".

Salford 32 Catalan 16

Paul Whiteside with the Report

Pictures by Steve McCormick

Salford 12 Leigh 6 Match Report

 

It was a pressure cooker atmosphere at the AJ Bell on Good Friday as Salford squeezed past Leigh. Paul Whiteside takes you through all the action.

After last weeks world wind performance at Hull Salford welcomed Leigh to the AJ Bell stadium. The Centurions were searching for there first win in a competitive match at Salford since a 6-38 victory in September 1983. 

Defences we're definitely on top in the early stages with neither side taking any chances. Ferocious tackling from Lami Tasi, Mark Flanagan and Josh Jones set the tone for a tough afternoon. Leigh's pack were on form as well with ex Red Devil Harrison Hansen putting the hits in. 

The first points of the game come from Gareth O Brien who's penalty goal edged Salford ahead 2-0.

Mid way through the first half came Salford's first real break from Junior Sau. Leigh tracked back and defend their lines. 

Two errors from Justin Carney in quick succession handed Leigh the initiative and from a speculative kick through Salford fail to clean up the danger as Mitch Brown touched down. Young half back Ben Reynolds adds the conversation to put Leigh ahead 2-6.

 

Both sides continue to come up with errors and concede penalties and the weather started to play a part as the rain poured down. Salford finally open Leigh up three minutes before the break after a sublime blind side move finished of by Kris Welham. Michael Dobson failed to convert so the scores are level at 6-6. The errors strike again as Salford knock on deep in there own half on the next set of six. Reynolds attempted a drop goal but it went wide. After a tense first half it's 6-6!

Salford start to control the ball in the openings of the second half. Michael Dobson's kicking game makes it hard for Leigh to get out of there own half. The pressure starts to build when the Red Devil's force a succession of drop outs! Leigh were very resilient and you had to admire there defending. Yet another drop out is forced with just 13 minutes remaining Robert Lui attacks the Leigh line a wonderful pass to O Brien and he does the rest to the delight of the home crowd! Dobson adds the goal 12-6.

 

The next ten minutes is filled with knock ons as both teams fail to make there possession count. Mark Flanagan takes the pressure of with a clever kick which forces yet another drop out. O Brien attempts the drop goal which would kill of Leigh's resistance but it hits the post and is picked up by centurions winger Matty Dawson. 

 

A gritty performance from Salford to come out with the two points. Ian Watson was delighted with the Red Devil's defence. The squad is healthy for the trip to France to face Catalan. Todd Carney could possibly feature after a slight injury kept him out today.

 Salford made it 5 top flight league wins on the trot since 1997 today and will hope to go one better on Monday in Perpignan. 

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

Your listening to this weeks Devil in the Detail podcast all the big news coming from Salford this week as we speak to Lami Tasi, Michael Dobson and Ian Watson about all things Salford Red Devils