Salford travelled to Leigh for there second game of the super 8 qualifiers. With five ex Salford players in the Centurions 17 it was always going to be a fiercely fought contest. The Red Devils hit the ground running with early oppertunites as Mason Caton Brown is denied a try in the corner. George Griffin moments later makes a terrific break but Robert Lui is pulled down meters short. All this action in the opening four minutes. Lui then takes a heavy knock on his knee and receives some attention from the physio. Leigh strike first though as Josh Drinkwater sends Reni Maitua in for a try which Martin Ridyard converts. 6-0.
The next set of six Leigh are on the attack again as Ridyard sends Corey Paterson charging over. Conversion is added 12-0 after ten minutes. Micky Higham causing problems with his darting runs from dummy half. Salford spring in to life as Mason Caton Brown deep in his own half finds the gap and beats half the Leigh team to race away and score a sensational try. Gareth o Brien kicks the goal 12-6.
Leigh then get a huge slice of luck as drinkwaters kick bounces off lui back into his arms and he sends Greg McNally under the posts for a try. Ridyard kicks the goal 18-6. Salford start to attack and move the ball out wide, Gareth o Brien sends a super floating pass to Niall Evalds who finishes well in the corner. O Brien kicks goes just wide. 18-10. With just over three minutes of the half remaining Salford concede a penalty within range of the posts and Ridyard boots the two points over. The teams go in at half time Leigh in front 20-10.
Leigh kick the second half off but Robert Lui spills the ball and the centurions are on the attack from the drop out. Salford defend really well and clear the danger. Ben Murdoch Masila is denied a try by the video referee. A decision that could have gone either really. Salford are starting to take control and the video referee is called upon again as Josh Griffins nice flick pass to Mason Caton brown is scrutinised. Adam Higson the Leigh winger comes up with a great tackle as Brown just steps in touch as Salford are denied again. Josh Griffin makes a break and finds junior Sau who scorches through a gap to put Robert lui under the posts for a much needed Salford try! O Brien kicks the goal to pull it back to 20-16 as Leigh start to feel the pressure
. A loose pass to Higson as Leigh attack lands in touch and the momentum of the match seems to be changing. With 20 minutes to go Michael Dobsons high kick causes pandemonium in the Leigh defence. Junior Sau touches down but the referee is not convinced and asks for the video assistance. Again Salford are denied as Sau is adjudged to have knocked on! With 17 minutes to go Salford trail by four points but are totally on top. Fantastic ball movement from right to left and Josh griffin squeezes over in the corner. The referee again calls for the video replay! Griffin is denied as a knock on is given. Leigh then try to take the sting out of Salford by kicking a penalty goal to increase there lead to 22-16.
On the next set of six Leigh are over, a great finish from the winger Higson. Ridyard misses the conversion but Leigh have a ten point cushion 26-16. From the kick off it goes from bad to worse for Salford as o Brien kicks out on the full to invite Leigh back on the attack with a penalty. A wonderful off load from former Australian international Willie Tonga to Matty Dawson who scores in the corner to add to the Red Devils misery! Ridyard rubs salt in the wounds with a kick off the touch line 32-16.
Salford fight back with two tries in the last five minutes from Ben Murdoch Masila and the impressive Caton Brown! 32-26 with 11 seconds remaining. From the kick off Dobson is caught as the full time hooter sounds! Leigh players are delighted, Salford dejected! Final score Leigh 32 Salford 26. A disappointing result after last weeks great performance. The pressure is now on with a win against Hull KR on Friday night being the number one priority. The intensity of last week was missing today and that's something Ian Watson and Tim sheens will need to put right in time for next week. Paul Whiteside away day red.
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