Salford 18 Hull FC 6

The 2016 challenge cup winners were Salford's final opponents of the pre season and they put out what looked a near full strength side. 

 

Hull looked sharp in the early stages with half backs Albert Kelly and Mark Sneyd created chances. An excellent tackle from Gareth O Brien held Kelly up over the line. Hull continued to press with lots of possession but great defence from Justin Carney and Junior Sau bundled Kelly in to touch. Twenty one minutes in and Salford get the first try after great work from Lee Mossop, quick hands out to Sau who scores in the corner. O Brien's conversation is superb. 6-0.

Robert Lui comes up with a short ball for Weller Hauraki but the try is denied by referee Robert Hicks because of a forward pass. Just when Hauraki was starting to look really dangerous he hobbles off injured much to the concern of the home supporters. 

 

Robert Lui is the creator as his ball back on the inside to George Griffin is real quality! Griffin with a real powerful angled run under the posts! O Brien adds the goal 12-0.

A very satisfying first performance from Salford with some real solid defence.

As the second starts Hull continue to throw everything at Salford but Sneyd's high kicks are well dealt with. Michael Dobson having a super game is bossing the show for Salford and really out playing his opposite number. Sneyd comes up with a 40-20 to get hull on the front foot but the in form Greg Johnson comes up with a try saving tackle. Josh Griffin on his return to the AJ Bell stadium is met by a ferocious tackle from brother George to the delight of the home supporters! 

 

Salford's excellent hard working defence finally cracks after 66 minutes when Sneyds cross field kick is pouched by Steve Michaels. Sneyd ever reliable with the boot kicks off the touch line 12-6.

The Red Devil's are not to be denied and keep piling on the pressure, asking questions of Hulls defence. Dobson's excellent kick keep the pressure on and forces a drop out. Hull crack after another lovely kick causes havoc as ex Hull kr favourite Kris Welham is on the spot to touch down! O Brien kicks the goal 18-6. 

 

Salford might not have got two league points today but what they did get was a confidence and belief to take in to the new season. Deep in the second half the amount of young players on the pitch was heart warming to see and they all did themselves proud! Liam Bent Chester Butler ,Conor McGrath , Dan Murray, Matty Wilkinson, Jake Bibby, Ryan Lannon and Josh Wood might not have many years of experience but the desire and spirit was there for all to see.

 Exciting times lie ahead for Salford and 11th of February can't come soon enough. Final score Salford 18 Hull 6.

Paul Whiteside

Pictures by steve McCormick