Supe league review

Another great week of super league action check out all reaction to the result here.



Huddersfield 26 Wakefield 16

Huddersfield battled back from behind to record a home victory against Wakefield 

Wakefield lead 8-16 at halftime after a double from ex salford winger Ben Jones bishop but a try from Ukuma Tai swung the game as Jermaine Mcgilvary finished the scoring for the giants.

Conversions by Danny Brough allowed him to rise into the 10 ten points scorers in super league history.

 

Hull FC 14 Catalan Dragons 16

Catalan recorded a away win at the challenge cup holders in a see saw battle.

Ex salford standoff Marc Sneyd kicked hull into the lead but Catalan responded with 2 penalties by Luke Walsh.

Hull scored right on half time through Carlos Tuimavave and they lead 8-4 at the break.

Richie Myler another ex Salford player scored for the Dragons early in the 2nd half and Greg Bird also scored for Catalan.

Liam Watts scored for Hull and it seemed FC would get the points unfortunately for them Luke Walsh kicked 2 more penalties to secure the win for the French men.

 

Leigh 24 St Helens 16

Leigh recorded their 1st win in super league 2017 with a convincing win against St Helens.

Tries from Atelea Vea, Gareth Hock and Jamie Acton put Leigh 18-4 up at the break.

James Roby gave Saints optimism of a comeback going into the latter stages with a try but Mickey Higham against his former club secured the victory for Leigh.

 

Warrington 22 Castleford 30

Ex Salford fullback Greg Eden scored twice for the tigers to put more pressure on a struttering Warrington.

Savalio scored early for Warrington but the tigers of Castleford regained their composure and swept into a commanding lead with 4 good tries the pick of the bunch from Luke Game.

Warringtons Tom Lineham scored twice for Warrington to put the pressure back on Castleford but a Try from Greg Minikin secured the win for Castleford.

 

Widnes 26 Wigan 28

Wigan came back from a 14 points behind to secure their win a week after their world club championship success.

Widnes lead 18-12 at the break with tries from Lloyd White, Danny Craven and Tom Armstrong. Wigan came back into the game late on with Tries from Joe Burgess and Oliver Gildart. A critical score by Lewis Tierney stole the victory for Wigan in this hastily rearranged game.

Your listening to this weeks Devil in the Detail podcast Paul Parkin is on the show as we talk about the Todd carney effect, the Salford Red Devils foundations new educational courses which as just been released as well as lots of Salford Red Devils news and chat. Enjoy.

Leeds 20 Salford 14 Match report

A late Leeds Rhinos Try denied Salford victory at a packed Headingley last night Paul Whiteside has the details.

Salford travelled to Headingley in search of there first win there since 2009. A very tense opening saw Leeds came up with the first points when Ryan Hall out jumped Greg Johnson after a last tackle kick. Rob Burrow missed the conversation 4-0.

Salford though started to build pressure and looked to have scored before the referee called the pass forward. Seventeen minutes in and lovely work from Michael Dobson finds Gareth O Brien who put Salford level. His kick is missed 4-4.

Leeds start to get on top with a string of penalties and two forced drop outs. Salford's defence holds firm and in the end the Rhinos take the two points from yet another penalty to nudge back in front 6-4.

 

 Salford playing the more expansive rugby of the two sides and look set to score only for Leeds to knock down a Robert Lui pass with the line begging! It was wonderful play from the busy Lui the ball went  through countless pairs of hands! Two minutes before the break the Red Devil's are rewarded for all there hard work with a glimpse of Lui magic as he drops his shoulder and shoots through a gaping hole in the Leeds defence. Kris Whelam races to the line. Again o Brien can't convert. After a good first half display Salford lead 6-8.Leeds start the second half in a more positive fashion McGuire and Parcell bust Salford through the middle before sending Jimmy  Kienhorst over. Burrow added the goal 12-8.

Shortly after Leeds are very conservative again taking the two points from a penalty 14-8.

Gareth O Brien pulled off a try saving tackle to keep Salford's hopes alive. Great work again from Robert Lui but some how Whelham and Greg Johnson can't score as Leeds are desperate in defence.

Ten minutes remaining and Mark Flanagan charges through finds Logan Tomkins who some how manages to power over the line with Leeds defenders all over him. The west terrace erupted as the Salford faithful rejoiced .O Brien slotted the kick over and at 14-14 everything was to play for.

Seven minutes remaining and Leeds are awarded a very harsh penalty after it looked like they had knocked on. Burrow attempted the conversation there is panic as it lands on the post and Salford clean up frantically. Next up Salford are awarded a penalty on the half way line! O Brien attempted to win the game for Salford but his kick is inches wide.

 

 Then the moment of despair as Rob Burrow breaks feeding Liam Sutcliffe with what looked a clear forward pass. He races under the post to a huge Headingley sigh of relief. Burrow kicks the goal to pinch it for Leeds. Speaking to Ian Watson after the game he was very upset with certain decisions that didn't go Salford's way. 

A fantastic team effort tonight but Salford  just coming up short. A tough home game follows next Saturday against winless Warrington. Final score at Headingley 

Leeds 20 Salford 14

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

Your listening to this weeks Devil in the Detail where Paul Parkin joins the boys to talk about the all the news and the Todd Carney effect as well as the new educational courses set up by the Salford Red Devil's foundation. Enjoy 

Leeds V Salford big match preview

Salford Red Devils travel to Leeds Rhinos on Friay full of confidence after victory agaist Huddesfield take a look at our preview here

Leeds and Salford both recorded victories in their last games and are hoping a win on Friday will catapult them up the super league table early this season.

Salfords record at Headingley is very bad but they can point to a 20-30 victory they recorded in 2009 as inspiration going into this game.

Leeds have a aging squad and if Salford can make this a game of stamina then it could be the Red Devil's Day.

The battles

Craig Kopczak v Adam Cuthbertson

The forward battle is gong to be key on Friday and if one team can get good go forward it could signal a win for them.

Craig and Adam have great aggression in attack and are passionate players who will lead their respected packs onto battle.

Junior Sa'u v Kallum Watkins

Centre play is a art form and these two players are brilliant at it. Junior a fans favourite has a aggressive running style which has made him a firm fans favourite.

Callum Watkins is a centre that has the ability to glide through a gap. With great page and good hands it's going to be interesting who comes out on top 

 

Brett Ferris v Josh Jones

The 2nd row of any team usually has a player who is explosive. Josh Jones is a outstanding player for Salford, his powerful straight running can cause a problem to any defence. 

Brett Ferris is a world class 2nd row, he has the pace, power, footwork and ball skills to test any defenders

Danny McGuire v Michael Dobson 

The Brains in any team is important and leadership is important too, Danny Mcguire is a Leeds legend. For years he has terrorised opposition defences with Ball in hand and foot. He will need to be marked closely on Friday night.

Michael Dobson is in the form of his life at the moment for Salford Red Devil's, always probing for a opening with ball in hand and kicking 40/20s he is Salfords go to man when a chance needs to be created.

 

The Todd Carney effect

Todd Carneys visa application has been accepted and has signed for Salford on a 1 year deal. A world class talent on his day will hopefully push salford to levels of success they have not experienced for a long time. Will Todd start at Leeds or will Watto not change a winning team? We shall wait to see but his arrival has given Salford a spark which might not go out in 2017.

Your listening to this weeks podcast where we are joined by Paul Parkin to talk about the arrival of Todd Carney, the victory against Huddersfield and preview the game against Leeds on Friday 

Super league Review

Another exciting weekend of Superleague and The World club championship in full swing here is around up of all the games.


Leigh 14 Leeds 17

Leeds Rhinos edged to their first win of the season by overcoming Leigh in the Centurions' first Super League home game for almost 12 years.

Leigh took the lead through Dawson early but Leeds hit back with quick fire tries by Hall, Cuthbertson and Keinhorst.

Leigh had a player sin binned but struck back with a try from Crooks. Leeds hung on at the end to record their 1st win of 2017.


Warrington 27 Brisbane Broncos 18

The World club challenge took place this weekend and Warrington recorded super leagues 1st victory of the weekend.

Warrington lead 20 - 0 at half time as tries from Marty Russell, Ryan Atkins and Tom Lineham gave them the lead with some inspirational play from Kevin Brown the Wolves were in control.

Corey Oates, James Roberts and David Mead replied for Brisbane in the 2nd half but Warrington held on to record this famous win.

Wigan 22 Cronulla 6

Wigan made it 2-0 to the Super league over their NRL rivals as they put up a great performance and beat Cronulla with ease.

 

A hatrick by Joe Burgess did the damage for Wigan who secured their 4 world club championship title.

Two marginal video referee decisions went against Cronulla during the game but the Wigan faithful will not care as they celebrate a famous win.

You are listening to our new podcast as we are joined by Paul Parkin who looks back at our victory against Huddersfield. Ian Watson talks about Todd Carneys arrival as we preview the game against Leeds.

Huddersfield 20 Salford 30 Match Report

Salford got their 1st Super league victory of the season with a convincing win against the Huddersfields Giants. Paul Whiteside takes you through the action.

Salford travelled to Huddersfield in search of there first super league win. The Giants were in good spirits after there opening round win at Widnes. Salford's defence was strong in the opening exchanges as the Giants gained back to back penalties. The opening points come from Gareth O Brien after Salford decide to take the two points from a penalty. 0-2.

Danny Brough lead the Giants with a thundering 40/20 kick, Salford's defence was superb to force Huddersfield in to touch.

The Giants got their first points of the evening after a lovely looping pass from Ryan Brierley found Jermaine Mcgilvery. Brough miss the conversation 4-2.

 

Salford got the perfect response with clean crisp passing from Craig Kopzack, Michael Dobson and Gaz O Brien sending Junior Sau over. O Brien's kick was good and Salford lead 4-8.   Josh Jones put Greg Johnson away only for him to get caught close to the Giants line. Salford now piled the pressure on. Huddesfield and the last action of a very tight first half was a Salford penalty. Again the two points are taken by Obrien and Salford lead at  half time 4-10.

A near perfect first set of six tackles started the second half with Michael Dobson kicking a 40/20. Salford were razor sharp from the resulting tap and Gaz O Brien raced over for a try! The extras were added and the lead was now 4-16 Salford.

The Red Devil's seem in complete control. Kris Welham is impressive on his debut and out of nothing produced a sublime grubber kick allowing Greg Johnson to pounce on the ball over the line. Referee James Child consults the video replay and Johnson was denied for being a fraction in touch. This seems to set alarm bells of for the Giants as they score two back to back tries from Alex Mellor who shows real pace to finish well! Brough added one conversation to peg Salford back to 14-16. 

Huddersfield start to look for the knock out punch but Salford are made of stern stuff this season and soaked up  all the pressure before Kris Welham races away with an interception. He was caught but Salford were quick with ball in hand and were over again with O Brien to give themselves some breathing space. The kick from Gareth is superb right off the touch line and Salford lead 14-22.

Huddersfield hit back with ten minutes remaining to set up a nervous finish. Ukuma Tai powered over. Brough adds the two points 20-22. Michael Dobson was outstanding once again managing the game all evening he forced a drop out with a clever kick. Josh Jones was like a pinball bumping off countless defenders showing unbelievable strength to make the game safe with a try. O Brien who was faultless in attack, defence and with the boot all evening makes it 20-28 with a successful conversion. As the clock counted down Salford wisely kick a penalty goal to rub salt in the Giants wounds! A pulsating second half finished Huddersfield 20 Salford 30.

 

A great night for the traveling army of Salford supporters who sang there hearts out and really were the 18th man. Leeds are up next at Headingly next Friday. A place where Salford have won twice in the last 40 years 1977 and 2009. After last nights showing the confidence is there for us to get the result against the loiners.

Pictures by Steve McCormick



You are currently listeing to this weeks Devil in the detail podcast where we talk to Ian Watson and Niall Evalds and all your Salford Red Devils chat and news enjoy.

Huddesfield v Salford BIG MATCH Preview

Salford take on Huddesfield on Thursday in a crutial game in Super league in a attempt to get their 1st win on the board for 2017.  Here is Rob Parkinson with his preview of the game

Both sides will be looking for a win to get their season of to a good start, with both sides experiencing the middle 8 battle  last season they are hoping to avoid such stress in 2017.

Battles

There are lots of key battles all over the field which will influence the result on Thursday night.

Michael Dobson v Danny Brough

Both are experienced half backs for their sides and will play a huge part in any success in 2017. Brough as a outstanding kicking game but Dobsons organisational skills could be a big factor in this battle.

Gaz O'Brien v Lee Gaskell

A attacking fullback is a important aspect of any team and these two players play big parts in both sides. Gaz O'Brien fresh from his million pound miricle last year showed he had the ability to cope with the pressure moment and deliver under stress.  Lee Gaskell has struggled with injuries but when fit can unlock any defence.

Junior Sau v Leeroy Cudjoe

The attacking options for both sides shows there is the potential for plenty of tries in this game.
Junior Sau is a powerful centre full of enthusiasm and can cause defences lots of problems with his rugged running style.
Leeroy Cudjoe is a class cenre, with blisting pace and a ability to glide through a gap he will ask plenty of questions of the Salford defence on Thursday night.

Craig Kopczak v Ukua Taii

 The forward battle will be a fiercely fought battle as both sets of forwards have the ability to work and put up a fight. Salfords Craig Kopczak is a born leader in the pack and his passion and workrate will be a important factor the battle of the forwards

Ukua Taii is a man mountain of a forward and cacn punch  big holes in any defence.  when  on form he can be unplayable and Salford will need to be ready to deal with his threat.

HEAD TO HEAD STATISTICS

GIANTS              RED DEVILS

TRIES 18 25 TRIES 

GOALS 17 22 GOALS 

METRES 6886 7625 METRES 

CARRIES 1039 1134 CARRIES 

TACKLES 2091 1914 TACKLES 

OFFLOADS 44 45 OFFLOADS 

PENALTIES 44 42 PENALTIES 

BREAKS 16 31 BREAKS

 

Your listening to this weeks Devil in the detail where we preview the game against Huddesfield on Thursday. Ian Watson and Niall Evalds join us to look forward to the game and we have all the latest new coming for the club. Enjoy.

Super league report

It's been a very competitive 1st weekend of super league here is a brief report on the other super league games this weekend.

St Helens 6 Leeds Rhinos 4

A tough game between two of the bigger super league clubs kicked of the season. Tries for two ex Reds Theo Fages and Joel Moon were the highlights as the saints start with a win.

 

Widnes 16 Huddersfield 28

Huddersfield started their season with an away win against Widnes. Widnes started brightly and took the lead but Huddersfield battled back to lead by 14 points at half time.

Widnes seemed to struggle without Kevin Brown who has moved to Warrington in the close season and were never in danger of mounting a comeback in this game.

 

Castleford 44 Leigh 16

Leigh started their 2017 season in Super League with big defeat away to Castleford. 

Castleford who are looking for a big season in 2017 were in total control in the 1st half as they lead 26-0 at half time.

Leigh battled in the 2nd half and posted 16 points which may be a confidence booster with the weeks to come.

 

Catalan 20 Warrington 12

A very competitive game in the south of France as Catalan came out on top.  Warrington took the lead but ex Red Richie Myler hit back with a try for the French men.

Catalan rode out a battling performance by Wire and will use this win as a confidence builder with the weeks to come in Super league.

Wakefield 8 Hull 12

Hull FC came away victorious in a rain sodden game against Wakefield.  Ex Red Marc Sneyd kicked 3 goals early for Hull and was also involved in a try for Jake Connor.

That defeat for Wakefield makes it 8 on the spin for them of you include the games from last years top 8 adventure.

Coach Chris Chester will be looking to stop the rott soon,

Your listening to our latest podcast where Andie Riley from Quays RL gives us his views on the 2017 in Super league and his very positive comments about Salfords chances as well as interviews with Michael Dobson, Lami Tasi and Marwan Koukash.

Salford 16 Wigan 26 Match report

Salford Red Devils battled hard in the 2nd half but were defeated by Wigan 16-26. Read Paul Whitesides match report here.

A big crowd turned out at the AJ bell stadium as Salford's league campaign got under way on a bitterly cold afternoon against the reigning champions Wigan.  After a frantic opening Salford were unlucky not to score when Robert Lui dropped the ball with a real chance. Wigan broke away with real pace and Ole Gildart with a clinical finish in the corner for the opening score. Morgan Escare missed the conversion 0-4.

Salford clicked in to gear when the lively Josh wood made a superb break finding Lee Mossop. Junior Sau was caught high with the incident going on report. This seemed to take the wind out of Salford temporarily. 14 minutes in and Robert Lui hobbles off, Wigan start to press forcing a drop out. George Williams produces a lovely kick for Joe Burgess to pounce on. Escare kicks the goal 0-10.

Salford work hard to get field position and with good pressure force a drop out. A fantastic ball and all tackle from Anthony Gelling keeps wigan's line intact. Liam Farrell and Oliver Gildart bust Salford apart with some fantastic support play. Gildart gets the try Escare can't convert 0-14.

Wigan are over powering Salford and once again Williams is the architect showing real class to dance his way through poor Salford defence. Escare converts 0-20 after half an hour. Right on half time Thomas Leuluai sends Joel Tomkins over to complete a near perfect first 40 for the warriors. Half time 0-26.

Salford now have to chase the game and are rewarded as great vision from Kris Brining scooting over the line from close range to catch Wigan cold. Gareth O Brien kicks the goal 6-26. Wigan now playing a lot more conservatively allowing Salford on to the front foot as Niall Evalds makes a terrific break only to be caught short by Joe Burgess. 

Michael Dobson is then denied a try held up over the line after good work from George Griffin. Dobson who worked his socks off again forces a drop out. Junior Sau finishes a fine Salford move in the corner O Brien can't convert 10-26.

 The Red Devil's second half defence is very good keeping Wigan scoreless and Michael Dobson finally gets his try late on which O Brien converts 16-26! It's an old saying but quite literally a game of two half's here!

 All is not lost for Ian Watson's men and while there is a lot to work on the players can take positives in to Thursday nights game at Huddersfield. There was a lot of heart and desire in the second half shown by Salford and Wigan certainly look like one of the teams to beat in 2017. Final score Salford 16 Wigan 26. 

Pictures in report by Steve McCormick

Salford Red Devil's v Wigan Warriors Big match preview

Salford take on Wigan on Saturday in their 1st super league game in 2017. Ticket sales are doing well and it seems Saturday will be a big day for the club.

Coaches Ian Watson and Shaun Wane  have picked their 19 man squads. You can see them below.

Salford Red Devil's

 

Wigan Warriors

 

Both squads are very strong and Saturdays game looks like it's going to be great, in this blog we are looking at where the battles may be won or lost on Saturday.

Michael Dobson v Thomas Leuluai

Both players have vast experience to draw on for this 1st game of 2017. It will be a interesting battle between the two and the player who comes out on top will go a long way to secure 2 points for their team.

Lami Tasi v Frank Paul Nuuausala

The forward battle on Saturday will be key. Both players are tough natured and will not take a step back in this competitive encounter. Fans of both teams will be looking for fireworks between these two.

 

Rob Lui v George Williams

The ability to open defences will be a important aspect on Saturday for both teams. Both standoffs are creative in attack and if their team gets the upper hand will allow them to turn turn the screw.

Justin Carney v Joe Burgess

Scoring tries in super league is a must and these two know where the line is. Both have great power and pace and this will be a worry to their opponents.

 

http://ow.ly/247A308PDv6. 

On our podcast above we spoke to Andie Riley from Quays news about the new super league season with a special feature on Salfords and Wigans chances in 2017.

Salford Red Devils squad preview Forwards part 2

Salford take on Wigan on Saturday in a huge test at the start of the super league season. Paul Whiteside takes a look at the players who will take their place in the Salford pack

Jordan Walne

Jordan along with brother Adam is in his 5th season with Salford. Prop being is preferred position Jordan has played hooker in the past! A very good tackler and hard worker. 2017 promises to be a big year for Jordan to hold down a place in the Salford pack.

 

Olsi Krasniqi

Born in Albania Olsi made his name at the London Broncos. 2017 will be his third season with Salford. His preferred position is prop forward a tough tackler with a good pair of feet makes Olsi a very mobile player in the Salford pack. At just 24 he's maturing in to a valuable part of the team.

 

Kris Brining

Kris arrived from York city knights in the close season. Another young player with huge potential and an exciting 2017 awaits after the big step up from league one. Kris had a fantastic try ratio at York and was very impressive in Salford's pre season games! A very good distributor at dummy half and plenty of pace makes kris one to really keep an eye on this season!

 

Lee Mossop

The 6ft 2 Cumbrian arrives at Salford with a wealth of experience. With over a 100 first team games for Wigan and a spell in Australia with Parramatta Eels the versatile forward who can play prop or second row is expected to be a main stay in the Salford pack. Capped 3 times for England in 2012 his time in Australia in 2014 was injury hit. Definitely one to watch this season an experienced player with a lot to offer.

 

Daniel Murray 

Daniel signed from Warrington in the close season having been very impressive in there youth set up. Originally from Wigan Daniel is only 20 but watching him in the pre season games he looks a very mature forward! Preferred position being prop Daniel is a very strong runner who like to get a quick play the ball. A lad with huge potential and at such a tender age has a big future ahead of him.

 

Matty Wilkinson. 

Matty has come through the ranks at Salford and impressed every time he's played for the first team. He's a young hooker and was a big star in the under 19s last year. Tim sheens likened him to Robbie Farrah. With kris brining also in the first team we seem to have some quality at hooker with Logan Tomkins as well. A big year for Matty to take his chance.

 

Liam Bent 

At just 19 Liam is one of the youngest players in the squad! Very impressive in the pre season games. This talented young forward was tremendous in the under 19s and looks to make the step up in 2017. He has also spent time at Halifax.

Salford Red Devil squad preview Forwards part 1

Salford take on Wigan on Saturday and it promises to be a great game. Paul Whiteside looks at the forwards who will be in the Salford pack in 2017.

 

Josh Jones! 

Josh begins his second season with Salford. A very powerful player he's at home in the pack or in the centres! With over a 100 top flight appearances to his name at just 23 years old josh has an exciting future ahead of him.

 

Craig Kopczak

A real stalwart in the pack last season Craig became one of the best signings of the koukash era! 31 appearances last season from one of Super Leagues most consistent performers. Top meter maker most weeks and also a strong hard working defender. A big season is expected once again from a player who's coming in to his prime years!

 

Logan Tomkins 

Logan spent time on loan with Salford in 2014 and 2015. He signed a permanent deal for 2016. Another very dependable player the ex Wigan warriors hooker will have a big part to play once again this season. Logan is the younger brother of Sam and Joel Tomkins! At just 24 years old with over 100 top flight games Tomkins is a big part of Salford's first team.

 

George Griffin. 

George became one of the first players on the team sheet last year and was many fans choice for most improved player of the year! A very strong runner who works his socks of in the tackling department Griffin is one of the most under rated forwards in the league! With a good turn of pace he has chipped in with a few tries recently too. At 24 years old George's best years are ahead of him.

 

Ben Murdoch Masilla

Big Ben made his mark last year for Salford as one of our most consistent players! 32 appearances and 6 tries in his debut season! His strong running and aggressive style has made him a huge favourite with the Salford faithful! An injury in the pre season fixture at Rochdale has been a set back but Ben will again be the enforcer on his return to the side!

 

Weller Hauraki 

Weller is one of the oldest players in what is a very young Salford squad! 173 top flight games for weller who has played at Parramatta, Celtic Crusaders, Leeds and Castleford. This will be his third season at Salford for the Kiwi who has also represented New Zealand Maori 5 times. Weller is a tough tackler second rower who likes to run out wide.

 

Mark Flanagan 

Mark can pass a ball as we all know from the million pound game. He's also a very reliable player who comes up with big minutes every week. One of the top tacklers week in week out Mark has an exceptional fitness engine! His previous clubs include Wigan, St Helens and Wests Tigers in Australia. In 2014 mark played at scrum half in the super league grand final and was in the victorious Saints team that beat Wigan 14-6! His big game experience will no doubt help guide the young guns in the Salford pack!

 

Lama Tasi

Lama is back at Salford for his second spell having spent last season at St Helens. Having signed for Salford prior to the 2014 season Lama became a crowd favourite with his raw boned big hitting style. A disappointing 2016 season at Saints makes his Salford return  have a real feel of unfinished business about it. Another forward who makes big meters Lama has slotted straight back in to the Salford groove.

 

Ryan Lannon

2017 promises to be a big year for young Ryan. At just 21 the youngster is a real hot prospect with bags of potential which we saw glimpses of last season. Loose forward or second row is where Ryan's future is seen at Salford!

 

Adam Walne 

Adam is one of the longest serving players at the club. Making his debut in 2013 against Wigan this will be his 5th season. Adam is now 26 and 2017 is a big season for him to make his mark in the pack and push for a regular starting position! Another powerful runner with a good turn of pace! Adam can be a real handful for opposing defenders.

Pictures by Steve McCormick