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
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