super league review

 
It's been another great weekend in Super league, Check out our review of all the action here

 

 

Salford Red Devil's 22 St Helens 14

Salford continued their winning run with a battling display against St Helens.  Salfords 1st half was strong and were rewarded when Craig Kopcjack scored and Salford lead 8-0 at half time.

Saints came back in the 2nd half with a try from Alex Warmsley but a double from Michael Dobson made the game safe for Salford.

 

Leeds Rhino 26 Wigan 18

Leeds Rhinos overcame a spirited Wigan to record another win at Headingley. The highlight for Leeds was Kalum Watkins who was celebrating his 200th career appearance going over for the Rhinos.

 

George Williams scored twice for Wigan but it wasn't enough on the night. Another defeat for Wigan which makes them slip towards mid table in Super league.

 

Castleford 52 Huddersfield 16

Luke Gale and Joel Monaghan both scored hatricks for Castleford to keep them top of the pile

Leading 16-4 at half time Castleford were in contol, Ryan Brierley hit back with a try for the Giants in the 2nd half but a 24 point contribution by Luke Gale gave Castleford the win.

Catalan 18 Wakefield 38

It was a very successful trip to the south of France for Wakefield as a hatrick by ex Red Ben Jones Bishop gave them the two points.

Wakefield were never in danger of losing this game, two tries for Catalan one from Krisnan Inu was the highlight for them but it was Trinity who came away victorious.

 

Leigh Centurions 24 Widnes Vikings 37

Widnes recorded their 1st win of 2017 by beating Leigh.

The Vikings were made to work hard for the win and lead 18-12 at half time.

A hatrick for Danny Craven was enough for the Vikings after a spirited performance and a try from Danny Tickle was as good as it got for Leigh.

 

Warrington 22 Hull 22

Both sides will look back at this game as one they should have won.  Hull lead 20-8 at half time with a try from Albert Kelly but back came Warrington.

A Marty Russell hatrick saved Warrington and even tho both sides tried to win the game at the end a draw was a fair result. Ex Red Mark Sneyd kicked 5 goals.

Your listening to this weeks Devil in the Detail podcast We talk about New contracts announcement. We interviewed Chris Welham and Greg Johnson and talk about the positive stuff happening in the world of Salford Red Devil's.

Salford 22 St Helens 14 match report

  

Salford were back in action at the AJ Bell stadium after last weeks terrific performance at widnes.

Tonight St Helens were in town. The Saints were also in good form winning there last two games away at Catalan and home to Warrington. So two form sides something had to give. 

20 years ago in may 1997 Salford beat saints 39-26 Ian Watson was an unused substitute for Salford that night and Kieran Cunningham was in the St. Helens side! Tonight they went head to head as coaches. 

The opening stages of the game were very nervy neither side wanted to give anything away. Defences were really on top and the first points came from a Michael  Dobson penalty goal to edge Salford ahead 2-0.

The Red Devil's had to shuffle the team around early on losing Greg Johnson to injury. Kris Welham moved on to the wing while Rob Lui slotted in the centre. Todd Carney entered the fray and took Lui's place at stand off. Salford's attacking flair was there for all to see. Craig Kopczack burst on to a lovely short ball to celebrate his new contract in style with a try under the posts. Michael Dobson added the extras.

 

Todd Carney spilled the ball from the kick off leaving Salford's defence work to do just before half time. They held there nerve to complete an excellent first half.

Three minutes in to the second half Craig Kopczak makes a thrilling break, the ever reliable Dobson is there in support to extend Salford's lead with a great try. O Brien kicks the goal 14-0.

St. Helens had so much possession and the Reds goal line defence was superb once again. Finally Alex Warmsley got the visitors on the scoreboard powering over to reach out for a try. Mark Percival kicks the goal 14-6. The Saints are starting to move through the gears james Roby and Johnny Lomax speeding up there attack causing the damage. 

Mark Percival made a break and hares towards the line but Mark Flanagan chased back to pull off a fine tackle. Marks work rate is once again outstanding with a fine all action man of the match display. Moments later the pressure tells and saints were in at the corner with a try from Morgan. Kick is missed and it's 14-10. 

 

Another crucial penalty goal is converted by Dobson 16-10. 

With ten minutes remaining perhaps a drop goal would be on the Salford menu. Robert Lui is then very harshly sin binned leaving the Red Devil's to play the game out with 12 men. 

St. Helens continue to attack and throw everything at Salford but can't pierce this heroic defence. 

A relieving kick down field with nothing on Morgan comes up with the error and Michael Dobson pounced for his second try. Huge relief round the stadium as Dobson kicks the goal to give Salford breathing space 22-10.

 

Lomax grabs a try for the saints with two minutes remaining but Percival can't convert as Salford hold on for another famous win in front of a delighted crowd.

Down in numbers in the second half losing both hookers Tomkins and kris Brining Salford dug in with a fantastic display of courage and desire. Ian Watson has got a team to be proud of this year and he was delighted after the match. There is work to be done and Ian will keep the players feet on the ground ahead of next fridays trip to hull. A thrilling match tonight which finished Salford 22 St. Helens 14.

Pictures by Steve McCormick, Written by Paul Whiteside 

Your listening to this weeks Devil in the Detail podcast. We look back at a big week for Salford regarding new contracts for their top performers, we talk to Kris Welham , Greg Johnson and Ian Watson in Coaches corner as well as look at the result and fixtures for our amateur sides.

Finally we talk about ex players who played only a handful of times for Salford and try and form a one hit wonder XIII.

Salford v St Helens big match preview

Salford Red Devil's host St Helens on Thursday night at the AJ bell and it looks to be a fantastic match up Dan Robinson looks at where the battle will be won and lost.

 

 

The battles

 

Battle 1 

Carney v Swift

After last weeks fantastic performance Justin Carney is starting to look like his old self again and really seems to be enjoying life as a Devil. The explosive running winger has finally got on the score sheet this season and will no doubt look to double his tally on Thursday night.

Possible England candidate Swift has also been going well for the visitors this season and has done since he came into the scene wearing the saints jersey. Swift certainly has the speed element but can he cope with the power of Carney or Johnson? We shall see.

 

Battle 2

Lee Mossop v  Kyle Amor

After missing out last week against Widnes the 2017 England candidate will no doubt want to be in the team this week against his former sides closer rival. Mossop has really put in some strong performances which hasn't gone unnoticed. His determination to get over the game line has really helped the Devils get on the front foot this season.

Kyle Amor for Saints has also been very good this campaign so far and calls for him to get a call up to the international scene have been made by many saints supporters. Very much like Mossop his no nonsense style of play helps the saints in the middle of the park. This will be a very good battle Thursday night for sure

 

Battle 3

Michal Dobson v Marty Smith 

For me this is the battle that will win the game for either side. Dobson has been such an asset this season and his kicking game will be key if the Devils are to get the points on Thursday. Hopefully he can continue from last week and the link between him, Lui, Carney and Obrien will be crucial.

Ex Salford halfback Smith hasn't had the best start to 2017 after suffering a broken leg. His return to the side last week helped the Saints get the points against a battered Wolves side. Which number 7 will be the one smiling come Thursday night we shall see.

Stats 

 

Form

 

Players to may feature against their former club

 

There will be lots of players looking to impress on Thursday night against their former teams. Salford with Lami Tasi, Mark Flanagan and Josh Jones  will he looking to put one over on the saints.

Ex Salford favourite Theo Fages, Tommy Lee and Matty Smith will be looking forward to coming back to the AJ Bell and spoiling the party.

Your listening to this weeks Devil in the Detail podcast all your big match build up here. We look back at a good week for Salford with a win against Widnes with Kris Welham and   Greg Johnson, Ian Watson is in coaches corner as we preview the big game against Saints.

Super league review

It's been another exciting week in Super league this week Read all about it here

 

Wakefield 28 Leigh 24

Wakefield scored three tries in a strong 2nd half performance to record a victory over a battling leigh.

Leigh started well in the 1st half with 3 tries then Wakefield hit back with 3 tries one from ex red Ben Jones Bishop and the game was still in the balance.

Trinity finished the stronger and with Try's from Jacob Miller and another from BJB Wakefield saw the game out.

 

Huddlesfield 12 Leeds 28

Leeds are showing signs of recovery after recording their 3rd  straight win this time at Huddersfield. It was a battle a Matt Parcell try for Leeds  gave them a 18-12 lead which showed at half time this game could have gone eather way.

A try from Jordan Baldwinson was enough for Leeds in the 2nd half and with Liam Sutcliffe kicking a penalty the Leeds faithful were happy with the win.

 

Widnes 10 Salford Red Devil's 46

A demolition job for the Red Devil's as they recorded a impressive away win at the struggling Vikings.

A opening score by Lami Tasi set the platform and it was all one way traffic from there as salford raced into a 0-30 half time lead.

Todd Carney made is Salford debut in the 2nd half and set up a try for Gaz O'Brien in a great win for the Salford Red Devil's. A late try by Rhys Hanbury for Widnes was as good as it got for them.

 

Wigan 20 Hull FC 22

Hull FC leap frogged Wigan to go top of Super league with hard fought win at the DW stadium.

Try's from Albert Kelly and Jamie Shaul put Hull in control at 0-22 early in the 2nd half.

George Williams and Liam Marshall gave the Warriors hope of snatching a win but Morgan Escare missed the crutial conversion and the Hull went home with the points.

 

St Helens 31 Warrington Wolves 6

Another defeat for Warrington as the Saints went marching on to another win, Jack Owens scored in a 3 try burst for St Helens who had Matty Smith back from injury lead 18-0 at the break.

Kurt Gidley scored for Warrington in the 2nd half but they were always 2nd best, Alex Warmsley and a drop goal by Smith put the cherry on the cake for Keiron Cunninghams men.

 

Castleford Tigers 43 Catalan 26

Castleford Tigers returned to the top of Super League with a comeback win against Catalan Dragons.

Ex Red Richie Myler put the French men 0-14 up but they were unable to game manage the situation and the Tigers scale roaring back.

Two tries from ex red Greg Eden put the Tigers back in control and Ex Salford favourite Rangi Chase making his come back from recent discipline issues turned the game the Tigers way.

Victory for the Tigers takes them back to the top of the Super League after defeat against Salford last week.

Your listening to this weeks podcast. After our latest challenge cup draw with Toronto and a good win v Castleford we ask which trophy would you rather win?

We also talk Magic weekend tickets and much more including interviews with George Griffin, Rob Lui, Lee Mossop and Mark Flanagan.

widnes v Salford match report

 

Salford travelled to Widnes looking for back to back wins for the first time this season. Logan Tomkins came up with a terrific try saving tackle as Salford's goal line defence was put under early pressure. 

Some strong running from the pack earned good field position and Lami Tasi powers over for the opening try. O Brien kicks the goal 0-6. Next up a lovely flowing move from the Red Devil's Gaz O'Brien finds Kris Welham who gave Greg Johnson a chance. There is still work to be done but Greg stepped inside superbly to touchdown. O Brien misses the kick 0-10 Salford.

 

Salford's continued to put pressure on Widnes with some great defence. The Vikings come up with an error deep in there own half and Salford pounce. George Griffin went over from close range O'Brien failed to convert but Salford were in control at 0-14. 

The lead soon increases with a try this time from Ben Murdoch Masila. Michael Dobson is successful with the conversation and at 0-20 it was all Salford.

The team really start to turn the screw Greg Johnson races 60 yards after picking up a loose ball. The ball ends up with centre Kris Welham who finishes brilliantly in the corner. Michael Dobson kicks well and it's 0-26. 

 

The Salford supporters behind the sticks are enjoying every second and it's a great away following. A nice kick to touch and there looks nothing on but the Red Devil's chase is tremendous as the force the Widnes player in touch. Salford's enthusiasm is outstanding, racing to form the scrum. Excellent centre play from Junior Sa'u putting Justin Carney over for his first try of the season right on half time. Dobson fails to convert but it's a special first half from Salford 0-30 at the break.

It's a bit of a sloppy start to the second half with a few penalties conceded and Widnes take advantage with Corey Thompson going over 4-30.

There was a welcoming roar when Todd Carney entered the field for his debut. Moments later Justin Carney makes a great burst and charges down the pitch. Todd throws out a speculative pass to Sa'u who cuts loose and Michael Dobson is in support to score a well deserved try O'Brien kicks the goal 4-36.

 

Holes are starting to appear all over for the Widnes defence and Robert Lui is next on the try scoring list with a huge smile on his face it is well deserved! O brien couldn't convert 4-40. Todd Carney started to find his feet and made another Salford break. Players are queuing up to score and Gaz O'Brien strolled in. Dobson kicked the goal 4-46. Rhys Hansbury gets the final score of the game a consolation for the Vikings! 

It's an outstanding display from Salford demolishing Widnes. Ian Watson was delighted with attack and defence a real solid team performance! The whole feeling around the club at the moment is positive and Salford are definitely building momentum. St. Helens come to the AJ Bell next Thursday but in this form Salford won't fear anybody! Widnes 10 Salford 46. Paul whiteside

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

 

Your listening to this weeks Devil in the Detail podcast. All the latest news regarding Magic Weekend tickets, interviews with George Griffin, Mark Flanagan, Rob Lui and Lee Mossop as well as a look at where our amateur sides play this Saturday. The big debate after it was announced we will face Toronto Wolfpack in the Challenge cup and our fantastic win yesterday which trophy you our listener prefer to win the Challenge cup or the Super league title? A great debate to enjoy tweet us your answer by using #cupreds or #superreds 

Widnes v Salford big match preview

Salford Red Devil's travel to Widnes full of confidence after last weeks win against Castleford Dan Robinson looks where the battles maybe won and lost on Friday.

 

Battle 1 The wingers

Justin Carney v Corey Thompson

Both players have had big impacts since joining the respective sides and have both shown the fans what they can do. Carney a big powerful running winger in my opinion has been a very good performer since his arrival from Cas. His ability to return a kick is second to none and he makes us a lot of yards going forward.

Thompson had a great 2016 with the Viking scoring a lot of tries. He has a very good eye for a kick and this battle for me will really be key and who ever keeps the other quite will taste success at the end of the game

 

Battle 2 The Big Men

BMM v Chris Houston

Last weeks performance from BMM was incredible. His second try was a bit like Josh Jones at Huddersfield the way he bounced the defenders off to score under the posts. Since his disappointment at Wakefield he really did put a shift in and is a really important cog in our attack.

Houston is a strong running second rower who is also a very good defensive player. The very experienced Australian will no doubt look to lead by example on Friday night.

 

Battle 3 The 2 point men

Gaz O'Brien V Rhys Hanbury

Both excellent goal kickers this battle I believe will be the battle for the 2 pointers. Both kickers will look to convert all attempts in order to maximise the points on the day. Could it be another Drop Goal master class from Obrien? Or will it be Hanbury that slots the points to win the game.

Stats from previous meetings 

 

Form

 

Squads

 

Your listening to this weeks Devil in the Detail and What a great show we have for you this week.  After our big win v Castleford we speak to pack stars Lee Mossop and Mark Flanagan about the victory, we have all the latest news coming from the club which includes our challenge cup tie with Toronto, Paul looks at what our amateur sides have been upto this weekend and to help us look forward to the Widnes game we speak to the star man Rob Lui and George Griffin ahead of the game.

Picture by Steve McCormick

super league review

What a weekend  of Super league we have witnessed. Read our report looking back at the other games in Super league this week.

 

Leigh Centrurians 22 Warrington 8

Leigh continued their impressive start to their Super League season at the expense of a stuttering Warrington side.

Ex Red Gaz Hock scored a brace eather side of half time a try by Warringtons Tom Lineman gave the Wolves hope but Leigh saw off the danger rooting Warrington to the bottom of the Super League table.

 

Leeds 38 Wakefield 14

Leeds secured another win this time against Wakefield to keep their impressive form going.

Two try's by Salford Lad Calum Watkins in the 1st half gave Leeds breathing space at half time 20 points to 4. Wakefield hit back in the 2nd half with tries from Fifita and Johnstone but Leeds did enough to secure the win.

 

 

Hull FC 32 Widnes 12

Hull secured a win against Widnes to heap more pressure on Salford Lad and Widnes Coach Dennis Betts. 

Danny Houghton lead the line well and Widnes were unable to deal with Hull FCs pace and power all night. Two tries from Albert Kelly the highlight for Hull.

It's 4 defeats in 5 games for Widnes who now must be feeling the pressure of super league in 2017.

 

Catalan Dragons 24 St Helens 28

St Helens secured the points in the south of France to ease the pressure on their Coach Kieron Cunningham.

Adam Swift, Mark Percival, Ryan Morgan and Adam Walker tries put Saints 22-18 up at the break, with Thomas Bosc, Julian Bousquet and Iain Thornley responding in a fierce, open contest.

A moment of magic by ex Red Theo Fages offloading to Jack Owens to score swung the game St Helens way.

 

Wigan Warriors 16 Huddersfield 16

Wigan were held to a draw by a spirited Huddersfield side at the DW stadium.

Jemaine McGillvary opened the scoring for the Giants with Morgan Escale for Wigan scoring a try and being inspirational throughout.

Danny Brough thought he had kicked the Giants to victory but a late try by Anthony Gelling made the scores level and the points were shared.

Your listening to this weeks Devil in the Details,  this week we have update from the latest fans forum with CEO Ian Blease,, Phil Cooper and Ex Salford player Paul Highton talk about the new magic weekend shirt and State of mind project designed to help ex players and people in the local community and Ian Watson is in Coaches corner to talk us through the defeat against Wakefield.

SALFORD RED DEVILS 13 CASTLEFORD 12 match report

There was a real buzz in the air at the AJ Bell stadium as league leaders Castleford tigers visited! Castleford were top of the table after 4 wins beating Leigh,Warrington,Leeds and Widnes all quite convincingly with lots of points posted! The pundits had made the Tigers very strong favourites during the week. 

 

It was a cagey opening as both sides tested each other out. Castleford opened the scoring when Luke Gales high kick was allowed to bounce by Greg Johnson, Gale followed up to score a simple try and slotted the conversation over 0-6. 

Salford's first real chance arrived but O Briens kick through is just to long for Junior Sau and went dead in goal. Both defences are on top not giving much away. 

After 29 minutes Robert Lui forced a drop out with a neat grubber kick. Mark Flanagan grafting as usual finds Lui with a great pass, Lui feeds Ben Murdoch Masila who hits a superb line to crash over in the corner. O Brien misses the kick 4-6.

 

With the clock counting down to half time Salford are penalised for not playing the ball correctly. The Tigers piled on the pressure but Salford's goal line defence is excellent. 

Greg Johnson does well to palm the ball dead from a dangerous kick. Cas attack from the drop out with Micheal Shenton putting Greg Eden in but referee Phil Bentham blows for a forward pass. Half time 4-6.

The first points of the second half come fairly early as Junior Sau loses the ball in centre field. Greg Minikin takes Salford's defenders over the line with him to score a strange try! Michael Dobson seemed to drag the cas man over the line. Gales kick from the touch line is good to nudge the Tigers further ahead at 4-12. 

Surely another try for the Tigers would clinch the match but next came a real turning point. Robert Lui puts a huge kick up causing panic at the back for cas. Zak hardacker throws a leg at it, it bounces kindly and Salford regather. The Red Devil's pile the pressure on as there roared on by the home support. Murdoch Masila takes the ball forward, looks like there is nothing on but he powers through towards the line. There is a cheer from the crowd as he gets the ball down, referee Bentham awards the try and the stadium erupts! O Brien kicks the goal 10-12. 

 

Salford have got Castleford on the ropes and force the Tigers to knock on with some tenacious defence! Adam Walne, Lee Mossop and Masila were outstanding! Olsi krasniqi and George Griffin also put big shifts in! Olsi landing on his front with quick play the balls for Kris Brining and Logan Tomkins to inflict some damage. 

With 15 minutes remain the match was on a knife edge. Substitute Todd Carney prowled the touch line waiting for his chance. Bentham awards Salford a penalty bang in front of the sticks! The screams of take the two reverb round the stadium! O Brien does just that and the scores are level at 12-12! 

The clock counts down as both sides start to think about a drop goal. The desire in defence from Salford is relentless and cas make the mistake! This was the time for Salford to strike! Three minutes remain Gareth O Brien gets in range and calmly slots the drop goal. Salford lead 13-12! 

Inevitably cas try a short kick off but the Red Devil's are wise to it and play their set out. The Tigers get one more shot and come charging forward! Salford pressure Gale and Paul McShane the likely drop goal merchants! The relief round the stadium is deafening as Micheal Dobson pounces on the loose ball and he hoofs the ball in to touch as the full time hooter sounds! Coming back from 4-12 down against Super Leagues form team shows how far this team has progressed! The team spirit and desire is there for all to see! 

 

In a week where Ian Watsons new contract had been mentioned the team did him proud today! Ian was delighted after the game praising the defence and the way Luke Gale was dealt with. Salford will now look to build on today when they visit Widnes vikings next Friday! Final score Salford 13 Castleford 12!

Paul Whiteside

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

Check out this weeks Devil in the Details for all your latest Salford Red Devils chat and news, this week we have update from the latest fans forum with CEO Ian Blease,, Phil Cooper and Ex Salford player Paul Highton talk about the new magic weekend shirt and State of mind project designed to help ex players and people in the local community and Ian Watson is in Coaches corner to talk us through the defeat against Wakefield.

Salford Red Devils v Castleford Tigers Big match preview

Salford Red Devil's take on Castleford Tigers on Sunday which promises to be a thrilling encounter. Check out our big match preview below where the game will be won and lost this weekend. 

Battle 1 the generals

Michal Dobson V Luke Gale

This will no doubt be the key battle and both players are the main ball players for the sides. Both similar in there game styles which number 7 will come out on top. Dobson's kicking game will be vital to the Devils and Gale's general attacking play will be key for the Tigers. For me this battle will be the one to watch.

 

Battle 2 BMM V MMK

Big Ben will no doubt want to put last week dying second in the game behind him and hopefully he can put that right on Sunday. He had a really strong game on his return to the side last week and we will need him to be at his best against a very strong tigers pack 

McMeeken has been an outstanding player for the tigers since his signature from the London Broncos. His performances has seen him called into the England RL set up so he will be one player we need to target if we are to get the 2 points at the AJ Bell.

 

Battle 2 The 2nd Men

Obrien v Hardaker 

Both players like to be the 2nd ball players in attack and like to loop round their side to create some magic out wide. Obrien will need to have his kicking boots on to make sure we get all the points we can and no doubt the two fullbacks will encounter each other in attack

 

Stats 

 

 

Form guide

 

Ex players

 

Justin Carney and Weller Hauraki are ex Castleford crowd favourites and will be looking to push Salford to victory on Sunday. Ex Red Rangi Chase may have other ideas if selected by Castleford he could be the match winner for them.

Squads

 

 

Your listening to this weeks Devil in the Details for all your big match build up. This week we have update from the latest fans forum with CEO Ian Blease,, Phil Cooper and Ex Salford player Paul Highton talk about the new magic weekend shirt and State of mind project designed to help ex players and people in the local community and Ian Watson is in Coaches corner to talk us through the defeat against Wakefield.

So Tune in and enjoy our preview of the Castleford game on Sunday.