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Thursday, 20 April 2017

Salford v TORONTO Match Report

 

Salford have their name in the hat for the next round of the Challenge Cup after a tough battle against Toronto Wolfpack.
Paul Whiteside takes you through the action.

The long road to Wembley began at the AJ Bell Stadium as Salford entertained Toronto wolf pack! New signing Ryan Brierley was in the starting line for the visitors in a squad that boasts lots of Super League experience. 
To most Salford supporters the Challenge Cup is rugby leagues holy grail. Salford were boosted by the return of hooker Kris Brining who made the bench. Robert Lui and Micheal Dobson were back together as half back partners.
Both sides eased themselves into the game. The wolf pack have early pressure with three back to back sets but the Red Devil's defence holds firm.

The first points come for Salford as Dobson's pin point kick finds Kris Welham who leaps up superbly to take the ball over the line. Dobson adds the goal 6-0.
The wolf pack strike back instantly when Kris Welham comes up with an error Liam Kay scores in the corner Craig hall converting 6-6.
 It's soon back to back tries as Greg worthington breaks and Quentin Laula Togagae is under the posts Hall adds the goal to put the visitors ahead 6-12.
 

Salford start to press and when Toronto come up with the error the Red Devil's take advantage on the free play with Greg Johnson swooping over the line! Dobson's conversion is good and the scores are locked at 12-12.

Gareth O Brien was clattered very late but no penalty is given. The match is starting to simmer as Toronto substitute Ryan bailey enters the fray. 
Ryan Brierley breaks through to put the wolf pack back in front. As the away side celebrate Justin Carney is shown the red card!!! The crowd are left staggered it can only be for back chatting. Hall fails to convert 12-16.

Rob Lui this time is caught late after a kick, Salford attack 10 yards out from the penalty. The ball is given some air from Kris Brining and good quick hands sees Johnson in for his second try. Dobson's kick off the touch line is superb and the 12 men hit the front 18-16. 
It's looks like a try is on for the wolf pack as the hooter sounds but Josh Jones comes up with a fantastic cover tackle. 18-16 half time. 
 
Salford get the perfect start to the second half as Welhams fantastic off load falls to Dobson who darts in for a try. Gareth O Brien can't convert but Salford lead 22-16.
 
With 25 minutes remaining the game really is in the balance!
The wolf pack are put on a team warning after another high shot. Salford fail to take advantage and come up with the error. The tension really is mounting and Salford are desperate for that knockout try!

 Lama Tasi looks to have got the ball down but is denied. Salford keep plugging away and the wolf packs discipline lets them down again conceding poor penalties. Gareth O Brien gets the try to settle the home fans nerves and with the conversation Salford open up a 12 point advantage 28-16 with ten minutes remaining.
O Brien very wisely saw a opportunity and popped over a drop goal. 29-18.
 
Salford's second half defence has been outstanding and yet again they held their line. The game management from Dobson and Lui has been nothing short of magnificent. 
The odds looked stacked against Salford at half time but in a very physical match the win and a place in the next round is all that matters. As the hooter sounds Moi Moi goes in against a tired Salford defence Hall converts 29-22!

Ian Watson speaking after the match was delighted with the spirit and defence in the second half after a tough Easter period. Hopefully the draw will be kind to us on Tuesday night. 

Your listening to this weeks Devil in the Detail podcast all your Salford Red Devil's news and chat to enjoy.
This week we talk to Ian Watson and Kris Welham about all things Salford and look at the potential restructuring of the RFL and how Salford may fit in to it.

Pictures by Steve McCormick 


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