Salford produced a 5 star performance as the cities of Salford and Manchester came together to pay their respects to the people who lost their lives in Mondays Terrorist attacks in Manchester. Paul Whiteside looks back at this memorable win.
Salford returned to the AJ Bell stadium to face Catalan Dragons in almost 30 degrees temperatures! The sun was shining before kick off as an excited crowd gathered. The Dragons had parted company with there coach Laurent Frayssinous earlier in the week after defeat at The Magic Weekend. The Red Devil's were out for revenge after being humbled in Perpignan on Easter Monday.
The first action saw Remi Casty sin binned in the fourth minute for a late challenge on Garth O Brien.
Moments later O Brien sliced through to score the opening try. Michael Dobson added the goal 6-0 and a perfect start.
It got better for Salford when Lami Tasi calmly picked out Josh Jones with a super pass, Jones charged over with Dobson adding the conversation 12-0.
15 minutes on the clock and new signing James Hasson was sin binned for a high tackle. This didn't seem to disrupt Salford at all. Shortly after some fantastic ball movement and quick hands saw Kris Welham score a memorable try a real joy to watch. Dobson again added the goal 18-0 and Salford were clearly on top.
Half an hour on the clock and the pressure is ramped up on the Dragons by Jones who showed great desire in defence to force a drop out. From the next play the prolific Niall Evalds gets a try streaking through the jaded Dragons defenders. Dobson misses the kick but at 22-0 there's only one team in this.
Just before the break Salford score arguably the best try of the season. Greg Johnson made a half break but the support play is magnificent, the ball flys through different hands as the confidence of the Red Devil's is quite remarkable! Ryan Lannon gets the try to thrill the excited crowd who are on there feet. Dobson adds the goal to put Salford 28-0 up at half time.
Two minutes in to the second half and the game is over as a contest. Kris Brining showing terrific strength to score Dobson's goal makes it 34-0.
Vincent Duport gets The Dragons on the scoreboard after a 40/20 kick down field finally gives the visitors some relief 34-6.
Robert Lui who performed well all night collected a stray Catalan kick and races 80yards to score a super Salford try by showing great pace. Dobson kicked Salford to the 40 point mark and the fans were enjoying the entertainment.. The Red Devil's are rampant and look absolutely unplayable as Olsi Krasniqi scored from close range 46-6.
With 12 minutes to go the highlight of the second half and it's a sight to behold. Ben Murdoch Masila goes rampaging through on a breath taking break rounding defenders like a nimble half back. Eventually he's caught short but Mark Flanagan got over the try line a play later 50-6.
Greg Johnson then sums up this Salford side and the spirit and desire they have by tracking back to pull off a wonderful try saving tackle. The final try of the game goes to the Dragons with just two minutes remaining. It was a real special atmosphere tonight and Salford really made it a night to remember for the 5000 supporters who came to the game, Ian Watson was delighted after the match but now turns his focus to Warrington on Monday.
Salford Red Devil's gained many new friends tonight and made the whole of Salford and Greater Manchester very proud. Salford 50 Catalan 12
Pictures by Steve McCormick.
Your listening to this weeks podcast here all your salford Red Devil's chat and news looking back at the magic weekend win with Koppy and Watto. We are joined by Norman Robinson Salfords record breaking time keeper who takes about his time following Salford and all the latest news from the club.
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