Battling Salford end 2017 with defeat v St Helens

Battling Salford ended their 2017 season with a defeat against St Helens. Paul Whiteside takes you through the action.

Salford's final match of a roller coaster 2017 saw the visit of top four chasing St Helens. The visitors would move up to third with victory. The two sides had met twice already this season with saints breaking Salford hearts 25-24 with a late drop goal last time they met. The Red Devil's supporters had been assured yesterday that a name change was off the agenda, and come full time tonight they could begin thinking about next season. 

Salford made a good start to the game with a thrilling Manu Vatuvei break in the early stages. Niall Evalds opened the scoring with a superb try from a set scrum. Great ball movement and the star full back sliced through the saints defence. Gareth O Brien missed the goal 4-0. The Red Devil's started to make mistakes spilling a lot of possession allowing saints to build pressure. Mark Percival levelled the scores in the 18th minute with a well worked try catching kris Welham out in defence. 

Salford's discipline started to let them down conceding penalties but their defence was outstanding in the first half an hour of the game. Tyrone McCarthy worked tirelessly in both attack and defence. 6 minutes before half time Alex walmersley stormed over to put saints ahead. Percival added the goal 4-10.

 The match then caught fire just before the break when walmersley seemed to elbow Jordan Walne. Referee James Child put the incident on report much to the disgust of the Salford supporters. Seconds later Ryan Lannon was late on Theo Fages. After consulting the touch judges the red card was shown. Percival extended the lead to 4-12 with a penalty goal. 

The visitors were then strangely awarded another penalty when it looked like there player Tommy Makinson was the offender. Percival missed the kick at goal 4-12 half time.

Much to Ian Watson's sides credit they continued to match saints set for set. Gareth O Brien kicked a clever 40-20 but saints defence held firm. 

The score remained at 4-12 on the hour mark before Salford's heroic defence conceded to Zeb Taia from close range. Percival added the goal to take the game away from the hosts 4-18. Substitute Matty Smith came up with a neat short ball to send Walmersley over for his second try. Percival again converted 4-24. 

Salford were now looking tired playing with 12 men and also losing Jordan Walne after the walmersley incident. Jordan failed his head test so Salford were doing it tough with just two substitutes. 

Ben Barba completed the scoring with a try two minutes from time to give the score a lob sided look. Percival converted 4-30.

Ian Watson was proud of the efforts of his side tonight speaking after the match. The sending off and the incident just before had a huge bearing on the out come of the game. 

So that's it for another season, much improvement from Salford this season. A tough back end of the year where the squad and resources really got tested. Ian Watson's young side will learn from this and I am sure they will be well prepared for next season. 

Salford 4 St Helens 30.

Paul Whiteside, Devil in the Detail

salford v st Helens big match preview

Salford take on St Helens today in their final game of 2017 season. Paul Parkin looks at where the game will be won or lost tonight.

So here we are, we’ve reached the end of the line for 2017 and what a strange year it has been. For me I don’t know if I should be celebrating some fantastic achievements or reflecting on what could have been. 

I suppose if you asked me back in February where I thought we’d finish or what we should be looking to achieve then I’d have thought anywhere in the top 8 and avoiding the middle 8’s and of course the MPG, so in that way I should be happy throw in a Challenge Cup semi-final and I should be popping open a bottle of Bollinger and sitting back with a huge smug smile on my face. However, then there’s the “what could’ve been” we’ve fallen off shockingly over the final couple of months had we been able to continue with the form that got us so many good results and reports then maybe we’d have made the cup final and finished off with semi-finals shot in the Super League.

 But as I say if you’d have told me how this season has panned out I would have asked you to consult your GP, we’ve achieved more than I thought we could and to that end we should be happy overall.

Anyway, back to Thursday, whilst this game means little more than farewell for this season to us for Saints it’s a must win, with our game being first up this weekend they can’t wait and rely on other results to see where they’ll finish could be 3rd, 4th or 5th and they’ll be very keen to avoid the latter of them. However, let’s hope that our boys play their hearts out for one last time this season and g9ive us one last memories of this season to take with us into and through the winter. Tough ask against a team playing as well as Saints have been of late but I’ve a feeling this may be closer than something.

Cheers for reading the previews throughout the season and many of many rambles its much appreciated and I look forward to doing it all again in 2018. UP THE REDS!

Battle 1: Rob Lui v Ben Barba

OK these two probably won’t be going head to head position wise but they could provide the entertainment. Both are gifted players with plenty of skill, fantastic step and an eye for any defensive lapses. 

Lui has been a stand out player for us this season and maybe the one blot on his copy book may just be that blast second kick at Saints earlier this season and I’m sure he’ll be keen to make amends.

 As for Barba he’s a real star of the game, despite his “misdemeanour” but 101 tries in 170 games. 99 of them at the very top level in the NRL, still only 28 he’s got plenty in front of him, he’s a proper threat.

Battle 2: Gareth O’Brien v Theo Fages

With there being an opening in the half backs up for grabs Gaz has a massive opportunity to impress coach Watson into giving him the role permanently for next season, he’ll have his work cut out though against a well organised Saints defence, it’s not a position he’s not familiar with as he career before joining Salford was in that role, he like the man he’s up against will be facing former colleagues which is always a mouth-watering challenge. 

The man up against him is former Saford favourite Theo Fages, a canny young player who we watched develop in the Red shirt has continued to grow his reputation at Saints, a smart player with a point to prove.

Battle 3: Josh Jones v Morgan Knowles

Another player up against his former paymasters is our own wrecking ball Josh Jones, strong as an ox with a fantastic offload is always a danger to opponents and often gets us rolling forward he’s up against the Cumbrian second rower Morgan Knowles both players are of similar build and both have matching skillsets, Knowles is a versatile forward with a bright future and will be keen to prove to the Saints faithful that he is more than a capable replacement for Jones.

Ex players

Paul Groves, a superb hooker who had an outstanding career for Salford and St Helens.  He made his Salford debut at Keighley in April 1983 and went os to represent the cluv on 102 occasions scoring 15 tries. St Helens came in to buy im for £40k in October 1987. He played over 160 times for the Saints. Paul also represented Great Britain in 1987.

Paul Southern a great prop forward for salford who also played for saints. A local lad who always gave 100% on the field and a good goal kicker too.

A Irish international too who played for his country 8 times

Chris Morley is another Salford lad who played for both clubs, he played 78 times for saints scoring 8 tries.

A powerful forward he represented Wales 13 times scoring 2 tries

He played 1 season at Salford Red Devil's in 1999.

Leeds v Salford match report

Salford were beaten by Leeds Rhinos in the super 8s, Paul Whiteside looks back at the game.

Salford's penultimate game of the super eights was a trip to Headingley . Our record there is one of the worst in rugby league with our last three wins there coming in 1959, 5th February 1977 and Easter Monday 2009. 

Many Salford hearts have been broken there over the years in countless cup competitions and league encounters. After a confidence boosting demolition of Huddersfield Giants last Saturday the Red Devil's were looking to finish on a high. Leeds come in to the game after last weeks defeat at Castleford, but with 2 wins in the last three games they sit safely in second place and can't finish any lower. As ever the Salford faithful arrived in hope.

The Red Devil's bagged the first points from Gareth O Brien as he slotted over a penalty goal. 0-2.

Salford had quite a lot of possession in the early stages but couldn't break down a resilient Leeds defence. The Rhinos then struck with back to back tries from Liam Sutciffe and Danny McGuire to establish a 12-2 lead.

 Just after the half hour mark Salford's best move of the match saw Jake Bibby over in the corner but the try was ruled out for a forward pass. Moments later Tom Briscoe raced round Junior Sau to touch down. Kallum Watkins failed to convert this time 16-2 half time.

For the first ten minutes of the second half Salford again had the majority of possession and territory. Yet again though failed to post any points and when the Rhinos got their chance they took it. A simple run around move that the classy Matt Parcell finished off. Watkins goal was good 22-2.

The game was over just before the hour mark with two quick fire tries Adam Cuthbertson and Parcell going over 32-2.

Anthony Mullally and Brett Ferris scored back to back tries to round of a good night for the hosts and compile Salford's headingly misery. 

Speaking to Ian Watson after the match he was disappointed with the result and knows his small squad are quite busted at this stage of the season. Recruitment is going to play a major part in the close season. 

Ian was pleased with Niall Evalds performance. The young full back was solid all night under the high ball and was Salford's biggest threat going forward. The Red Devil's will look to finish the season on a high next Thursday at home to top four outsiders St. Helens. 

Leeds 44 Salford 2.

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

Salford Red Devils Huddesfield Match report

Salford are back to winning ways after a big win against Huddersfield Giants. Paul Whiteside with all the details.

With three games remaining in the super eights a resurgent Huddersfield Giants were the visitors to the AJ Bell stadium. Salford had won both of the regular season encounters. The Red Devil's form was poor with eight defeats on the spin, desperate to bounce back from last weeks home hammering to Wakefield. More player movement was announced in the week with Olsi Krasniqi leaving at the end of the season. The two sides had met on seven previous occasions at the AJ bell stadium, Salford with three wins and the Giants with four. 

The Red Devil's opened the scoring three minutes in with Gareth O Brien kicking a penalty goal. Moments later on the back of a Giants mistake Kris Welham scored a try O Brien adding the goal 8-0.

Huddersfield winger Gene Ormsby came close but super defence kept the line intact! 

Tyrone McCarthy grabbed a try from close range to extend the lead. Gaz O Brien added the goal 14-0 after 15 minutes. Niall Evalds looked odds on to score after a thrilling break. He was hauled down short by a brilliant cover tackle from Giants full back Jordan Rankin. 

Salford were bossing the game, Rob Lui and Gaz O Brien seemed to be clicking at half back. Manu Vatuvei scored in the corner after super ball movement from the Red Devil's before Kris Welham grabbed his second try on the half hour mark. O Brien goaled the latter 24-0. 

On the next set of six it was back to back tries, Ben Murdoch Masila combined with Robert Lui to send Niall Evalds racing to the line. The Giants didn't know what had hit them. Gaz O Brien added the goal 30-0!

Jermaine McGillvary scored in the corner right on half time for the visitors, Danny Brough hit the post with the conversation 30-4 half time!

Salford started the second half just as ruthless as the first, Manu Vatuvei crashing over in the corner. O Brien kicked superbly off the touch line 36-4. The ball movement from the Red Devil's was awesome at times, the confidence was starting to flow much to the delight of the home supporters. 

Robert Lui put up a teasing high kick the Giants came up with the error. Again Salford strung the passes together before Jake Bibby scored a well deserved try. Gaz O Brien missed the kick 40-4.

Oliver Roberts scored for the Giants after some sloppy play, Brough added the goal 40-10. Gareth O Brien kicked a penalty goal on the hour to nudge Salford six scores clear at 42-10.

The Giants were completing at a low rate and another mistake deep in there own half handed Salford the opportunity. Lui broke through and Murdoch Masila rampaged over the line! O Brien failing to convert 46-10.

Jake Bibby then saved a certain try with an excellent cover tackle. The youngster was superb all afternoon going forward and solid in defence. Josh Jones  burrowed over to bring the 50 points up. O Brien converted 52-10. The final points went the Giants way when hooker Ryan Hincliffe sliced through to dart over. Brough missed the goal. 

Ian Watson was very pleased with how the changes to the team had paid off. Saluting his young players and the new half back combination. It's a win that's put smiles back on the players faces. Salford now face a tough trip to Leeds next Friday with only two wins there in the last 40 years. They can take confidence from today's effort and look to finish the season strongly. 

Final score Salford 52 Huddersfield 14.

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

Salford Red Devils v Huddersfield Giants Big Match Preview

Salford Red Devil's take on Huddersfield Giants at the AJ Bell Stadium Paul Parkin looks forward to the game

So, we move onto the basement battle, well maybe not but you get my drift. Although mathematically possible for both sides to make the semi’s I think I’m safe to say that neither of us will be vying for a trip to Old Trafford. 

The Reds are desperate for a win to try to regain some pride after what has been poor run of results) to say the very least) 8 losses in a row in all competitions with our last win coincidentally against the Giants back at the start of July, with injury problems and a loss of certain players form it’s been a real struggle for Watto’s men. 

As for the Giants, they’ve had an inconsistent spell of results winning 4 and losing 4 of their last 8 matches. A team packed with big powerful players the Giants are always tough opponents and with the players we have missing especially in the pack this one is going to be another tough assignment for Salford.

Rob Lui v Danny Brough

With the absence of General Dobson and Todd Carnrney Salford’s attacking plans land squarely at the feet (and hands) of Robert Lui the little aussie will be a busy boy when the reds have the ball and will be key to us opening the Giants defensive line. He will have to be bang on form as I’m sure Giants coach Rick Stone (sounds like an American wrestler!!) will have told his troops to be aware of Lui’s talents. As anyone who knows anything about Super League knows that the key to stopping the Giants is to halt playmaker Brough, his kicking game alone can be enough to turn a game in Fartown’s favour, a handful at all times with the ball in his hands and I’m sure he’ll be the man to watch on Saturday.

Battle 2: Kris Welham v Jordan Turner

Following his short spell out of the side a couple of weeks back Kris Welham will be determined not to be left out again for the rest of the season, he’s been a consistent performer this season surprising many with some good performances, however his for has dipped, along with many others, over the last month or so and I’m sure he’ll be keen to make amends. Jordan Turner returned to Super League earlier this season after his short spell in Australia. The former Red Devil will be keyed up to put in a massive show against his former employers, a powerful runner with a great offload, he’ll be a real threat to Salford.

Battle 3: Craig Kopczak v Sebastine Ikahihfo

Former Giant Koppy will be up for the battle this week, as ever to be fair, against the side that let him go to join Salford, always a consistent player and leader who leaves everything on the field. He’ll run his blood to water for the cause and as I say this one may mean even more to him. Up against, well probably our whole pack will be the imposing figure of Ikahihifo a man in real form and takes some stopping, he’ll give Huddersfield real go forward which they will hope to exploit all the gaps that may be left in his wake drawing in two, three or even four defenders to bring him down.

Head to Head results

Salford 18 Wakefield 43 Match Report

Salford Suffered another painful defeat last night against Wakefield. Read all about it here as Paul Whiteside takes you through the action.

After the break for the Challenge cup final Salford returned to super eight action desperate for a win at home to Wakefield Trinity. 

The sides had already met three times this season with trinity victorious in two league encounters, while Salford won convincingly in the cup quarter final. 

The Red Devil's on the back of a seven game losing run  were in last chance saloon knowing defeat would probably be the end of any top four ambitions. A win how ever would see them right back in the hunt. 

Visitors Wakefield also having a excellent season came in to the match in fourth position. There form of late has been patchy but a super home drubbing of Leeds just a few weeks ago shows the danger they can possess tonight. Salford and there supporters were rocked this week with the news that Michael Dobson has played his last game for the club. The star scrum half will return to Australia at the end of the season. Unfortunately he can't play again this year due to a thumb injury leaving coach Ian Watson with more injuries to deal with. 

The two sides have met on seven previous occasions at the AJ bell stadium, Salford with five wins and Wakefield with two.

The action got under way with Salford scoring the opening try from Craig kopzack after a powerful run. Todd Carney kicked the goal 6-0.

Wakefield hit back after a real mess in the in goal area perhaps a touch of fortune about this one as Jake Miller touched down. Liam Finn converted 6-6.

Another Salford mistake as Gareth O Brien and Manu Vatuvei hesitated under a high kick. Trinity regathering and floating the ball out wide for Joe Arundel to score. Finn converted 6-12. 

Manu Vatuvei came close to scoring in the corner before Greg Johnson scored on the opposite side from a set scrum soaring through a huge gap. Todd Carney kicked off the touch line 12-12.

Moments later Wakefield were back in front when two Salford players went for the same ball gifting the visitors possession. Miller grabbed his second try with Finn converting 12-18. Finn added two penalty goals in the last three minutes of the half both from very similar positions. 12-22 half time.

Manu Vatuvei came up with a big error at the start of the second half fumbling the ball dead. From the drop out the trinity attacked, received a penalty and Finn obliged by taking the two. 12-24. Another Vatuvei mistake deep in his own half cost Salford more points when Tyler Randall raced through from a set scrum. Finn again added the goal 12-30, trinity were in complete control. Bill Tupou then scored after another thrilling attack. Finn converted off the touch line 12-36.

Tyler Randall grabbed his second try on the 58th minute, Finn faultless with the boot made it 9/9! 12-42 with 20 minutes remaining, it certainly was a tough night for the Salford supporters. 

Tyrone McCarthy collected his own clever kick in the closing stages to score. Carney converted 18-42. The scoring was rounded off by the excellent trinity half back Jacob miller with a drop goal. 

Another very disappointing night for Salford. Ian Watson was far from happy after the game with his teams performance. Chris Chester head coach of Wakefield said his side dominated for 65 minutes of the match and that was probably a fair assessment on another night to forget for Salford. It's going to be a tough long week for the Red Devil's who take on Huddersfield Giants next Saturday.

Pictures by Steve McCormick