King Lui’s 6 of best slay the Dragons of France

It was a high noon kick off at the AJ Bell Stadium but the early start didn’t faze Salford who were quick out of the blocks against Catalan. 

The Red Devil’s threatened early on as The Frenchmen were immediately put on the back foot.

Jake Bibby got the games opening try finishing superbly in the corner as he acrobatically avoided the corner flag to touch down. Robert Lui kicked off the touchline 6-0. 

Moments later live wire Lui spilt the Dragon’s defence to gallop away. Niall Evalds was there in support to extend the lead with the try. Lui again added the conversion.

In what was quite a bad tempered first half with an ever increasing penalty count Weller Hauraki was sent to the sin bin just after the half way mark. The tough tackling and big hits continued though as the whole ground shuddered when Lama Tasi crunched Catalan forward Sam Moa with a real bone rattler. 

Catalan responded with a try while the Red Devil’s were down to 12 men. Tony Gigot with excellent vision to pin point a kick into the in goal area for wing man Fouad Yaha. Gigot dragged the conversion wide 12-4.

Josh Wood and Robert Lui were working well at half back and Salford went in at half time 8 points to the good.

Towards the end of the first half Salford looked like they were going to be drawn in to a real dog fight with the Dragons as the game looked close to boiling point. Whatever Ian Watson said to his players at the half time break payed of though as they stepped up a gear. Ben Nakubuwai went on a thrilling break Josh Wood was in backing up in support to find Greg Johnson who had an easy finish. Lui again converted to put Salford in control 18-4.

With an hour on the clock Salford received a penalty well within kicking range but decided to chance there arm and take a tap. Yaha intercepted and went almost the length of the field. Gigot converted 18-10.

With just 13 minutes remaining Lui this time calming added a penalty goal to nudge Salford further ahead at 20-10 before moments later came the try of the match. Lui with a sublime pass to Evalds who raced away. Mark Flanagan and Josh Wood linked up in support before Josh Jones received the final pass to crash over. The crowd were on there feet and delighted. Lui again added the goal 26-10.

The ever willing Kris Welham then scored what seemed an impossible try. Evalds offloading to Welham who had no where to go. He some how created just enough space with fantastic footwork and trickery to fool a tiering Dragon’s defence to score in the corner. A few weeks ago star man Lui said practice makes perfect when it comes to goal kicking. His hard work certainly paid off as he thumped over the conversion from the touch line to make it 6/6 with the boot. 

Greg Bird powered over in the closing seconds for Catalan but the day belonged to Salford. Ian Watson was very calm speaking after the game and knows how important rest and recovery is before Monday’s trip to Leeds. Ian was particularly impressed with young Josh Wood. "He gives us real good options at 7 or 9 and is a brilliant defender".

Salford 32 Catalan 16

Paul Whiteside with the Report

Pictures by Steve McCormick

Leeds V Salford Match Report

Salford’s Headingly hoodoo continued on a miserable day in West Yorkshire. Ian Watson made quite a few changes from Friday’s team with Lee Mossop, Mark Flanagan and Craig Kopzack missing. Daniel Murray and Ryan Lannon got there first appearances of the season as George Griffin also came back in to the side. Jack Littlejohn was again on the bench. 

It was quite a damp, soggy afternoon when the game got under way with Leeds adapting to the conditions a little better. Salford came up with early handling errors which allowed the Rhinos to get a foot hold in the match. Tom Briscoe with a neat finish to squeeze in the corner for the opening score on 7 minutes.

Ash Handley doubled the hosts lead after Joel Moon’s high kick was taken by Salford’s Niall Evalds who tried to escape from being trapped in goal but lost the ball to gift Leeds a try. This time kallum Watkins converted 10-0.

Salford’s best chance of the first half came after some neat work from Littlejohn created an opening for Jake Bibby. An excellent cover tackle bundled the wingman in touch.

Niall Evalds picked up a nasty head injury and left the field and didn’t return. Robert Lui switched to fullback to cover with Josh Wood and Littlejohn partnering up in the halves.

Watkins added a penalty goal to edge Leeds 12-0 up at the break.

Both sides defended really well for long periods, particularly The Rhinos in the second half when Salford laid siege to there line with plenty of consecutive sets but The Red Devil’s just couldn’t find a way through much to the frustrations of the travelling away supporters. Junior Sau came very close and George Griffin spilled a bullet Littlejohn pass. Logan Tomkins was also held up just short of the line. 

Josh Walters broke a tired Salford defence two minutes from time with Watkins converting. 

Another disappointing attacking display from Salford, Ian Watson was pleased with the effort of his side despite the poor attacking options. The Niall Evalds injury was certainly a big concern and he looks certain to miss Saturday’s match with Warrington.

Final score Leeds 20 Salford 0.

Report by Paul Whiteside.

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

HULL FC Preview

Hull FC v Salford Red Devil’s.

Salford’s away record on the west side of Hull is a poor one to put it mildly.

With just one league win in the Super League era, but wow it certainly was an emphatic one last season! Hull were promoted to The Super League at the end of the 1997 season after the league title success in the first division. 

Meetings between the two sides from 1998 to 2002 were played at the old Boulevard ground. Our first visit to the new stadium came in May 2004. A day for Salford’s loyal band of supporters to forget after being drubbed 82-6.

Despite our dismal league record we’ve come up with two excellent challenge cup wins at Hull. 18-22 in 2009 and who could forget our golden point extra time win there in 2014, 36-37. Rangi Chase clinching the match with a one pointer. 

Hull have enjoyed success in the challenge cup in recent years lifting the famous trophy in the last two seasons at Wembley 2016,2017.

There head coach Lee Radford has a strong squad with former Salford half back Marc Sneyd pulling the strings. They currently sit fourth in the Super League table with 9 wins from 14 matches.

Super League away record.

Hull 19

Draws 0

Salford 1

1998 Hull 32 Salford 0

1999 Hull 18 Salford 12

2000 Hull 26 Salford 22

2001 Hull 40 Salford 8

2002 Hull 28 Salford 8

2002 Hull 60 Salford 16

2004 Hull 82 Salford 6

2005 Hull 20 Salford 6

2006 Hull 11 Salford 10

2007 Hull 48 Salford 26

2009 Hull 14 Salford 12

2010 Hull 34 Salford 12

2011 Hull 52 Salford 16

2012 Hull 34 Salford 26

2013 Hull 18 Salford 13

2014 Hull 30 Salford 8

2015 Hull 24 Salford 20

2016 Hull 42 Salford 20

2017 Hull 18 Salford 54

2017 Hull 32 Salford 18 (super eights).

They played for both.

Paul Fletcher, Richie Barnett, Brian Blacker, Jodie Broughton, Craig Coleman, Josh Griffin, Brad Hepi, Mark Johnson, Daniel Holdsworth, Alan Hunte, Stuart Howarth, Warren Jowitt, Tommy Lee, Ryan Mcgoldrick, Craig Murdock, Iafeta Paleaaesina, Tommy Saxton, Scott Taylor, Jordan Turner, Martin Gleeson and Marc Sneyd.

A match to remember  Friday 7th April 2017

Hull FC 18 Salford Red Devil’s 54.

Well I didn’t have much choice when picking a match to remember but this certainly was one of those nights that Salford supporters cherish. A night that eases all the pain and misery of the heavy defeats and disappointing days.

Salford went in to this game brimming with confidence. Hull were by know means a poor side, they were at home with some word class players on there books and also the Challenge cup holders. Salford had beaten St Helens the previous week and before that had crushed Widnes on there own ground as well as toppling league leaders Castleford at the AJ Bell Stadium. 

It was a rip roaring first half the blew the home side away leaving Salford’s travelling away supporters flabbergasted. The ruthless Red Devil’s looked like scoring on every attack with there free flowing brand of attacking rugby. Ben Murdoch Masila was the man of the moment and totally unplayable that night. Salford lead 8-34 at half time. 

A couple of quick hull tries after the break didn’t really upset Salford’s rhythm as the posted another 20 points in an exquisite display. The tries coming from Greg Johnson 2, Craig Kopzack 2, Justin Carney, Michael Dobson, George Griffin, Robert Lui, Ben Murdoch Masila and Junior Sau.

Gareth O Brien four goals and Dobson kicked three.

The teams that night were ;

Hull FC: Shaul; Michaels, Fonua, Griffin, Talanoa; Connor, Sneyd; Bowden, Washbrook, Watts, Manu, Minichiello, Thompson.

Replacements: Green, Turgut, Fash, Litten.

Sin-Bin: Sneyd (35), Shaul (67).

Salford Red Devils: O'Brien; Carney, Sa'u, Welham, Johnson; Lui, Dobson; Mossop, Tomkins, Tasi, Murdoch-Masila, Jones, Flanagan.

Replacements: Kopczak, Griffin, Walne, Carney.

Sin-Bin: Carney (59).

Fridays match.

Salford certainly are doing things tough at the moment with five defeats on the bounce. Hull have faced problems of there own in recent weeks especially on the injury front which prompted former star centre Kirk Yeaman out of retirement to play again.

 After slipping in to the bottom four every match is now vital for Salford and this one is no different. Ian Watson will be hoping the two week break from first team action will have a positive effect on his side. As we’ve seen in the past Hull can be an unforgiving place to visit. Talisman Marc Sneyd has been missing in recent weeks but this season Jake Connor has certainly been a man to watch. Add to that the pace and attacking prowess of full back Jamie Shaul, graft and hard work of hooker Danny Houghton plus a very big mobile pack, Salford will need to be at there very best to get a result. 

The big question for a Red Devil’s coach Ian Watson is who will his half backs be. Everyone seems to have an opinion on this but we will have to wait and see.

Enjoy the game everyone and safe travels, Paul Whiteside.

Widnes 24 Salford 16 match report

Widnes 24 Salford 16.

Ian Watson described it as a weird feeling at the final hooter. He was obviously disappointed with the score line but in a game Salford dominated for long periods they still managed to self destruct in the second half.

Derrell Olpherts made his debut and it was a good start for the Red Devil’s who were on the front foot in the opening exchanges asking all the questions.

Wing man Olpherts finished off a slick Salford move to squeeze in at the corner. Referee Ben Thaler checked with the video referee after calling a try as his on field decision. After a good few minutes the try was turned down.

Moments later though Robert Lui’s high kick was allowed to bounce, Josh Jones is alert and kept a cool head to send Craig Kopzack in for the opening try. Lui adds the goal 0-6.

Widnes were then denied a try from the video referee before scoring on the very next play. Chris Dean slicing through a gap in Salford’s defence. With the conversion the scores were level.

Robert Lui added two penalty goals in the closing stages of the first half to edge Salford in front 6-10 at half time.

Widnes seemed to up the tempo at the start of the second half. Lama Tasi was sin binned after just four minutes for a high tackle. The Vikings made the extra man count and it was good hands from half back Joe Mellor that put Christian Inu over. Inu added the conversion off the touch line to put the hosts in front 12-10.

Weller Hauraki grabbed a try to restore the lead for Salford, the video referee this time giving the Red Devil’s the nod. 

With just over 15 minutes to go the match hung in the balance with the Vikings trailing 12-14. Lui added another penalty after a widnes drop out failed to go ten meters 12-16.

The last ten minutes the game turned around completely. Back to back penalties got the Vikings on the front foot before Greg Burke crashed over from close range to level the scores. Inu had a simple conversion 18-16.

In the final few minutes Niall Evalds who had been a star performer all night for Salford couldn’t prevent the busy Aaron Heremaia scoring the game clinching try. It was a really tough on young Niall who had took every high ball as safe as houses and looked really sharp.

Ian Watson felt there were some harsh penalties that went against his side in what was a frustrating night for Salford. Widnes with a near faultless second half completion rate just did enough to take the points.

Catalan Dragons visit The AJ Bell Stadium on Good Friday with a 12pm kick off.

Paul Whiteside.

Pictures by Steve McCormick 📸

Salford Red Devils v Hull FC Match report

Salford Turn on the Style to send Hull packing.

After back to back away defeats Salford answered there critics with a thoroughly professional performance against Hull FC. The first points of the match came from a Robert Lui penalty goal.

Dean Hadley edged Hull in front touching down on the end of a slick grubber. Mark Sneyd added the conversion and his penalty goal extended the visitors lead to 2-8.

Five minutes from half time the game was flipped on its head, young Salford forward Ben Nakubuwai showed great strength and determination to score his first try for the Red Devil's. This seemed to be the catalyst the hosts needed, on the next set of six they went the full length with some bruising forward runs. The drop out was forced after tenacious  Salford defence. A penalty followed which Lui converted 10-8 half time.

The home supporters became increasingly frustrated by referee Scott Mikalauskas in the early stages of the second half. On the very first playing a swirling high kick caused ructions for Hull full back Jamie Shaul. The drop out wasn't forthcoming though and hull were off the hook with a penalty. Shaul then appeared to fumble another dangerous kick not once but twice. To the amazement of the home supporters the ball was signalled to have gone backwards.

The Red Devil's were made of stern stuff tonight, a blockbusting break from wingman Greg Johnson put Junior Sau away. Jack Littlejohn was there in support brushing off the desperate defence to race over for his first try for the club.

It was a tense last ten minutes and when Hull were forced into a mistake Salford could smell blood and they went hunting. Leading 14-8 the drop goal was a good option but confidence was flowing and Robert Lui backed himself to charge over through a slight chink in the defence. On the very next set Sau showed just what he can produce putting Johnson over in the corner to make the game safe. Lui from the touch line agonisingly hit the post with his conversion but had a solid night with the boot.

Speaking after the game Hull coach Lee Radford praised Salford's defence and resilience as he looked back on his sides mixed start to the season. Salford boss Ian Watson was delighted with the response he got from his players after difficult week losing Gareth O Brien. Niall Evalds was outstanding at fullback, Kris Welham proved a real thorn in Hull's side all night but it was Salford's pack that lay the foundations for Lui and Littlejohn to master a much needed victory.

Salford 24 Hull 8

Paul Whiteside.

Salford Red Devils v Hull Fc Big Match Preview

Salford Red Devils take on Hull Fc on Friday night at the AJ Bell stadium, its a big game for both sides Richard lowe looks at how the battle will be won and lost on Friday

Salford Red Devils vs Hull FC

Super League – Friday 16th March – AJ Bell Stadium – KO 8:00PM

 

After back to back away losses against Saints and Castleford, Salford will be looking forward to the sanctity of a home match and hopefully a return to winning ways against Hull FC.

With rumours circulating of Gareth O’Brien’s departure confirmed this week – his move to Toronto subject to RFL approval – The Red Devils can now ensure the game against the Black and Whites is the only thing on their mind.

The fans will be hoping the home team come out of the blocks much quicker than last week against the Tigers. A first half performance culminating in a 20-0 score line at half time will surely mean another 2 points going to the opposition. So Ian Watson will surely be keen to instil this into his players ahead of Friday’s contest.

Both teams have now named their 19 men squads, there will be some critical match ups in key areas of the field, so let’s run down where the match could be won and lost.

 Props:  Lama Tasi v Josh Bowden

None of the forward line have let the side down at all so far this season, with the Red Devils having one of the strongest packs in Super League. Lama Tasi has epitomised the effort the team has put in and his straight line running and hard hits could be key to winning the big forward battle. 

Josh Bowden is one of a number of local players in the Hull first team. Highlighted as one of the key players in Hull’s Challenge cup win, he’s difficult to stop near the line and is a solid defender too. The Red Devils players will need to ensure he is kept quiet.

 Hooker: Josh Wood v Danny Washbrook

Josh Wood is once again in contention for the starting hooker places after impressive performances in all his games so far this season. The youngster has not looked out of place in Super League and has set a high level for himself to achieve week in week out. If Lee Radford has done his homework, he will tell the Hull FC forwards not to run directly at him, as, despite his size, his tackles have dumped many a large prop on their backsides.

With the injury to Hull’s Mr Consistent hooker Danny Houghton, Danny Washbrook has had to step up. This is a huge area in and around the ruck and FC will obviously miss Houghton’s drive forward and ability to spot a gap in the opposition’s defence. Washbrook will have to be on top form to ensure Hull don’t miss their regular hooker too much.

 Halves: Jack Littlejohn v Jake Connor

There’s been a certain inconsistency in Salford’s halves in recent games. With Rob Lui and Jack Littlejohn there’s plenty of potential for a successful partnership, but these things take time. Jack will be keen to impose himself on this game and ensure he proves he deserves the position of starting scrum half. His kicking game and game management will be under close scrutiny and Hull FC will be eager to put him under pressure throughout the game.

Jake Connor has started in the halves under Lee Radford on a number of occasions this season and has rewarded his coach with a number of eye catching performances. With FC missing the mercurial Albert Kelly, the Red Devils could be forgiven for thinking there’s a weakness in the opposition. However, it’s imperative that Salford are able to get up to him as early as possible to force the 23-year-old to make quick decisions and look to unsettle him from the off.

 Full back: Niall Evalds v Jamie Shaul

With the departure of Gareth O’Brien, it’s expected that Evalds will take the starting berth at full back. It’s no secret that this is his preferred position as opposed to being out on the wing. (which he also looks extremely accomplished at) He will therefore be very keen to put in an accomplished performance to show that he can fill the boots of one of the fans favourites.

Jamie Shaul - another one of Hull’s academy products - has been their established full back for a number of seasons. He was top try scorer in all competitions last season for the Black and Whites and it therefore goes without saying that Shaul is extremely dangerous with ball in hand.

 Let’s ensure our following is top class on Friday and there’s plenty of noise around to get the home team up for the match from the off. Let’s make the AJ Bell a fortress!

Come on Salford!!!!

Castleford 22 Salford 8 Match Report

Salford Red Devil’s were made to pay for a first half full of mistakes. A very poor completion rate also scuppered Ian Watson’s men on what was a heavy pitch at Wheldon Road. 

Last seasons Grand finalists Castleford shot into an early lead with tries from centre Michael Shenton and winger James Clare.

With Salford’s errors mounting The Tigers we’re constantly on the front foot. Oliver Holmes was sent to the sin bin for a dangerous looking spear tackle but Salford couldn’t make the most of there numerical advantage. Instead Castleford extended there lead when Luke Gale went over for the hosts third try. Salford’s best chance came from Juinor Sau, he gave everything charging to the try line only to be stopped by a wonderful tackle as he just agonisingly failed to ground the ball. 

20-0 down at half time Salford needed to respond. Hard working Sau grabbed The Red Devil’s first try in over one and a half matches with a powerhouse run to the line. With no Gareth O Brien in the side Robert Lui attempted the conversion but pulled it wide.

Logan Tomkins and Grant Millington went toe to toe in a scuffle that involved nearly every player on the pitch. Both were dispatched to the sin bin before Gale calmed the tension kicking the easy penalty. 22-4.

A much improved second half were the completion rate must of been in the 90% bracket will give the Red Devil’s some heart. Jake Bibby squeezed in the corner with virtually the last play of the match. Jack Littlejohn failed to convert.

Ian Watson was disappointed with the error strewn first half from his side but could take positives from the second half. 

Forwards Lee Mossop and Craig Kopzack missed today through injury but both will return on Friday when Hull visit the AJ Bell Stadium. As rumours begin to circulate regarding Gareth O Briens future Watson said the club will be making a statement shortly.

Final score Castleford Tigers 22 Salford Red Devil’s 8.

Report by Paul Whiteside.

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

St Helens 34 Salford 2 Match Report

St. Helens v Salford Red Devil’s.

After the weeks bad weather the pitch was in decent condition at kick off. A slightly milder temperature met the players as the action got under way. Salford started the game brightly forcing errors from Saints and stopping the hosts from getting in to any kind of rhythm with some real solid tackling. It was in the 18th minute when the first points were posted. Red Devil’s full back Gareth O Brien converted a penalty goal to edge his side in front 0-2.

Shortly after Alex Walmersley came off the bench for the home side and his strong running seemed to give Saints a lift. Louis McCarthy Scarsbrook was held up over the line after a fantastic last ditch tackle from Salford hooker Logan Tomkins. 

Ben Barba was at his best sending a neat kick in to the in goal area which Tommy Mackinson pounced on to score. The conversion was dragged wide to leave Saints leading 4-2 after 26 minutes. 

Salford’s goal line defence was really starting to be tested but Ian Watson’s men stood up to the task scrambling as best they could. Discipline was letting the Red Devil’s down with the penalty count already against them at 6-2 

Four minutes before the break another piece of Barba magic lit the match up as he scorched over to score. 

Trailing 8-2 at half time Salford had to come up with a score soon. Three minutes in to the second half came the turning point of the game. Kris Welham broke through but just didn’t have the pace to reach the try line in what was Salford’s best chance of the match. Moments later on the back of another penalty Barba’s neat skill and footwork gets him his second try. This seemed tough on hard working Salford. 

Another tough 50/50 call seemed to go against The Red Devil’s when O Brien is forced to drop out when I looked like it came off the Saints  player. O Briens drop out sailed out on the full to add to his frustrations. Danny Richardson opted to take the two from the resulting penalty to extend the lead to 16-2.

Salford hooker Josh Wood was everywhere in attack and defence as his performances seem to improve every week.

Discipline let Salford down again though on 56 minutes with Lama Tasi sin binned for back to back high tackles. Such was Salford’s grit in defence they kept working over time despite being down to 12 men. The spark in attack wasn’t there though and St. Helens try line was rarely threatened.

The final score line seemed a little harsh though. With just ten minutes remaining the score was still at 16-2 before three tries in the closing stages from McCarthy Scarsbrook, Johnny Lomax and Luke Thompson wrapped up a satisfying win for Justin Holbrook. 

For the loyal Salford supporters behind the sticks it was hard to swallow with not much to cheer all afternoon but they stuck right behind there side to the final hooter. 

Ian Watson wasn’t to despondent speaking after the match. He was pleased with his sides effort but disappointed with the discipline and some costly errors. 

It’s another away trip next Sunday to face Castleford at Wheldon Road.

Final score St. Helens 32 Salford 2.

Pictures by Steve McCormick 📸

Paul Whiteside.