St. Helens arrived at The AJ Bell Stadium top of the Super League table and showed on the pitch tonight they certainly are the real deal.
Tommy Makinson scored the opening try of the night after a slick Saints move.
Salford’s Greg Johnson was then completely isolated and rooted to the ground trying to defend a high Danny Richardson kick. Johnson’s indecision allowing Dom Peyroux to touch down.
On the very next set the visitors cut Salford to pieces with there attacking options. Fantastic support play and perhaps a hint of obstruction as referee Chris Kendall asked for the video referee. The try was awarded to Ben Barba.
Niall Evalds came up with a mistake close to his own line as things went from bad to worse for Salford. Back to back sets was touch much for the Red Devil’s defence and with three defenders in close attention Ryan Morgan some how got the ball down.
Tyrone McCarthy powered over to get Salford on the score sheet. Jake shorrocks converting 6-22.
Salford’s night was then summed up. Josh Wood with an excellent piece of defence forced a drop out trapping Barba in goal.
Wood off load moments later went straight to Barba who raced the length of the field to crush any Salford hopes of a victory.
Saints substitute Matty Lees was shown the red card for a wreckless challenge on Niall Evalds. The Salford fullback didn’t return after unfortunately failing his concussion assessment.
The 12 men of Saints some how managed to create an over lap against Salford’s 13 players allowing Regan Grace to touch down.
Trailing 6-32 at the break Salford couldn’t stem the tide. Grace grabbed his second try before Chris Percival went over. Man of the moment Barba went in for his hat trick try off a clever kick through 6-48.
Former Salford star Theo Fages brought the 50 points up before Ryan Morgan grabbed a brace.
Kris Welham scored a try for Salford with almost the final play of the match.
A very disappointing performance after so much hard work the previous week. Things don’t get any easier for Ian Watson’s men with an away trip to Wigan next Friday. St. Helens were just to good tonight in every department.
Salford 10 St. Helens 60
Paul Whiteside.
Pictures by Steve McCormick
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