Warrington 30 Salford 14 Match Report

A lovely warm summers evening welcomed the two sides to the pitch. Moments earlier the match ball had arrived via an aeroplane as the Army sky dived in thrilling the crowd at The Halliwell Jones Stadium. A great way to start Armed Forces weekend.

The Wolves came up with the opening try of the night when Tyrone Roberts threw an outrageous dummy. Sitaleki Akauola striding over to finish off the move. Bryson Goodwin added the goal 6-0.

Salford hit back in the twelfth minute with Jack Littlejohn reaching over superbly to score. Littlejohn continuing at fullback for the injured Niall Evalds produced another impressive display. Robert Lui tied the scores with an excellent conversion from the touchline.

Warrington looked dangerous every time the ball went wide in the opening quarter of the match and were soon back in front thanks to Tom Lineham’s acrobatic finish. 

Roberts then produced another slick kick, this time his grubber kick caught Salford out allowing Toby King to touch down. 14-6.

Ryan Lannon was then sent to the sin bin for holding down but this seemed to spark the Red Devils in to action. Jake Bibby came close but was tackled just short catching a high tackle for his troubles. Moments later off a super George Griffin off load Littlejohn is in again for his second try. Lui can’t convert leaving the Wolves a slender 14-10 half time lead.

The first points of the second half went to Salford. A thrilling try that had the travelling away support jumping for joy. Some excellent support play with numerous off loads and backing up. It looked like the chance had gone when the final pass went astray but a Warrington mistake left Bibby a free run in to the line to level the scores at 14-14. Lui again failing to convert but the match was now on a knife edge.

Salford almost went in front after another smart move but Lui’s pass just couldn’t find Welham.

Warrington were clinical when they needed to be and Josh Charnley squeezed in at the corner to restore there lead. 

Salford refused to lie down though and continued to chance there arm. This time forcing a drop out. On the next play Bibby looked to have been obstructed chasing a kick through but the penalty never came.

Rugby league can be a cruel game sometimes, after another really solid display from the ever improving Littlejohn, Roberts launched a huge spiralling bomb, Littlejohn knocked on gifting Warrington possession. Hooker Daryl Clark pounced close to the line to score. Goodwin’s conversion took the game away from Salford at 26-14.

The Red Devils continued to work hard in defence coming up with some gritty last ditch tackles.

However fatigue began to set in and eventually Salford’s resilience was broken by Wolves prop Mike Cooper who crashed over from close range in the final minute.

Red Devils coach Ian Watson was proud of his sides effort and endeavour but was concerned over fresh injury worries to Josh Wood, Kris Welham and Jack Littlejohn.

Salford travel to Hull Kr a week on Sunday in another crucial super league match.

Final score Warrington 30 Salford 14.

Paul Whiteside.

Pictures by Steve McCormick 📸

Warrington v Salford Big match preview

In this fixture just over 12 months ago rolls were reversed. Salford were riding high second in the table. Warrington were struggling and ended up in the Middle Eights. Fast forward to 2018, The Wolves replaced long standing coach Tony Smith with Steve Price and along with St. Helens are the leading lights of Super League once again. Ben Murdoch Masila made the move from Salford to Warrington. The power house forward has been a huge miss for Ian Watson’s side, proving a huge hit with the Wolves supporters with his all action performances. Add to that the clever craft of Australian half back Tyrone Roberts, the improved form of a Kevin Brown and the eye catching consistency of Stefan Ratchford Warrington should be there or there about come the business end of the season.

Last time out Salford came up with a morale boosting victory over bottom side Widnes Vikings. The two week break with the International match in Denver has given The Red Devils some respite. With a mounting injury list and a small squad Watson and his coaching staff are doing it very tough.

A victory on Friday would be a surprise but certainly a most welcome one.

SUPER LEAGUE AWAY RECORD

Warrington 16

Draws 0

Salford 7

1997 Warrington 23 Salford 8

1998 Warrington 4 Salford 37

1999 Warrington 28 Salford 14

2000 Warrington 32 Salford 18

2000 Warrington 38 Salford 10

2001 Warrington 14 Salford 39

2002 Warrington 18 Salford 9

2002 Warrington 2 Salford 22

2004 Warrington 46 Salford 20

2005 Warrington 48 Salford 14

2005 Warrington 32 Salford 22

2006 Warrington 6 Salford 24

2006 Warrington 6 Salford 22

2007 Warrington 42 Salford 6

2009 Warrington 62 Salford 20

2010 Warrington 32 Salford 2

2011 Warrington 16 Salford 18

2012 Warrington 24 Salford 20

2013 Warrington 68 Salford 10

2014 Warrington 36 Salford 20

2015 Warrington 22 Salford 8

2016 Warrington 40 Salford 14

2017 Warrington 12 Salford 38

THEY PLAYED FOR BOTH.

Here are a few players to wear the red of Salford and the primrose and blue of Warrington.

Vinny Anderson, Richie Barnett, Steve Blakeley, Martin Crompton, John Duffy, Phil Ford, Martin Gleeson, Andy Gregory, Danny Halliwell, Neil Harmon, Alan Hunte, David Highton, Danny Lima, Tyrone McCarthy, Francis Maloney, Adrian Morley, Chris Morley, Ben Murdoch Masila, Richie Myler, Adam Neal, Gareth O Brien, Rob Parker, Stefan Ratchford, Stuart Reardon, Ian Sibbit, Kevin Tamati, Mike Wainwright and John Wilshere.

A MATCH TO REMEMBER FRIDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER 2002

Salford were really struggling at the bottom end of the table along with Wakefield and Warrington. One team would be relegated so this match became a vital one. A really good vocal following packed in to the away end behind the sticks. The noise and anticipation before kick off was electric. Salford had already lost at Warrington earlier in the season 18-9.

Wilderspool was old and tired as a ground but was full of character. In modern day rugby league with new stadiums it’s fair to say I miss these places.

Don’t get me wrong there are some fantastic facilities in the sport in 2018 but there was something magical about a game under the lights at The Willows, Wilderspool, Central Park and Hilton Park to name a few.

It turned out to be one of the most faultless displays I’ve ever seen from any Salford side. It was almost mistake free. The defence was sensational, tackling The wolves to an absolute standstill.

Alan Hunte was the hero as he scored two tries against his former club, the clincher coming when he intercepted a Lee Briers kick and sprinted the full length of the pitch with 10 minutes to go.

Jason Nicol went over in between Hunte’s two scores, and Australian forward Greg Ebrill added a further try with two minutes to go. Salford’s away following were thrilled at full time and celebrated as if they had won the league. It certainly was a special night and a magical atmosphere.

The Reds were unrecognisable from the team which had gone nine games without a win. This victory lifted Salford off the bottom and dropped Wakefield in to the relegation zone.

The season went right done to the last game. Salford had to beat Castleford at home to stay up. Wakefield thrashed Warrington on the final day. Sadly for the reds a poor performance which summed 2002 up saw the Tigers win 10-20 at the Willows to confirm relegation.

2003 would see Karl Harrison’s Salford bounce straight back after an epic season in division one, but that’s another story for another day!

The teams that night;

Warrington Wolves: O’Reilly; Smyth, Alstead, Westwood, Appo; Briers, N Wood; Fozzard, Clarke, Hilton, Guisset, P Wood, Burns. Subs: Penny, Noone, Sturm, Stevens.

Salford City Reds: Gibson; Reardon, Maloney, Nicol, Hunte; Blakeley, Watson; Baynes, Alker, P Highton, Treacy, Wainwright, D Highton. Subs: Broadbent, Shaw, Coley, Ebrill.

Referee: B Connolly (Wigan).

Friday’s Match

Even the most optimistic Salford supporter would be cautious on the eve of this match. The contrasting form and league positions of both sides make Warrington clear favourites. With Catalan Dragons grabbing a priceless win against Leeds at Headingly last Wednesday night and the renaissance of Huddersfield, The Red Devils are now three points off the top eight with just a hand full of matches in the regular season remaining.

Every game now becomes a cup final. The Wolves themselves are striving for the top four as well as having a challenge cup semi final against Leeds to contend with. Recent Warrington matches have been full of points, particularly the Castleford and Wakefield matches. There attack has been very good but on the flip side the Tigers and Trinity posted plenty of points of there own. The big question again will be can Salford create the opportunities to cause an upset.

Safe journey and enjoy the game, Paul Whiteside.

P

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Sportszone Salford 26 Widnes 12

A nervous night for both Salford Red Devil’s and Widnes Vikings was in store after the last few months poor league form. The visitors last victory came in March ironically against Salford at the Select Security Stadium, or Naughton Park for those old enough to recall. 

Recent player movement between the two sides added extra spice. Defeat for Widnes would surely put an end to there fading top eight chance. A win for Salford would keep them on the tails of Huddersfield and Catalan. If ever there was a must win game then this was it!

The Vikings made the perfect start Joe Mellor’s crafting kick through wasn’t dealt with by Ryan Lannon allowing Tom Gilmore to pounce.

Kris Welham who was excellent all night for The Red Devil’s raced away after charging a kick down to score a well deserved try. Robert Lui failed to convert from a difficult angle leaving the visitors with a slender 4-6 lead.

Salford were then denied a try by the video referee but moments later hit the front. Lui’s clever pass sending Welham over for his second try.

Unfortunately for Lui his conversion attempt hit the post. 8-6.

Welham was then very harshly sin binned by referee James Child. The Vikings made the extra man count almost instantly. A pin point kick for Patrick Ah Van to swoop over. Gilmore added the goal.

Both sides defended superbly for the remainder of the first half, Widnes how ever held on to lead 8-12 at the break.

After losing Mark Flanagan and Josh Jones to injury at Hull last week, Lee Mossop picked up a knock in the week to rule him out. Salford’s small squad was left lighter still when Tyrone McCarthy went off struggling. To add to that young Jake Shorrocks picked up a nasty head injury failing his concussion assessment. 

The Red Devil’s now had to dig in and there resolve would certainly be tested. 

A tremendous piece of play from Lui and Jack Littlejohn paved the way for Jake Bibby to squeeze in at the corner to level the scores. Lui again failed to convert with the scores now locked at 12-12 despite Salford scoring three tries to two.

Then the game was turned on it’s head. Debutant Greg Burke charged through like a freight train. He wasn’t to be denied crashing over under the posts to put Salford back in front.

In recent weeks mistakes and errors have been The Red Devil’s biggest downfall. On the very next set after Burke’s try George Griffin spilled the ball deep in his own half. Excellent defence on the edges forced Charlie Runcimen in to touch much to the relief of the home supporters.

Widnes became a little frustrated and when Junior Sau copped a high shot the crowd and Ian Watson roared to take the two points on offer. Lui duly obliged.

With the game entering the final ten minutes Widnes forward Chris Houston was sin binned. After being shown the yellow card the Australian decided to give referee Child a round of applause. Mr Child didn’t take kindly to this calling Houston back to show him a red card for dissent. 

Robert Lui made the game safe late on charging a kick down to sprint to the line for a deserved try. 

Ian Watson was a relieved man after the game and it was nice to see a smile on his face after a tough run of results. With the adversity the club have faced on and off the pitch this season Ian was delighted with the spirit his side have shown.

Salford now have a two week break to recover before a trip to high flyers Warrington Wolves.

Final score Salford 26 Widnes 12.

Paul Whiteside.

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

Please tune in below to listen to this weeks show as we talk World Cup, Rugby league and Boxing 

https://www.mixcloud.com/SCRSportszone/world-cup-special-120618/

Salford back to wining ways after beating Widnes Match Report

A nervous night for both Salford Red Devil’s and Widnes Vikings was in store after the last few months poor league form. The visitors last victory came in March ironically against Salford at the Select Security Stadium, or Naughton Park for those old enough to recall. 

Recent player movement between the two sides added extra spice. Defeat for Widnes would surely put an end to there fading top eight chance. A win for Salford would keep them on the tails of Huddersfield and Catalan. If ever there was a must win game then this was it!

The Vikings made the perfect start Joe Mellor’s crafting kick through wasn’t dealt with by Ryan Lannon allowing Tom Gilmore to pounce.

Kris Welham who was excellent all night for The Red Devil’s raced away after charging a kick down to score a well deserved try. Robert Lui failed to convert from a difficult angle leaving the visitors with a slender 4-6 lead.

Salford were then denied a try by the video referee but moments later hit the front. Lui’s clever pass sending Welham over for his second try.

Unfortunately for Lui his conversion attempt hit the post. 8-6.

Welham was then very harshly sin binned by referee James Child. The Vikings made the extra man count almost instantly. A pin point kick for Patrick Ah Van to swoop over. Gilmore added the goal.

Both sides defended superbly for the remainder of the first half, Widnes how ever held on to lead 8-12 at the break.

After losing Mark Flanagan and Josh Jones to injury at Hull last week, Lee Mossop picked up a knock in the week to rule him out. Salford’s small squad was left lighter still when Tyrone McCarthy went off struggling. To add to that young Jake Shorrocks picked up a nasty head injury failing his concussion assessment. 

The Red Devil’s now had to dig in and there resolve would certainly be tested. 

A tremendous piece of play from Lui and Jack Littlejohn paved the way for Jake Bibby to squeeze in at the corner to level the scores. Lui again failed to convert with the scores now locked at 12-12 despite Salford scoring three tries to two.

Then the game was turned on it’s head. Debutant Greg Burke charged through like a freight train. He wasn’t to be denied crashing over under the posts to put Salford back in front.

In recent weeks mistakes and errors have been The Red Devil’s biggest downfall. On the very next set after Burke’s try George Griffin spilled the ball deep in his own half. Excellent defence on the edges forced Charlie Runcimen in to touch much to the relief of the home supporters.

Widnes became a little frustrated and when Junior Sau copped a high shot the crowd and Ian Watson roared to take the two points on offer. Lui duly obliged.

With the game entering the final ten minutes Widnes forward Chris Houston was sin binned. After being shown the yellow card the Australian decided to give referee Child a round of applause. Mr Child didn’t take kindly to this calling Houston back to show him a red card for dissent. 

Robert Lui made the game safe late on charging a kick down to sprint to the line for a deserved try. 

Ian Watson was a relieved man after the game and it was nice to see a smile on his face after a tough run of results. With the adversity the club have faced on and off the pitch this season Ian was delighted with the spirit his side have shown.

Salford now have a two week break to recover before a trip to high flyers Warrington Wolves.

Final score Salford 26 Widnes 12.

Paul Whiteside.

Pictures by Steve McCormick 📸

It’s a game of 2 half’s as Salford suffer defeat v Hull

Salford Red Devil’s Suffered defeat away at Hull FC last night in a game of two half’s.

With Nial Evalds out injured and new signings not available Ian Watson shuffled his pack with Jack Littlejohn starting at fullback and Josh Jones returning to the side after injury.

Hull started the better of the two sides with Salford turning ball over early in the game allowing Hull to build pressure with Hull Winger Bureta Faraimo getting the 1st score after a flowing move. The kick was converted by Jake Connor and Salford trailed 6-0.

Salford looked for a way back into the game began to find some ball and field position allowing Rob Lui, Jake Shorrocks and Jack Littlejohn to probe the Hull defence. Unfortunately for Salford a loose pass while on the Hull line was intercepted by Faraimo who raced away to score his second. With the conversion for Hull successful again by Connor salford were 12-0 down and looking forlorne.

Hull were playing with confidence and Salford were unable to deal with their speed both in attack and defence they registered two more scores from Jack Downs after a kick caused chaos in the Salford defence and Jack Logan finishing a flowing move from Hull FC it became a mountain to climb for Salford. 

A further scores before half time from Hakim Miloudi who intercepted another Salford attack to score from 50 meters. A drop goal by Connor and another end to end try by Hull this tim by Jamie Shaul finishing a flowing move sent Ian Watson men in at half time 37-0 down and with plenty to think and talk about during the half time oranges.

The 2nd half was much better from Salford, as a fan of many years a collapse was on the cards but this team under Ian Watson are made of sterner stuff. 

There was plenty of huff and puff and hard graft in the 2nd half and when the ball stuck Salford played some good rugby. 

The Hull Winger Faraimo completes his hattrick but this seemed to inspire Salford into a better performance. 

After a flowing move by Derrel Olpherts and George Griffin linking up well sending Rob Lui  close to registering Salfords 1st score, Mark Flannigan nearly scored too after good work by Kris Welham and Rob Lui 

The Salford faithful who travel up were in fine voice in the second half and they were reward as Salford created a opportunity to send Greg Johnson over in the corner for Salfords 1st score of the night. 

Salfords confidence was growing and the momentum had swung Salfords way, after a period of pressure and good hands by Lui and Littlejohn Derrell Olpherts found a way over the line to register his 1st super league try of 2018. 

Salfords final try was scored by George Griffin who burrowed his way over the line after good work by Lui and Littlejohn to complete the Salford scoring.

A late penalty by Connor ended the scoring on the night for Hull. The night ended with defeat for Salford. But positives can be  found from the game out scoring Hull 3 tries to 1 and some solid defence in that 2nd half gives grounds for optimism with a huge game against Widnes coming up.

With a paper thin squad Ian Watson knows he is doing things tough at the moment. With too much turn over ball in the early stages of this game and Hull running white hot in the early stages it was too much for Salford last night.

We move on to Widnes on Thursday night looking desperately for a win to get our season back on track.

Pictures by Steve McCormick 📸📸
Match Report by Robert Parkinson.

Check out our latest podcast here for all your Salford Red Devils news and chat with Director Andy Rosler talking about his vision for 2018 and beyond.