salford v leeds match report

12 man Salford send Rhinos packing.

With the arrival of Jackson Hastings there was a slight sense of optimism before kick off at The AJ Bell Stadium.

The excitement seemed to get the better of Salford though and a mistake deep in there own half on the very first set gifted Leeds possession. Brad Dwyer darted over to put the visitors ahead.

The Red Devils response was quite spectacular, Ed Chamberlain shot through the heart of the Rhinos defence. Moments later Ryan Lannon was in to score.

Good work from Josh Jones going forward laid the platform and a quick play the ball saw Hastings spot a gap to race away. Niall Evalds was in support to score a thrilling try.

Salford began to turn the screw, forcing Leeds in to a mistake in there own half. A razor sharp kick in to the in goal area caught The Rhinos out and Hastings pounced for a debut try.

With just 18 minutes on the clock a near perfect first quarter was completed by Salford’s fourth try. This time Chamberlain showed his tremendous pace to open up a 22-6 lead.

Lee Mossop was then sent off after an alleged head butt. From the resulting penalty Liam Sutcliffe scored for Leeds 22-12.

Right on the half time hooter out of nothing Robert Lui scooted over to give the 12 men of Salford a deserved 26-12 cushion. 

Former Salford player Joel Moon showed some nice footwork before sending the ball out wide for Tom Briscoe to score the first points of the second half.

Despite being a man down and losing Jackson Hastings in the first half to injury Salford kept there shape and really dug deep in defence.

With an hour on the clock Ed Chamberlain attempted a penalty kick from 40 yards out. The kick just shaved the post, as Leeds regathered possession Robert Lui managed to snatch the ball back. Niall Evalds glided over for his second try of the match.

By this time the rain had made the pitch quite greasy and Salford played the conditions immaculately. Lui pegging The Rhinos back drilling the ball in to touch whenever possible.

It was another attacking kick however that saw the The Red Devils put the game to bed. Josh Jones on the end of it to touch down, 38-16.

Matt Parcell grabbed a late try for Leeds but this match was all about Salford Red Devils. The home crowd were delighted at the final hooter, Jackson Hastings received a rousing reception as the doom and gloom of the last few weeks seemed to lift away leaving light at the end of the 2018 tunnel.

Ian Watson was delighted with the spirit his side had showed. Not only had they scored 7 well worked tries but to defend so well with 12 men for an hour against the Super League champions was a satisfying nights work.

Salford will now head in to the Qualifiers with renewed confidence.

Final score Salford 38 Leeds 22.

Paul Whiteside

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

Salford v Leeds Big match preview

Salford Red Devils v Leeds Rhinos 

After last season’s glory beating Castleford at Old Trafford, champions Leeds Rhinos are back in the middle eights for the second time in three seasons.

In a whirl wind few weeks that saw Brian McDermott lose his job and the return of Kevin Sinfield as director of rugby there was slight relief last weekend with a victory over Widnes. 

When you look at the calibre of player the Rhinos have at there disposal it is strange how they have struggled so much this year. Salford’s record against Leeds over the years isn’t easy on the eye. With just one home victory in The Super League era at home out of 20 meetings.

Going in to the final round of the regular season Leeds sit in 9th place with just 8 wins from 22 matches.

Salford have lost four games on the trot, sitting in 11th place three points behind Hull kr. The Red Devils can’t finish any higher and will face the daunting prospect of four away games in The Qualifiers.

New signing Jackson Hastings is poised to make his debut on Friday night for Salford. The half back will hopefully be one of the missing pieces to Ian Watson’s 2018 jigsaw.

Super League home record

Salford 1

Draws 0

Leeds 19

1997 Salford 20 Leeds 33

1998 Salford 6 Leeds 40

1999 Salford 30 Leeds 38

2000 Salford 26 Leeds 34

2001 Salford 14 Leeds 19

2002 Salford 16 Leeds 48

2004 Salford 0 Leeds 44

2005 Salford 12 Leeds 30

2006 Salford 18 Leeds 24

2006 Salford 18 Leeds 19

2007 Salford 26 Leeds 30

2009 Salford 24 Leeds 30

2010 Salford 22 Leeds 31

2011 Salford 22 Leeds 30

2012 Salford 16 Leeds 56

2013 Salford 16 Leeds 42

2014 Salford 18 Leeds 22

2015 Salford 18 Leeds 28

2016 Salford 14 Leeds 10

2017 Salford 24 Leeds 50

They played for both.

Here are a few players to wear the red of Salford and the blue and amber of Leeds.

Luke Burgess, Joel Moon, Mark Brooke-Cowden, Andrew Duneman, Ensene Famailo, Phil Ford, Ashley Gibson, Phil Hassan, Weller Hauraki, Ben Jones Bishop, Andy Kirk, Francis Maloney, Richie Myler and David Young.

A match to remember Wednesday 12th May 1999

Salford 30 Leeds 38

There was always something special about a game under the lights at The Willows. The smell of winter green and hot dogs on arrival always builded the excitement and anticipation. This game back in 1999 came at a time of struggle for Salford. Andy Gregory had been replaced as coach by Australian John Harvey and results and performances were disappointing.

The Rhinos were 6-16 up at the break before opening up a 6-38 lead in the second half. Then came a thrilling Salford fight back with star stand off Steve Blakeley at the hub of all good things the Reds did.

South African winger Mark Johnson who was a real flyer crossed for two excellent tries for the home side. Add to that tries from Craig Makin, Steve Blakeley and  Hudson Smith Salford astonishingly got the score back to 30-38.

Looking back if the match had gone on another ten minutes who knows what might have been. 

The Salford line up that night was;

Bobby Thompson, Scott Martin,Stuart Littler, Paul Carige, Mark Johnson, Steve Blakeley, Martin Crompton, Craig Makin, Malcolm Alker, Paul Southern, Hudson Smith, David Bradbury, Paul Highton. Subs Carl Briggs, Neil Baynes, Joe Faimalo, Ensene Faimalo.

We may have lost this match but it was a real thriller that sticks in the mind.

This match seemed to provide a mini revival with Salford beating London in there next match 31-14. Followed by a 26-26 draw at Sheffield and a 38-18 home win over Hull. Sadly after that we were brought back down to earth 48-0 at St. Helens.

Friday’s match

League position will not be effected by Friday nights result but pride and confidence going in to The Qualifiers is what the Salford players will be looking for. Despite Leeds’s problems this season a positive result for Salford would give the whole club a huge boost. 

Last weekend The Rhinos beat Widnes 34-0 at Headingly. Surprisingly this was there first home win since Easter Monday against Salford.

With Kevin Sinfield returning with James Lowes The Rhinos will be looking for a flawless finish to the season.

Salford are currently on a run of four successive defeats. Could Jackson Hastings be the player we have been missing?

Friday night will be another tough test of Salford’s resolve. Leeds posses a big squad with players like Ryan Hall, Joel Moon, Adam Cuthbertson and Richie Myler there’s no lack of quality. Add to that exciting youngsters Jack Walker, Liam Sutcliffe and Stevie Ward, Salford are going to have to put an 80 minute performance in. 

The Red Devil’s have there own crop of young stars in Josh Wood, Jake Bibby, Daniel Murray and Ryan Lannon who have all performed admirably in recent weeks with tremendous guile and determination.

It promises to be an exciting match, victory against the current Champions of Super League could just be the springboard Salford Red Devils need.

The action gets under way at 8pm.

Safe travels and enjoy the match, Paul Whiteside.

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

Catalan v Salford Match Report

Catalans Dragons continued there march to Super League safety and the Super Eights with a comfortable victory over struggling Salford.

Fouad Yaha scores the games opening try after a thrilling Dragon’s break.

Josh Drinkwater extended the hosts lead with a penalty goal.

Some neat off loads and support play then bust Salford down the middle, Drinkwater was backing up to score. His conversion made it 12-0.

A mistake from the kick off gifted Salford possession and they moved the  ball well. Derrell Olpherts scoring in the corner, Ed Chamberlain’s goal attempt was off target 12-4.

From the kick off Catalans put the ball out on the full to hand Salford a penalty in a good attacking position. Tyrone McCarthy’s knock on let the Dragons off the hook.

For the remainder of the first half the home side really upped the ante. Four consecutive goal line drop outs were forced. Salford’s defence stood firm but on the fourth set Jason Baitieri some how got the ball down to score.

Moments later The Dragons were in again, this time Drinkwater’s high kick caught Jake Bibby out. Kenny Edwards took advantage to score. 

Drinkwater’s kicking game was outstanding, the Australian has made a huge impact since moving to the South of France. It was yet another kick this time Olpherts couldn’t take it and the ball went from one side of the pitch to the other before Yaha squeezed in at the corner.

Leading 28-4 at half time Catalans put the game to bed in the early stages of the second half. A lovely tip on pass from Brayden Williame provided a hat trick for Yaha. Shortly after Yaha grabbed his fourth try, Drinkwater kicked off the touch line 38-4.

On a brighter note for coach Ian Watson and Salford was the return of Niall Evalds who came off the bench and looked sharp with some nice touches. Evalds will be a key man for the Red Devils in the middle eights. 

The hard working Josh Wood was rewarded with a try for Salford which Chamberlain converted 38-10

Catalans had the final say as kenny Edwards went over for second try on the back of yet another drop out. 

Josh Drinkwater could prove to be one of the signings of the season as the Dragons face St Helens in a Challenge cup semi final and will now prepare for an assault on the top eight. 

Salford’s final regular season game is at home to Leeds next Friday before the Middle Eights and a tough battle for top flight survival.

Final score Catalans 44 Salford 10

Paul Whiteside.

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

salford v castleford match report

Salford returned to The AJ Bell Stadium tonight and made a real solid start against a Castleford side brimming with confidence after last weeks win over Leeds. The Red Devils refused to lie down and took the game to The Tigers with some real good defence forcing there high flying visitors in to mistakes early on.

The first points of the match had to wait until the 19th minute, Castleford’s Jake Webster with a try. Paul McShane kicking the goal 0-6.

Salford began to enjoy large periods of territory and possession but struggled to break the Tigers down. A huge first half effort from Ian Watson’s men however was rewarded six minutes from the break. Top try scorer Jake Bibby finishing superbly off Ed Chamberlain’s pin point kick. Chamberlain levelled the scores kicking the goal off the touch line.

Plenty of fighting spirit and honest endeavour sent Salford in at half time level at 6-6.

Two Salford mistakes in the first ten minutes of the second half proved costly. Knocking on in there own half gifting The Tigers field position. Michael Shenton struck first before Webster stormed over for his second to give Castleford a comfortable 6-18 lead with half an hour left.

Salford rarely threatened in attack but refused to throw the towel in. Down to the bare bones and just 17 fit players they worked over time in defence. Castleford forcing drop outs and piling pressure on.

Ten minutes from time the game was put behind doubt when young winger Kieran Gill scored for the visitors. McShane again converted from the touch line with another excellent kick.

An up beat Ian Watson was delighted with the effort of his side.

“We need to make sure the mentality of the players is good and there positive coming in to games. Getting confidence from games like tonight against a Castleford team when your in an arm wrestle you can come through the other side”.

With just two regular season fixtures left Salford now travel to the South of France next week to face the ever improving Catalan Dragons.

Final score tonight Salford 6 Castleford 24.

Paul Whiteside.

Pictures by Steve McCormick 📸📸

Salford v Castleford match preview

Salford Red Devils v Castleford Tigers 

Castleford were the stand out side last season charging to the League Leaders shield with some breath taking rugby league. Another very solid season this year sees them third in the table. St. Helens are still top of the table and have more points than Castleford had at this stage last season so it just shows how good The Saints have been this term. This fixture last season was an epic contest Salford edging a super match 13-12. Ben Murdoch Masila with two tries and Gareth O Brien’s drop goal winning the match. Perhaps Salford’s struggles in 2018 are no coincidence that Ben and Gareth have moved on to Warrington and Toronto respectively. Games between the two sides at the AJ Bell Stadium have been close affairs. Who could forget the first meeting there on the opening round of the 2012 season in the snow. 

With The Tigers without Luke Gale, Jamie Ellis and young Jake Trueman have formed a good partnership in the halves. A big mobile pack consisting of Liam Watts, Jesse Sene-Lefao, Junior Moors and Grant Millington amongst other will prove a stern test for Salford. Paul McShane is always a real live wire at hooker.

Super League home record

Salford 7

Draws 0

Castleford 12

1997 Salford 4 Castleford 0

1998 Salford 8 Castleford 18

1999 Salford 17 Castleford 29

2000 Salford 16 Castleford 22

2001 Salford 18 Castleford 26

2002 Salford 16 Castleford 74

2002 Salford 10 Castleford 20

2004 Salford 30 Castleford 14

2006 Salford 26 Castleford 16

2009 Salford 12 Castleford 18

2010 Salford 22 Castleford 28

2011 Salford 8 Castleford 15

2012 Salford 10 Castleford 24

2013 Salford 34 Castleford 30

2014 Salford 23 Castleford 16

2015 Salford 20 Castleford 22

2016 Salford 22 Castleford 18

2017 Salford 13 Castleford 12

2017 Salford 4 Castleford 23 ( super eights)

They played for both.

Throughout the Super League era there have been plenty of players who have played for both clubs and quite a few through the 1970s and 80s.

Here is a selection of them ;

Paul Orr, Bill Kirkbride, Jonny Ward, Barry Kear, Ron Hill, Ian Bragger, Justin Carney, Chris Charles, Jason Critchley, Luke Dorn, Greg Eden, Jake Emmit, Jason Flowers, Matt Gardner, Ashley Gibson, Wayne Godwin, Weller Hauraki, Lee Jewitt, Michael Korkidas, Francis Maloney, Mike Platt, Darren Rogers, Darren Shaw, Mark Sneyd and Gray Viane.

A match to remember Sunday March 16th 1997

Salford Reds 4 Castleford Tigers 0

After two excellent seasons outside the top flight, a day Salford supporters will remember for ever in the cup against Wigan and a Divisional premiership victory at Old Trafford 1997 saw our first step in to the glamorous new world of The European Super League.

Salford Reds had started 1997 in good form with a resounding victory away at Castleford in The Challenge cup. Progress was made to the cup semi finals with a 8-4 win over Paris and a 10-29 win at Warrington. It’s fair to say The Reds went in to this league encounter in top form.

It was a very nervous affair with both side defending well not giving much away. The Tigers were led by power house forwards Lee Crooks, Nathan Sykes and Dean Sampson came up against Salford’s formidable pack which was big and mobile. The vast experience of Peter Edwards, Andy Platt and Paul Forber along with the tough as teak David Hulme lined up for The Reds.

The match was Settled by local winger Phil Coussons try in the corner.

A late kick and chase from Castleford three quarter Simon Middleton had the Salford faithfuls nerves jangling. The ball ran dead at the Variety club end of the ground as the hooter sounded.

Things got even better for Andy Gregory’s side with four more consecutive league victories to make 1997 a season to remember.

Friday’s match

The Tigers come in to this weeks clash in the back of an excellent home performance sweeping Leeds Rhinos aside 42-10 last Sunday. They currently sit third in the Super League Table 3 points behind 2nd place Wigan.

In contrast Salford’s form is poor, a 52-22 drubbing at Hull Kr last time out means Ian Watson’s side have just one win in there last 9 matches.

Injuries have started to take there toll on a thin squad of players and recruiting new players seems very difficult at this point in the season for one reason or another. With just three games left in the regular season Salford now look odds on for the bottom four and the daunting prospect of the Qualifying Eights. Currently the Red Devils are 5 points behind 8th place Huddersfield with just 6 points to play for. 

Safe travels and enjoy the match, Paul Whiteside.

Hull KR v SALFORD MATCH REPORT

Another scorching day was in store for the two sides at kick off.

Salford made a solid start pegging Rovers back in there own half with some tough tackling and smart end of set kicks.

Tyrone McCarthy came close to the first try but just couldn’t pouch Jake Shorrocks high kick. 

Greg Johnson grabbed the games first try darting over from dummy half. Ed Chamberlain on his first start for The Red Devils added the goal 0-6.

Hull Kr seemed to get a foot hold in the match with some silly Salford errors and needles penalties conceded. This poor spell came at a cost, Adam Quinlan providing a try for young winger Ryan Shaw to level the scores. 

Shorrocks with an attacking kick for Salford was touched back by McCarthy straight in to Quinlan’s arms. The fullback raced the full length of the pitch to put the home side in front.

The Red Devils lost Greg Johnson to injury as he limped off with a possible ankle problem. This seemed to disrupt them even more with Rovers running in tries from Will Oakes, Joe Greenwood, Danny McGuire and Joel Tomkins all before halftime. Trailing 36-6 at the break Salford’s travelling supporters feared the worst.

Junior Sau grabbed the first try of the second half to provide a crumb of comfort. 

The highlight of the game from a Salford perspective may have been Jake Bibby tracking back a thrilling Rovers break to pull of a sensational try saving tackle.

Danny McGuire grabbed his second try from a sublime grubber kick that sat up perfectly. Oakes got his brace shortly after with Danny Tickle faultless with the goal kicking.46-10.

McGuire completed a fine hat trick rolling back the years strolling through a huge gap in the Salford defence to bring the 50 point mark up before the hour mark.

Junior Sau and Jake Bibby scored tries for Salford in the closing quarter as they some how kept the Rovers out for the remaining 20 minutes.

The damage however was already done, a bitterly disappointing afternoon that sees Hull Kr swap table places with Salford. 

A dejected Ian Watson was certainly hurting at full time “its the lack of fight we showed after the first quarter, it’s about the guys on the field now and there performances now and what they want to be remembered for as a group of players”.

With three games remaining in the regular season Castleford Tigers visit The AJ Bell Stadium on Friday night. 

Hull Kr 52 Salford 22.

Paul Whiteside.

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

Hull Kr v SALFORD BIG MATCH PREVIEW

Hull Kingston Rovers v Salford Red Devils 

The Robins form has turned round dramatically in recent weeks. With an excellent 24-8 home victory over Wigan, a 24-24 draw at Castleford and last weekends demolition job on Huddersfield Giants 37-10.

Salford sit just one place and one point above in the table. 

The last time these two sides met at Craven Park was of course the Million pound game. This should add a bit of extra spice along with the ex Salford players now in the Rovers ranks. 

Tim Sheens moved swiftly a few weeks ago to secure the signing of Wigan forward Joel Tomkins. Salford’s two recent signings Greg Burke and Ed Chamberlain seen almost certain to feature. Burke has looked good in his first two games with some strong running and also a clever pair of hands. 

A battling display last Friday at Warrington came at a cost for Salford losing Jack Littlejohn and kris Welham to injures. 

Hull kr is always a tough place to go but Salford have produced some good victories here over the years along with quite a few defeats. The 2003 Challenge Cup tie being a memorable night in bad weather Salford battled to a 2-12 win. Who could forget the final regular league match of 2003 at Craven Park. Salford were crowned league leaders but lost the match 18-16. Andy Kirk knocking on in the closing stages when a winning try looked on the cards.

The Million pound game in 2016 is a day both sets of supporters will never forget. It really was a magical end to a pulsating match. A game that will be in our hearts forever. 

Super League away record

Hull KR 7

Draws 0

Salford 4

2007 Hull KR 24 Salford 28

2009 Hull KR 48 Salford 12

2010 Hull KR 30 Salford 12

2011 Hull KR 21 Salford 8

2012 Hull KR 22 Salford 24 

2013 Hull KR 28 Salford 18

2014 Hull KR 18 Salford 38

2015 Hull KR 34 Salford 28

2015 Hull KR 46 Salford 22 (Middle Eights)

2016 Hull KR 44 Salford 30

2016 Hull KR 18 Salford 19 (million pound game)

They played for both.

Here are a selection of players to have represented The Robins and The Red Devils,

Greg Austin, Greg Burke, Chris Charles, Michael Dobson, Sean Gleeson, Darrell Goulding, David Hodgson, Lee Jewitt, Justin Carney, Jordan Walne, Phil Joseph, Tommy Lee, Tyrone McCarthy, Craig Murdock, Cory Paterson, Gareth Price, Scott Taylor, Tony Puletua, Richard Smith, Iain Thornley and Kris Welham.

A match to remember Sunday 22nd April 2007

Hull Kr 24 Salford 28

After Karl Harrison’s sides heroics of 2006 there was a bit of expectation ahead of the 2007 season. Experience and quality was added to the squad with Luke Dorn, Mark Edmonson and Michael Korkidas coming in to name a few. 

For one reason or another things didn’t seem to click. A poor start to the season with just two victories out of the opening ten games left Salford struggling for form going to Craven Park on the 22nd of April.

Hull Kr were in there debut season in The Super League after being promoted at the end of the 2006 season. There coach Justin Morgan had built a really durable side that were tough to beat. 

Salford came in to the match bottom of the table and desperate for a win.

Salford made a good start with tries from John Wilshere, Luke Dorn and Aaron Moule within the first seven minutes.

But Hull KR hit back through Jim Gannon, Mark O'Neill and debutant Mark Lennon before Luke Robinson eased Salford's fears with another try.

Although Jon Goddard cut Salford's lead, David Hodgson responded before Andreas Bauer's late consolation try.

Sadly this match would turn out to be Harrison’s final victory as Salford coach.

Three heavy defeats followed against Wigan, Warrington and a 66-6 disaster in the south of France against Catalan. Harrison was sacked a few days later with James Lowes taking temporary charge. 

The teams that day;

Hull Kingston Rovers Cockayne; Bauer, Goddard, Morton, Hardman; Chester, Webster; Ward, Fisher, Vella, Hill, Netherton, O'Neill. Interchange Gene, Gannon, Aizue, Lennon.

Salford City Reds Hodgson; Viane, McGuinness, Moule, Wilshere; Dorn, Robinson; Coley, Berthezene, Korkidas, Littler, Sibbit, Finnigan. Interchange Turner, Adamson, Haggerty, Edmondson.

Referee G Hewer 

Sunday’s match

A huge game for both sides. Which ever side wins will still have a chance of making the top eight. The loser would surely be destined for The Middle Eights which looks a daunting prospect with the form of some of the Championship sides. Tim Sheens Rovers are in good form and with a few ex Red Devils in there side will be looking to put on a good show. For Ian Watson another tough week of preparation with the current injury situation. Jake Shorrocks has started to show some real promise at half back, could this be the game when his partnership with Robert Lui clicks? 

It promises to be an exciting afternoon in East Hull and I am sure plenty of Salford supporters will make the trip. The loyal support at Warrington on Friday were outstanding. The atmosphere they created really was quite special. With four regular season games remaining.

The atmosphere they created really was quite special. With four regular season games remaining, Salford’s run in is as follows, Hull kr away, Castleford at home, Catalan away and Leeds at home. Four huge games, four cup finals to escape the middle eights.

Safe journey and enjoy the game, Paul Whiteside.

Pictures by Steve McCormick