After last weeks opening game defeat at home to London Broncos the pressure is mounting on Widnes. Winning can become a habit, on the other hand so can losing. The Vikings have not managed a win in Super League since there victory over Salford on the 22nd March. There poor run of results cost long serving coach Dennis Betts his job with Francis Cummins taking over as head coach. With 6 games remaining in the qualifiers 4 of those will be away from home with trips to France and Canada against Toulouse and Toronto respectively. It’s a daunting task for Widnes but they have strengthened there playing squad in recent weeks with Veteran playmaker Liam Finn arriving from Wakefield and former Salford forward Harrison Hansen joining from Leigh.
Salford have put in two excellent performances recently with a home victory over Leeds to round the regular season off and backing up last week away at Hull Kingston Rovers. Many pundits had predicted a Robins victory but Salford put in an outstanding display leaving Tim Sheens and his team shell shocked. Rovers travel to Toronto this weekend for a tough test against The Wolfpack who’ve only lost once this season on Canadian soil.
Super League home record
Salford 7
Draws 0
Widnes 3
Here are a few memorable matches from down the years
2nd March 1969, Challenge cup quarter final, Salford 20 Widnes 7
6th November 1973 Captain Morgan trophy, Salford 32 Widnes 9
14th October 1979 League, Salford 16 Widnes 16
2nd October 1988 League, Salford 15 Widnes 12
22nd February 2004 League Salford 24 Widnes 12
12th September 2014 League Salford 36 Widnes 6
They played for both.
There are quite a lot to be honest so I’ve selected a few from years gone by and some from not so long ago.
Richie Barnett, keith Bentley, Eric Prescott, Craig Coleman, Jason Critchley, John Duffy, Cliff Eccles, Ensene Famailo, Joe Famailo, Matt Gardner, Aaron Moule, Adrian Hadley, Karl Hammond, Tim Hartley, Gareth Hock, Rangi Chase, David Hulme, Craig Makin, Stephen Myler, Richie Myler, Stephen Nash, Gareth O Brien, Terry O Connor, Kieran O Loughlin, Lokeni Savelio, Trevor Stockley, Kevin Tamati, David Myers, Steve Tyrer and Phil Waring.
Saturday’s match.
After recent results Ian Watson’s side will be brimming with confidence. The way in which Hull kr were dismantled last week showed this Salford side has got plenty to offer in the qualifiers. Some great attacking rugby recently has been dove tailed with a solid defence.
Only a fool would take The Vikings lightly. They showed some good glimpses last week and with Joe Mellor and Liam Finn pulling the strings at half back if they click Widnes can be a handful. The visitors boast some very talented youngsters in there ranks including fullback Oliver Ashall-Bott, Matt Whitley, Danny Walker and the Chapelhow brothers Ted and Jay.
Jackson Hastings has given Salford a massive boost, the Australian has certainly taken the pressure off Robert Lui. Hastings and Lui have linked up well so far and there kicking game last weekend was absolutely superb. Niall Evalds returning from injury has been another real positive for Ian Watson. Evalds has looked so sharp and dangerous. Safe under the high ball and a fabulous attacking threat. Ed Chamberlain who made the switch from Widnes to Salford not so long ago really has settled in well. His explosive pace and clever support play makes you ponder why the Vikings allowed him to leave. Weller Hauraki moved in the opposite direction after almost four years at Salford and is likely to feature on Saturday.
Victory for Salford won’t guarantee Super League status for 2019, on the other hand though it will be a perfect start with momentum building.
The action gets under way at 3:15pm.
Enjoy the match and safe travels.
Paul Whiteside.
Pictures by Steve McCormick 📸
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