Coventry Blaze 2 Manchester Storm 3 challenge cup report

Manchester Storm progress to the next round of the challenge cup after a fantastic win away against Coventry.

The game started at a frightening  pace with Adam Hughesman working Jamie Philips in the Coventry goal early on.

Coventry were looking to test the Storm and had chances of their own in the 1st period with Evan Bloodolff and Andrew Jonson testing Matt Ginn in the Storm goal.

Manchester took the lead with a great goal, Dallas Ehrhardt found space took a shot at goal Coventry keeper Phillips could only parry and Hughesman was on hand to make it one nil to Storm.

It got better for storm a couple of minutes later as Hughesman attacked the left side of the Coventry defence and unleashed a fantastic strike beating Phillips and extending Storms lead going into the 2nd period.

The start of the 2nd Period Tyson Fawcett had a scrambled opportunity pushed away by the Coventry defence.

Coventry grew into the 2nd period and Manchester Storm started to feel the pressure.

Janne Laakkonen had a golden opportunity for the Blaze but Ginn  Storm goalkeeper stood tall and deflected the shot wide.

With Coventry in the ascendancy the goal came deep into the 2nd period, a static Storm defence allowed  a great finish by Chris Pohlkamp to make the score 1-2.

The 2nd period ended with Storm new signing Henrik Samuelsson having a chance blocked.

The final period was full of drama with a dramatic finish.

Kyle Hope and Fawcett had opportunities to extend Storms lead again but we’re denied.

John Curren went on a Mazey  run for Coventry but his shot was saved by Ginn in the storm goal.

Coventry battled back and were rewarded when Drew Schiestel found space and tied the scores with 16 minutes to go.

Both sides had opportunities to win the game but it was Manchester Storm who won the game in a high pressure last 10 minutes

Manchester Storm build pressure with Critchlow and Fawcett testing the Blaze defence as lapse of concentration from Coventry goalkeeper Jamie Phillips allowed Layne Ulmer to smash home from distance.

The Storm Faithful enjoyed that moment with 2 minutes to go it was all hands to the pump for Manchester Storm.

The team defended the lead putting the Storm through to the Quarter Finals where they will face Sheffield.

Report by Rob Parkinson

Manchester Storm 1 Cardiff 4 Match report

Manchester Storm suffered defeat at the Storm Shelter against Cardiff Devils on Saturday night as they were unable to recreate the magic from their Sheffield win the week before.

It was a bright start in the 1st period for Storm when Adam Hughesman tested Ben Bowns in the Sheffield goal.

Sheffield grew into the contest putting pressure on the Storm defence and were rewarded when Sheffield forward Joey Haddad swept the puck past a routed to the spot Matt Gin to give Cardiff the lead 1-0.

Tensions grew in the 2nd period as Manchester Storm tried to get themselves back into the contest. Captain Dalas Ehrart put in a solid performance throughout the game, he tried to fire up the storm with a physical challenge on Matt Pope which resulted in both being pulled apart by players from both sides.

Manchester Storms best chance of the 2nd period fell to defender John Negrin who worked Bowns in the Cardiff goal.

Cardiff extended their lead deep into the 2nd period, lovely work by the welsh side caused a defensive laps which was taken advantage of by Mike Mcname and the Devils lead by two.

Storm supported by a big vocal crowd on Saturday night had their chances as both Raymond Greenwal and Jason Aulin went close.

You could feel a goal was coming for Storm and after more pressure Scott Simmons popped up to half Cardiff’s lead, the video referee check to see if it was a goal and it was decided it was 1-2.

Cardiff forward Blair Ryley had two golden opportunities in the dying moments of the 2nd period both superbly saved by Ginn in the Storm goal.

In the final period Storm had chances as Tyson Fawcett and Finlay Ulmer both gave Cardiff lots to think about with lots of aggression in and around the goal.

Unfortunately for Storm Cardiff weathered the pressure and scored the next crucial goal. A high class finish by Haddard again to the delight of the traveling Cardiff faithful in the corner of the Storm shelter.

It finished 4-1 as Storm put on a power play leaving their goal unattended Mark Richardson spotted this and finished from distance to send the Devils back to Cardiff with the win.

Manchester Storm face two big away games in the next few days, a visit to Guildford on Sunday and Coventry on Wednesday in the challenge cup will give Coach Ryan Finnerty chance to right a few wrongs from tonight’s game.

Match report from Rob Parkinson.

Pictures by All sports photography 

Manchester storm 4 Sheffield 3 Match report

Manchester Storm got back to winning ways against Sheffield Steels with help from a two goal burst by Adam Hughesman in this War of the Roses contest.

Storm started the 1st period well with some intense Ice Hockey testing Sheffield Goalkeeper Tomas Duba several times.

Sheffield weathered Storms early onslaught and took the lead with a great strike from Aron Brocklehurst who beat Ginn to give the Steelers the lead.

In the 2nd period the game sprung into life. After some good work from the Storms attacking unit Mario Pursrich levelled the scores with a sweet effort which few past Duba in the Sheffield goal.

In this period Storm were on top and after a few minutes of pressure Adam  Hughesman finished off a smart move to put Storm 2-1 ahead.

In this ding dong Derby contest Sheffield showed why they are a top team as they surged back into the match testing the Storms defence lead superbly Dallas Ehrhart.

Unfortunately for Storm The Steeler constructed a fabulous counter attack which resulted in Brendan Connolly equalising for the Steelers sending their travelling army into raptures 2-2.

Sheffield’s goal scorer Brocklehurst spent some time in the sin bin which turned the game Storms way.

Cheered on by a insane amount of noise from the Storm faithful Lane Ulmer put the hosts ahead with a fantastic strike and with Adam Hughesman who was full of confidence smashing in number 4 it all looked good for Storm.

The Steelers rallied late in the 3 period as Antony De-Luca   scored but Storm hung on to record a fantastic win down at the Storm Shelter.

Manchester storm 4 Sheffield Steelers 3

Report by Rob Parkinson

Picture by All Sports Photography 

Manchester Storm 1 Nottingham Panthers 3

Manchester Storm will need a Challenge cup playoff against Coventry to progress through to the next round of the Challenge Cup after defeat against Nottingham.

Storm Started well at the Storm Shelter putting Nottingham under pressure making goal keeper Kevin Carr produce a string of saves to keep the scores level early in the 1st quarter.

Manchester Storm scored the opening goal after captain Dallas Ehrhardt found space to score beating Carr with a stunning drive to send Storm into the 1st quarter break leading 1-0.

The 2nd quarter Nottingham started to dictate possession and put pressure on the Manchester Storm.

After a frenzied few minutes Nottingham were rewarded as Brett Bulmet shot passed Storms goal keeper Matt Ginn to tie the scores.

Storm stuggled to find the attacking fluidity of the 1st period as the game went on had opportunities for Finlay Ulrick who worked Carr again from close range to get Storm infront.

Manchester Storm and Nottingham had Kyle Hope and Jason Desantis drop the gloves and spend time in the sin bin as tensions started to rise.

Just before the hooter in the 2nd period Bulmer again was alert to steer a shot come cross past Ginn to give Nottingham the lead going into the 3rd quarter.

In the 3rd period storm put pressure on Nottingham looking for a opportunity to equalise, Captain Dallas Ehrhardt had a opportunity Mario Puskarich tested Nottingham’s defensive unit but with 2 minutes to go and Storm chasing the game on a power play Nottingham forward Jake Hanson broke away to seal Nottingham’s place in the next round and resigned Storm to the playoffs

Ryan Finnity would have been disappointed with the result but knows he has the players to bounce back starting with Sheffield next week at the Storm Shelter.

Report by Rob Parkinson

Pictures by All sports photography / Manchester Storm

 

Salford 6 St Helens 23 Grand Final Match Report DITD

After what has been an absolutely thrilling year for everyone involved with Salford Red Devils it came down to eighty minutes at Old Trafford to complete the domestic season.

In the week following last Friday’s special night in Wigan, Ian Watson’s side have gained so much publicity in the media. The Salford story has captured the imagination of the sport and their was no doubt whatsoever their place on this huge Grand Final stage was much deserved. 

The atmosphere approaching kick off was electric, the Salford supporters packed the East Stand generating an incredible energy. The noise as the teams emerged from the tunnel was simply deafening. Coaches Ian Watson and Justin Holbrook lead their sides out immaculately dressed in suits and ties. 

A Salford mistake in the opening set of the match immediately put St. Helens on the front foot as their forward pack looked to smash through. The Red Devils defended superbly to repel this early assault.

The Saints dominated the early attacking possession and territory with Salford defending so bravely. Kris Welham with a ball an all tackle the highlight and this summed up his the spirit of his side.

Lachlan Coote’s half break almost came off but his pass evaded his team mates with the ball landing in touch. Saints were playing at a break neck tempo, quick around the ruck and fast play the balls lead to the opening try of the match. Morgan Knowles backing up well to puncture the Red Devils line. Coote converted 0-6.

Salford winger Ken Sio looked to be tackled in the air but referee Chris Kendall disagreed awarding a scrum in prime striking distance. Zeb Tai snatched a try from the scrum, running at the referee on the blind side. After consultation with the video referee the try was given to extend the lead to 0-12.

With no real possession or opportunities to attack Salford finally got a break through. A wonderful passage of play from Tui Lolohea saw the stand off jink his way to the line to touch down. Joyful scenes amongst the Salford supporters were soon dashed as the try was disallowed for obstruction. 

The Red Devils showed fantastic character though to dust themselves off and go again. Their patience and persistence was rewarded moments later when Jake Bibby scored a fine try in the corner. Krisnan Inu nailed the touch line conversion to put Salford right back in the match at 6-12 and it was fully deserved. Saints seemed a little rattled, not many teams have managed to live with them in recent months but they were in a match now!

Watson’s men continued to keep working in the early stages of the second half and another contentious decision passed them by when Jack Ashworth clashed with Inu. 

Saints were clinical when they needed to be though and stretched their lead when Mark Percival followed up a teasing grubber kick to touch down. Coote again converted 6-18.

Salford never gave up though and neither did their supporters. They were in a fight going toe to toe with the best side in the competition. Trading blow for blow in a monumental effort.

Inu was again in the wars and looked to cop a shoulder charge off kevin Naiqama. Referee Kendall didn’t agree.

A high tackle from Gil Dudson gave Saints the chance to open up a significant lead from a penalty. Coote converted to leave Salford a big task in the closing stages of the contest. 

Joey Lussick booted a huge Forty twenty kick but a sloppy play the ball close to the line let Saints off the hook. 

Coote notched another penalty goal nine minutes from time before his side started to take chances with some swashbuckling attacks. Salford were magnificent in defence though, Niall Evalds took every high ball, tackled his heart out and showed the watching world what a wonderful fullback he is.

Jackson Hastings and Lolohea battled bravely all night as did every Salford player. 

Tommy Mackinson completed the scoring with a drop goal but the Red Devils continued to attack until the final hooter. 

Saints were crowned champions of 2019 after a tremendous season with just three defeats in the Super League campaign. 

Seventeen heroes left the pitch with heads held high for Salford Red Devils. The spirit and desire this season has been truly remarkable. 

They did their supporters and the City proud as they pushed themselves to the limit in what was a outstanding contest.

Speaking after the match Ian Watson was a true gentleman, “ I thought it was a high quality game, Saints were really smart the way they played. 

We’ve built ourselves all season on working hard for your team mates and a resilience to defend your goal line, I though our guys were outstanding.

I am really excited for next year and the players we’ve got hopefully we can get a few more in but that will be dictated by the clubs finances.”

2019 is a year the Salford supporters will cherish for ever. Players maybe moving on but with this ethos and work ethic the club is now being built on this is only the start of things to come!

 

Salford 6 St. Helens 23.

Paul Whiteside.

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

Grand Final Preview Salford v Saints Sportszone

As I write this preview I am still coming to terms with the fact that Salford have made the Grand Final. I think I’ve been in a state of shock for the last few days as it’s not quite sunk in. I’ve always hoped one day we would reach Wembley and Old Trafford but I never thought for one minute it would be this season.

This is no fluke though, Ian Watson, his staff and players have been magnificent this season. Form was a bit on the patchy side in the early stages and particularly around the Magic Weekend. The last two months however have been the most enjoyable in my years watching our beloved club. Watto continues to defy the odds, his character and humbleness has caught they eye of the sport of Rugby League. Salford Red Devils are making friends and followers throughout the game and it’s a joy to see. The amount of good luck messages from other clubs has been quite heart warming and sometimes overwhelming. 2019 has been a fantastic story so far but it’s been far from plain sailing but Watto continues to take everything in his stride.

Last Friday’s victory at Wigan was definitely a sweet one after being on the wrong end of defeats in that particular fixture for decades. A few weeks ago my dad told me it was 51 years since his first match away to Wigan at Central Park in 1968. Driving home on Friday night he whispered to me that what he had just witnessed could possibly be the best win he’s seen. Salford didn’t just beat Wigan they controlled the match from minute one to eighty. The Warriors are the reigning champions, a powerhouse club in the sport. The Red Devils completely dismantled them. Roared on by a tremendous following of supporters, the atmosphere was electric. It was a night I’ll never forget.

Our club now deserves to be on the big stage at Old Trafford showing the world what we are all about. It’s a huge stage, a monumental night that could and I believe will change the club forever.

It’s been fascinating seeing the club in every aspect of the media. Newspaper coverage, television, radio and social media has been absolutely buzzing with this real feel good story.

Who would of thought on that bitterly cold night in Huddersfield on the first day of February that eight months later the season would climax at The Theatre of Dreams!

Salford and St. Helens Championship wins.

Salford 6 Championships.

1913/14 Championship winners

1932/33 Championship winners

1936/37 Championship winners

1938/39 Championship winners

1973/74 First Division Champions

1975/76 First Division Champions

Salford's Championship winning team of 1973/74.

St. Helens 13 Championships.

1931/32 Championship winners

1952/53 Championship winners

1958/59 Championship winners

1965/66 Championship winners

1969/70 Championship winners

1970/71 Championship winners

1974/75 First Division Champions

1996 Super League Champions

1999 Super League Champions

2000 Super League Champions

2002 Super League Champions

2006 Super League Champions

2014 Super League Champions

St Helens lifted the very first Super League title in 1996.

They played for both.

Over the years there has been so much player movement between the two clubs. The town of St Helens is a real hot bed of the game with some fantastic amateur set ups including Thatto Heath, Blackbrook and Clock Face. In the Super League era Matty Smith, Jordan Turner, Lama Tasi, Tommy Lee and Theo Fages have all moved to Saints from Salford. Willie Talu, Tony Puletua, Francis Meli, Mark Edmondson, Matty Ashurst, Andrew Dixon, Danny Arnold, Alan Hunte, Josh Jones, Bobbie Goulding, Lee Gaskell ,Paul Forber, Mark Lee, Jake Emmitt and Anthony Stewart to name a few in recent years to represent both sides.

Eric Prescott, Paul Groves, Paul Brownbill, John Mantle, Ken Gwilliam, George Nicholls and Darren Bloor played for both clubs in the pre super League era. The list could certainly go on as there are many more. Alex Murphy and Shaun McRae have coached both sides.

A match to remember, Premiership final, Saturday 22nd May 1976

St. Helens 15 Salford 2. Station Road Swinton.

A gloriously hot sunny afternoon at Swinton’s Station Road ground saw the two best sides of 1976 go head to head in the Premiership Final.

Salford had been crowned League Champions after finishing a point above second place Featherstone Rovers after a frantic finish to the season.

St. Helens had beaten Widnes at Wembley in The Challenge Cup final by 20-5 just a few weeks earlier. Both sides were in good form, Salford had beaten Hull Kingston Rovers and Wakefield, while St. Helens had knocked Wigan and Leeds out in the previous rounds respectively.

St. Helens full back Geoff Pimblett on the burst.

It was a real bruising encounter with both sides defending stoutly through the first half. Salford’s David Watkins drop goal the only point of the first half.

Watkins dropped another goal in the second half to put Salford into a 0-2 lead.

Saints finished the game strongly with tries from Eric Chisnall and Tony Karalius. Wembley hero Peter Glynn who had come on as a substitute in the Challenge Cup final to score two tries grabbed an important try in this match to dash Salford’s hopes. Full back Geoff Pimblett kicked three goals and St. Helens won the Premiership Trophy 15-2.

Colin Dixon halts Saints prop Mel James.

Saints forward George Nicholls claimed the Harry Sunderland Trophy as man of the match in front of a packed crowd of 18,082.

The teams that day;

Salford, David Watkins, Keith Fielding, Maurice Richards, Chris Hesketh, Gordon Graham, John Butler, Steve Nash, Mike Coulman, Dean Raistrick, Billy Sheffield, John Knighton, Colin Dixon, Eric Prescott. Sub, Sammy Turnbull.

St. Helens, Geoff Pimblett, Les Jones, Peter Glynn, Derek Noonan, Ray Mathias, Billy Benyon, Jeff Heaton, John Mantle, Tony Karalius, Mel James, George Nicholls, Eric Chisnall, Kel Coslett. Sub, Kenneth Gwilliam.

Referee, M.J Naughton (Widnes).

St. Helens went on to play Eastern Suburbs who were the Australian champions ,in the very first World Club Challenge. Thinking back that should of been Salford’s honour and does seem strange that St. Helens got the opportunity.

Eastern Suburbs are now the Sydney City Roosters. It’s quite ironic the Roosters won the Australian Grand final last weekend and now await Salford or St. Helens in The World Club Challenge at the start of next season.

For the record Eastern Suburbs beat St. Helens at the Sydney Cricket ground 25-2 on the 29th June 1976.

Saturday’s match.

Their is no doubt the talent and quality that Justin Holbrook’s St. Helens side posses. Just three defeats in the regular season saw the Saints storm to the League Leaders shield finishing sixteen points above second place Wigan. A comfortable 40-10 victory over Wigan in the playoffs paved the way for St. Helens to progress to Old Trafford in emphatic fashion.

The two sides have met twice this season with Salford giving a great account of themselves in both fixtures. Who could forget that pulsating match in May which saw the Red Devils go 16-0 down before a tremendous effort scoring thirty unanswered points. Saints broke Salford hearts yet again with a last gasp try to snatch the victory 32-30. St Helens also came out on top back in February at the AJ Bell Stadium with a hard fought 4-26 win.

Saints star Johnny Lomax.

Saturday’s contest should be absolutely fascinating. Salford have proved this season that they can really defend when a team throws the kitchen sink at them. St. Helens have all the pace and attacking flair to cause any team problems. Johnny Lomax has been outstanding this year for Saints who have so many quality, stand out players. Lachlan Coote, Mark Percival, Regan Grace, Tommy Makinson and Theo Fages to name a few, in what looks a devastating back line. The forward pack is equally as impressive with man mountain Alex Walmersley, Luke Thompson and Matty Lees. The evergreen James Roby has a wealth of big game experience having played in seven Grand Finals throughout his illustrious career.

Salford have earned plenty of plaudits for their defence this year but attack has been a real strong point playing some fantastic entertaining Rugby League. The Red Devils racked up 783 points in the regular season, second only to St. Helens who notched a magnificent 916.

Salford have plenty of players who can cause damage with forwards Gil Dudson and Lee Mossop In blockbusting form.

Gil Dudson is in fantastic form.

Joey Lussick has scored some priceless tries this season from dummy half and centre Kris Welham is playing the best rugby of his career. Newly crowned Man Of Steel Jackson Hastings has helped breath a belief and confident swagger in to this Salford side. Their work ethic and ethos is remarkable. St. Helens May very well start as favourites but this Salford Red Devils team isn’t scared of anyone. With a huge fanatical support ready to roar them on anything seems possible.

It’s 43 years since Salford’s last major trophy, since then the loyal supporters haven’t had much to shout or dream about. In 2019 though they have a team and club to be proud of. Everyone is talking about Salford Rugby League club for the right reasons and it’s very special to be part of.

The action gets under way at 6pm

Safe travels and enjoy the match everyone. Cherish the whole day and God Bless.

Paul Whiteside 

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

Grand Final Preview SALFORD RED DEVILS V ST HELENS PREVIEW DITD

As I write this preview I am still coming to terms with the fact that Salford have made the Grand Final. I think I’ve been in a state of shock for the last few days as it’s not quite sunk in. I’ve always hoped one day we would reach Wembley and Old Trafford but I never thought for one minute it would be this season.

This is no fluke though, Ian Watson, his staff and players have been magnificent this season. Form was a bit on the patchy side in the early stages and particularly around the Magic Weekend. The last two months however have been the most enjoyable in my years watching our beloved club. Watto continues to defy the odds, his character and humbleness has caught they eye of the sport of Rugby League. Salford Red Devils are making friends and followers throughout the game and it’s a joy to see. The amount of good luck messages from other clubs has been quite heart warming and sometimes overwhelming. 2019 has been a fantastic story so far but it’s been far from plain sailing but Watto continues to take everything in his stride.

Last Friday’s victory at Wigan was definitely a sweet one after being on the wrong end of defeats in that particular fixture for decades. A few weeks ago my dad told me it was 51 years since his first match away to Wigan at Central Park in 1968. Driving home on Friday night he whispered to me that what he had just witnessed could possibly be the best win he’s seen. Salford didn’t just beat Wigan they controlled the match from minute one to eighty. The Warriors are the reigning champions, a powerhouse club in the sport. The Red Devils completely dismantled them. Roared on by a tremendous following of supporters, the atmosphere was electric. It was a night I’ll never forget.

Our club now deserves to be on the big stage at Old Trafford showing the world what we are all about. It’s a huge stage, a monumental night that could and I believe will change the club forever.

It’s been fascinating seeing the club in every aspect of the media. Newspaper coverage, television, radio and social media has been absolutely buzzing with this real feel good story.

Who would of thought on that bitterly cold night in Huddersfield on the first day of February that eight months later the season would climax at The Theatre of Dreams!

Salford and St. Helens Championship wins.

Salford 6 Championships.

1913/14 Championship winners

1932/33 Championship winners

1936/37 Championship winners

1938/39 Championship winners

1973/74 First Division Champions

1975/76 First Division Champions

St. Helens 13 Championships.

1931/32 Championship winners

1952/53 Championship winners

1958/59 Championship winners

1965/66 Championship winners

1969/70 Championship winners

1970/71 Championship winners

1974/75 First Division Champions

1996 Super League Champions

1999 Super League Champions

2000 Super League Champions

2002 Super League Champions

2006 Super League Champions

2014 Super League Champions

They played for both.

Over the years there has been so much player movement between the two clubs. The town of St Helens is a real hot bed of the game with some fantastic amateur set ups including Thatto Heath, Blackbrook and Clock Face. In the Super League era Matty Smith, Jordan Turner, Lama Tasi, Tommy Lee and Theo Fages have all moved to Saints from Salford. Willie Talu, Tony Puletua, Francis Meli, Mark Edmondson, Matty Ashurst, Andrew Dixon, Danny Arnold, Alan Hunte, Josh Jones, Bobbie Goulding, Lee Gaskell ,Paul Forber, Mark Lee, Jake Emmitt and Anthony Stewart to name a few in recent years to represent both sides.

Eric Prescott, Paul Groves, Paul Brownbill, John Mantle, Ken Gwilliam, George Nicholls and Darren Bloor played for both clubs in the pre super League era. The list could certainly go on as there are many more. Alex Murphy and Shaun McRae have coached both sides.

A match to remember, Premiership final, Saturday 22nd May 1976

St. Helens 15 Salford 2. Station Road Swinton.

A gloriously hot sunny afternoon at Swinton’s Station Road ground saw the two best sides of 1976 go head to head in the Premiership Final.

Salford had been crowned League Champions after finishing a point above second place Featherstone Rovers after a frantic finish to the season.

St. Helens had beaten Widnes at Wembley in The Challenge Cup final by 20-5 just a few weeks earlier. Both sides were in good form, Salford had beaten Hull Kingston Rovers and Wakefield, while St. Helens had knocked Wigan and Leeds out in the previous rounds respectively.

It was a real bruising encounter with both sides defending stoutly through the first half. Salford’s David Watkins drop goal the only point of the first half.

Watkins dropped another goal in the second half to put Salford into a 0-2 lead.

Saints finished the game strongly with tries from Eric Chisnall and Tony Karalius. Wembley hero Peter Glynn who had come on as a substitute in the Challenge Cup final to score two tries grabbed an important try in this match to dash Salford’s hopes. Full back Geoff Pimblett kicked three goals and St. Helens won the Premiership Trophy 15-2.

Saints forward George Nicholls claimed the Harry Sunderland Trophy as man of the match in front of a packed crowd of 18,082.

The teams that day;

Salford, David Watkins, Keith Fielding, Maurice Richards, Chris Hesketh, Gordon Graham, John Butler, Steve Nash, Mike Coulman, Dean Raistrick, Billy Sheffield, John Knighton, Colin Dixon, Eric Prescott. Sub, Sammy Turnbull.

St. Helens, Geoff Pimblett, Les Jones, Peter Glynn, Derek Noonan, Ray Mathias, Billy Benyon, Jeff Heaton, John Mantle, Tony Karalius, Mel James, George Nicholls, Eric Chisnall, Kel Coslett. Sub, Kenneth Gwilliam.

Referee, M.J Naughton (Widnes).

St. Helens went on to play Eastern Suburbs who were the Australian champions ,in the very first World Club Challenge. Thinking back that should of been Salford’s honour and does seem strange that St. Helens got the opportunity.

Eastern Suburbs are now the Sydney City Roosters. It’s quite ironic the Roosters won the Australian Grand final last weekend and now await Salford or St. Helens in The World Club Challenge at the start of next season.

For the record Eastern Suburbs beat St. Helens at the Sydney Cricket ground 25-2 on the 29th June 1976.

Saturday’s match.

Their is no doubt the talent and quality that Justin Holbrook’s St. Helens side posses. Just three defeats in the regular season saw the Saints storm to the League Leaders shield finishing sixteen points above second place Wigan. A comfortable 40-10 victory over Wigan in the playoffs paved the way for St. Helens to progress to Old Trafford in emphatic fashion.

The two sides have met twice this season with Salford giving a great account of themselves in both fixtures. Who could forget that pulsating match in May which saw the Red Devils go 16-0 down before a tremendous effort scoring thirty unanswered points. Saints broke Salford hearts yet again with a last gasp try to snatch the victory 32-30. St Helens also came out on top back in February at the AJ Bell Stadium with a hard fought 4-26 win.

Saints star Johnny Lomax.

Saturday’s contest should be absolutely fascinating. Salford have proved this season that they can really defend when a team throws the kitchen sink at them. St. Helens have all the pace and attacking flair to cause any team problems. Johnny Lomax has been outstanding this year for Saints who have so many quality, stand out players. Lachlan Coote, Mark Percival, Regan Grace, Tommy Makinson and Theo Fages to name a few, in what looks a devastating back line. The forward pack is equally as impressive with man mountain Alex Walmersley, Luke Thompson and Matty Lees. The evergreen James Roby has a wealth of big game experience having played in seven Grand Finals throughout his illustrious career.

Salford have earned plenty of plaudits for their defence this year but attack has been a real strong point playing some fantastic entertaining Rugby League. The Red Devils racked up 783 points in the regular season, second only to St. Helens who notched a magnificent 916.

Salford have plenty of players who can cause damage with forwards Gil Dudson and Lee Mossop In blockbusting form.

Gil Dudson is in fantastic form.

Joey Lussick has scored some priceless tries this season from dummy half and centre Kris Welham is playing the best rugby of his career. Newly crowned Man Of Steel Jackson Hastings has helped breath a belief and confident swagger in to this Salford side. Their work ethic and ethos is remarkable. St. Helens May very well start as favourites but this Salford Red Devils team isn’t scared of anyone. With a huge fanatical support ready to roar them on anything seems possible.

It’s 43 years since Salford’s last major trophy, since then the loyal supporters haven’t had much to shout or dream about. In 2019 though they have a team and club to be proud of. Everyone is talking about Salford Rugby League club for the right reasons and it’s very special to be part of.

The action gets under way at 6pm

Safe travels and enjoy the match everyone. Cherish the whole day and God Bless.

Paul Whiteside 

Pictures by Steve McCormick