Salford v London DITD Match report

ROCK SOLID REDS PASS LONDON TEST.

After last weeks excellent start to the season Salford Red Devils were perhaps slight favourites for today’s match against London. The Broncos themselves pulled of a tremendous victory in round one of Super League coming from behind against a much fancied Wakefield Trinity side.

Danny Ward’s men scored eight tries last week underlining there attacking threat. Another chilly afternoon awaited the two sides at kick off with the thought of Summer Rugby still a few months away. It is still very much big coat and bobble hat weather. The Broncos came up with an early error spilling the ball in front of there own posts. There defence stood strong though in the early stages with Salford throwing a lot at them on attack.

The Red Devils continued to push forward with relentless pressure. Jackson Hastings short kicking game became a little predictable with London reading the plays well. The dead lock was broken after 20 minutes. Gil Dudson with some fantastic defensive work to force a drop out. Neat work from Josh Jones followed to send Ken Sio over for his third try of the season. Hastings took on the kicking duties and got off to a fine start, 6-0.

Salford were on the front foot now but still London’s stubbornness was hard to break down. Sio almost grabbed his second try just before the break but referee James Child brought play back for a forward pass. If The Red Devils had any nerves they were soon disbursed on there first attack of the second half. A sublime kick through from Niall Evalds, perfectly placed for Hastings to pounce for a super try under the posts. Salford’s scrum half again successful with the boot, 12-0.

London continued to battle with some solid defence and Danny Ward’s side showed glimpses of the pace they have on the edges. Salford had to be mindful of the threat from speedsters Kieron Dixon and Elliot Kear. Hastings added a penalty goal on 55 minutes to extend the advantage to 14-0.

Kris Welham was again a rock in defence before making a thrilling break down the right wing. His clever kick through for Derrell Olpherts forcing a goal line drop out. Salford camped on the Broncos line once again, at times though Ian Watson’s men tended to over play with perhaps to many passes.

Evalds put the game to bed in the right place at the right time as usual to touch down for his fourth try in two games. Lee Mossop went to the send bin with 5 minutes remaining before Josh Jones got a well deserved try in the final minute. Jackson Hastings kicking 4 out of five conversions. London certainly gave Salford a stern test. The Red Devils are back at The AJ Bell Stadium next Sunday to face Leeds Rhinos. Speaking after the match Ian Watson was delighted with his sides defensive effort. “Winning our first two is a good confidence boost going into the Leeds game, we need to show our true colours in a big game environment next week”

Final score Salford 24 London 0 Paul Whiteside.

Pictures by Steve McCormick