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Monday, 10 February 2020

View from the commentary box - Salford Red Devil’s

Salford Red Devil’s recorded their 1st win of 2020 by beating Toronto Wolfpack at the AJ Bell Stadium 24-16.
It was a hard fought battle between two sides in front of a strong 4500 crowd as Salford came out on top.

The try of the game came from Ryhs Williams, the Welsh Salford winger collected the ball in his own 20 metres threw and dummy and ran fully 80 metres running around Toronto Fullback Gary Wheeler to score to the delight of the Salford faithful.

The other Salford backs were competitive throughout but Dan Sarginson stood out as man of the match for me.
The England Knight centre showed he has the ability to turn a game and was a constant thorn in the Toronto team throughout the game and came up with the crutial score late in the 2nd half to make the game safe for Salford.




The game can be viewed on RDTV in full, the clubs TV channel is becoming very popular and is a must for any fans wanting to get the inside scoop on what is happening at the club.

There were milestones to celebrate to within the squad with Salford prop forward Lee Mossop recording his 200th super league appearance, Niall Evalds scoring on his 150th game for Salford and Pauli Pauli’s 100th career performance which included a disallowed try for the big forward shows this squad is full of experience and quality.

Ian Watson will he happy how the team dealt with Toronto Wolfpack’s Sonny Bill Williams. The big New Zealand forward showed glimpses of class particularly in his 2nd spell on the field but Salford had him wrapped up most of the time.

The most heartwarming part of his performance was after with the crowds boosted by 900 school children from the local area that waited behind after the final hooter for a selfie and autograph. He may be a super star in both codes of the game but he is down to earth enough to realise that fans meeting their hero will create a memory that will live forever.

A youthful reserve team were also in action this weekend, they dodged the storm devouring the county and travelled  to Newcastle to Face the Thunder.
Unfortunately despite two tries from Connor Maccallum Danny Barton’s men went down to defeat 23-16.




It has been reported in the press that with prop Adam Walker taking time out away from the club for personal reasons and Ian Watson is in the market for a player to boost his squad it shows that Ian would like maybe one more player so the squad is ready for the challenges that are ahead. 

Huddersfield Giants are the next team to arrive at the AJ Bell Stadium on Friday night. With their last game against Leeds Rhinos postponed due to Storm Ciara they will have 80 minutes less in their tank which I feel is a disadvantage at this part of the season.

With Jordan Turner, Lee Gaskell and Adam Walne all involved at Huddersfield Giants it might add some extra spice to the contest.
Unfortunately Huddersfield prop forward Sebastian Ikahehefo will not be involved for Salford due to the term of his loan agreement between the two clubs.

It promises to be a facinating encounter. Confidence boosted the Salford Red Devil’s will be looking to make it 2 wins in 3 games in the 2020 season.

Pictures by Mike Inkley and Steve McCormick 
Blog by Rob Parkinson.


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