Salford v Hull KR Match report DITD

End of season matches can sometimes been quite disappointing with nothing really on the line. This one though had everything to play for with both sides at different ends of the table. A win for Salford would guarantee fourth place but depending on the Warrington result The Red Devil’s could even snatch third from the Wolves. Hull Kr were one of four teams level on twenty points desperately fighting to avoid relegation. For the final round of the regular Super League season their were still so many permutations to how the final table would look.

Gil Dudson was missing for Salford after an injury picked up last Friday at Headingley. The Welshman has been ever present this season so far, becoming a huge favourite with the supporters. Hopefully he will be back in action for the playoffs. 

Dudson’s absence paved the way for Josh Johnson to return to a side bristling with confidence. It’s well over forty years since Salford won seven top flight games on the spin. Looking back over those matches most of them haven’t just been won, they’ve have been emphatic, with Ian Watson’s men taking their opponents apart!

It’s hard to describe how on loan Salford prop Daniel Murray was feeling prior to kick off. Murray lined up for the Robins against his parent club. On the flip side Ryan Lannon started on the bench for Salford on loan from Hull kr. To their credit both have been thoroughly professional about the situation and deserve huge praise for their performances in this match.

The opening stages were very cagey, Rovers played the percentage game trying not to show their hand. Jackson Hastings came close but was held up over the line by some stout defence.

The first points went to the visitors, Josh Drinkwater raced in after Salford were bust up down the middle. Ryan Shaw converted 0-6.

The Red Devil’s finally crossed for a try in the 32nd minute. Danny McGuire was sin binned for a professional foul as Hastings and Niall Evalds broke clear. McGuire held Evalds back from an offside position.

On the next set Hastings produced a wonderful pass to set Jake Bibby up to touch down out wide. Krisnan Inu dragged his conversion slightly wide, 4-6.

On the stroke of half time Shaw added a penalty goal from around 35 yards out to edge Rovers further in front at 4-8.

The Robins fully deserved the lead having battled hard in defence and chanced their arm in attack.

Salford struck first at the start of the second half. Tui Lolohea scoring a nice try close to the posts. Inu made a porridge of what looked a fairly simple conversion. 5 minutes later Inu confidently booted home a penalty goal from 40 yards out to give Salford the lead for the first time in the match.

Rovers wouldn’t lie down though and it was former Salford forward Weller Hauraki who’s neat flick pass produced another thrilling break. This time centre Kane Linnett raced to the line to score with Shaw again accurate as ever with the kick, 10-14.

With ten minutes remaining Shaw added another penalty goal that looked to have finally sunk Salford. Moments later Rovers went for a drop goal to make the game safe but somehow it was charged down.

After a modest and somewhat mediocre 70 minutes Salford started to spring into life. The pressure mounted on the visitors with repeat sets. Clinging on for their Super League lives Rovers did everything possible to repel the onslaught.

With just forty seconds remaining Joey Lussick charged at a very weary defence to crash over. The south stand roof almost came off with the huge roar and frantic scenes of celebration. Inu had to kick to draw the scores level and he made no mistake, 16-16.

Golden point extra time followed, two halves of five minutes with first team to score winning the match. The first five minutes were a stalemate. Both sides keeping a poker face. As the clock counted down in the second period of extra time Inu calmly slotted over Salford’s first drop goal of the season to snatch the victory 17-16.

Eight wins on the trot now for the Red Devil’s and a regular season league position of third place. Our highest league finish since the 1975/76 championship winning year. A remarkable achievement for such a small squad.

Salford will now visit Wigan Warriors in the playoffs next week. A fixture that coach Ian Watson is relishing. “ We need to be tough next week, it won’t be for the faint hearted put it that way”. Speaking about the first half Watson said, “we were flat, they were first to everything, their last plays were better than ours, their kick chase was better and all the little effort areas. Keeping it simple in the second half the boys turned the tide and got the result.”

Wigan Away next Friday promises to be another fantastic away trip with Salford supporters sure to be travelling in big numbers, another match not to be missed in this wonderful season.

Salford 17 Hull kr 16

Paul Whiteside.

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

Sportszone Hull Kr V Salford Red Devils Magic Weekend

Salford v Hull Kingston Rovers.

Salford’s first few adventures at the Magic Weekend saw some disappointing defeats. Two drubbings in Edinburgh against Warrington in 2007 and 2010 were followed by a shocking performance in Cardiff against Celtic Crusaders in 2011. 

I suppose their are pros and cons with the whole event but speaking as a Salford supporter I always treat the match as another two points the same as a regular season home or away match. It’s certainly a chance to play on a big stage in front of a sizeable crowd. For the past four years the Magic Weekend has been held in Newcastle which many fans have enjoyed. St James’s Park is right in the heart of the City Centre which added to the carnival atmosphere.

This year sees the weekend move to Anfield stadium in Liverpool.

After a thrilling encounter last weekend away at St Helens in a match that you will struggle to top for the rest of the season, certainly for shear excitement and end to end action. Agonisingly Ian Watson’s side came up just short but the amount of positives that can be taken from that match will surely stand The Red Devils in good stead for the rest of the campaign.

Salford have proved this year that when they get things right they can beat anyone and with the eyes of Rugby League on them this Sunday the players will want to impress. 

Super League Magic Weekend Record.

Won 4

Draws 0

Lost 7

2007, Salford 18  Warrington 50   Murrayfield, Edinburgh 

2009, Salford 16  Harlequins 24   Murrayfield, Edinburgh 

2010, Salford 16  Warrington 68   Murrayfield, Edinburgh 

2011, Salford 12  Celtic Crusaders 42  millennium stadium, Cardiff

2012, Salford 38  Huddersfield 34   Etihad Stadium, Manchester 

2013, Salford 28  Widnes 22  Etihad Stadium, Manchester 

2014, Salford 24  Widnes 30  Etihad Stadium, Manchester 

2015, Salford 16  Widnes 38 St James’s Park, Newcastle 

2016, Salford 18  Widnes 12  St James’s Park, Newcastle 

2017, Salford 36  Leigh 22  St James’s Park, Newcastle 

2018, Salford 12  Catalans Dragons 26 St James’s Park, Newcastle 

They played for both 

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

Greg Austin, Colin Dixon, 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, Kris Welham and Todd Carney.

A match to remember Sunday 27th May 2012.

Salford 38 Huddersfield 34.

After four straight miserable defeats at Magic this was a day to remember for Salford and their supporters. Long trips to Edinburgh and Cardiff had been huge let downs with heavy defeats. This match in 2012 was played a little closer to home at The Etihad Stadium, the home of Manchester City.

It was a lovely, warm and sunny afternoon with glorious temperatures, particularly at pitch side. 

Salford had gone six matches without a victory and went in to the match as under dogs. The Giants were a big, athletic team with plenty of power and pace in the backs. With talisman Danny Brough guiding them Huddersfield were a tough team to beat. 

Salford made the early running and Australian centre Joel Moon made that pressure count when he touched down following Jodie Broughton's unorthodox palm back of the ball. 

Kevin Brown and Luke George responded with tries for The Giants.

Salford then worked the ball from right to left through the halves and Luke Patten slipped the ball to Moon unopposed for his second score.

The Reds extended the lead with a nice try from centre Sean Gleason.

Speedster Broughton squeezed in for another Salford try just before the break to send Phil Veivers side in leading 16-22 at half time.

Leroy Cudjoe had a try chalked off by referee Tim Roby but this only seem to hand the momentum to Huddersfield. Two tries from the enormous Eorl Crabtree edged the Yorkshire side in to the lead.

Salford kept persevering and were rewarded with a try for their honest endeavour when Moon maintained his balance under pressure and offloaded to Broughton who raced in for his second to bring the scores within two as Holdsworth fluffed his conversion attempt.

Adam Sidlow powered over from a neat Stuart Howarth which saw the lead change hands in to Salford’s favour again. 

Huddersfield yet again showed their quality when a dummy half break from Jason Chan put Brough in under the posts and he stepped up to convert.

It was end to end nail biting action. The match balanced on a knife edge.

Salford's seventh try restored the lead yet again. Sidlow, who crossed for a second time to again open up the four-point gap with three minutes to play.

The big forward smashing his way to the line showing tremendous strength.

The Giants spurned late chances with Salford hanging on to win a super match 38-34.

The teams that day;

Huddersfield: Eden, McGillvary, Cudjoe, Wardle, George, Grix, Brough, Mason, Moore, Ferguson, Lawrence, Chan, Brown.

Replacements: Crabtree, Robinson, Fa'alogo, Faiumu.

Salford: Patten, Broughton, Moon, Gleeson, Williams, Holdsworth, Smith, Jewitt, Howarth, Sidlow, Ashurst, Nero, Wild.

Replacements: Owen, Anderson, Paleaaesina, McPherson.

Referee: Tim Roby 

Sunday’s match.

The two sides met just a few weeks ago in The Challenge Cup with Hull Kingston Rovers progressing to the Quarter Finals. Salford’s performance was poor particularly in the second half where a 16-6 lead was surrendered.

With London Broncos picking up a victory last weekend The Robins are dangerously hovering near the relegation zone. London, Leeds and Hull Kr all have eight points and with the Rhinos meeting the Broncos this very weekend, Super League could have a new team rooted to the foot of the table.

The two sides will kick off day two with the action getting under way at 1pm.

Victory for Salford puts them in real contention for a top half finish in the League table. With the Super eights from last season now a top five playoff only the most consistent sides will make the cut.

The Magic Weekend is a real feast of Rugby League and after last weekend’s Summer Bash proving a real success at Blackpool for The clubs in the Championship, The Super League now takes centre stage. 

Safe travels and enjoy the game everyone.

Paul Whiteside.

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

Salford 24 v Hull KR 14

 

The Road to Wembley is being followed by Salford and with the win against Hull KR yesterday a Wembley appearance is getting closer. Paul Whiteside looks back at another win.

Challenge Cup fever arrived at the AJ Bell stadium with Tim Sheens Hull Kingston Rovers the visitors. The Robins arrived in high spirits currently sitting top of the championship. The first half got under way at a real fast pace. 

Rovers made a early break showing Salford the speed they possess. The Red Devil's first real chance came on the back of some good powerful running from Lami Tasi and Ben Murdoch Masila laying the platform for Robert Lui to work his magic. Lui's neat kick through looked to provide a try for the in form Kris Welham but he was unluckily denied by the video referee. 

The opening points deservingly come for the Robins  when from a set scrum Shaun Lunt races sixty yards  on the blind side to score a try. Jamie Ellis adds the goal 0-6.

Shortly after Lunt tries his luck blind side from another scrum and Salford are caught asleep again! It's poetry in motion for the experienced rovers hooker who darts over for his second try.Ellis adds the goal 0-12.

 

The visitors then extended there lead to 0-14 with a penalty goal to add to Salford's frustration. Just before half time there was a chink of light for the Red Devil's as Ryan Lannon collected Micheal Dobson's grubber to score. The Salford scrum half converted the goal and it was 6-14 at the break.

Whatever Ian Watson said to his side at the break they certainly took note. Craig Kopczack charging through showing great pace to stand the full back up for a super try. Dobson's goal pegs the score back to 12-14. Salford came out firing and wave after wave attack the rovers line continued.

The pressure was relentless and the Hull Kingston Rovers cracked when the excellent Kris Brining raced away from a set scrum to put Salford in front for the first time. Dobson couldnt convert at 16-14. 

The game is still on a knife edge with a tremendous atmosphere in the stadium. Lannon bursts through and showed great speed,  some how the cover defence caught him just short of the line. Rovers laid on too long and Butler Fleming was sin binned. Dobson wisely takes the two points on offer and it's 18-14 Salford.

 

Kris Welham again had a superb game. His clever kick through and willingness in defence forced a drop out. From the next play Murdoch Masila went close only to be denied by the video referee. 

 

The Rovers continue to battle away and after Tasi is penalised for a high tackle a chance seems certain. Nerve jangling moments for the Red Devil's and all their supporters before a huge sigh of relief when Ben Cockyanes pass ended up in touch. Then came the match winning Salford play! 

Substitute Gareth O Brien put the high kick up which caused panic for Rovers Welham is on hand to calmly palm the ball back to Murdoch Masila who crashes over to send Salford in to the quarter finals of the Challenge Cup.

Michael Dobson kicks off the touch line to make the game safe.

 A real tough night for Salford who's Wembley dream lives on. Willie Poching was delighted with the second half defence, stating the 9 days before the next match against Leigh at the magic weekend is what the players need.

 Rest and preparation is vital now after a very busy period in the season. Final score Salford 24 Hull Kr 14.

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

 

Your listening to this weeks Devil in the Detail podcast all your Salford Red Devil's chat, Paul Parkin joins us for all the big news of the week, Adam Walne and Lami Tasi talk about the Wigan Win with Ian Watson and lots more Salford chat tune in.

Salford v Hull KR big match preview

 Salford Red Devils take on Hull Kingston Rovers in the challenge cup at the AJ Bell on Friday, Paul Parkin looks forward to the game in his big match preview

Battles

 

Battle 1 – Shaun Lunt v Logan Tomkins

Whoever is on the field at any time in the hooking role for the Red Devils is sure to have a hard challenge against Shaun Lunt. Whitehave born Lunt is both experienced, having made over 270 first grade appearances and featuring in no less than 3 challenge cup finals! A skilled and very dangerous dummy half is well capable of causing Salford huge problems with pacey burst of speed and a key eye for the try line. 

Fortunately for the Reds we are blessed with 2 very good hookers in both Logan Tomkins who is having an exception spell with his very high work rate and the ever-impressive Kris Brining who has already wowed Salford fans with his speed at the play-the-ball and eye for the try line.

 Battle 2 – Maurice Blair v Rob Lui

 

These two guys could hold the key to either team emerging triumphant from the game. Blair another hugely experienced player brought over from Australia in 2014 predominantly as a second rower but his versatility has meant that Rovers have been able to now use him at stand off. A big man for the role who’ll take some stopping but has very good hands to move the ball and Hull KR around the park, a real leader. 

Rob Lui has, at times this season, been unplayable, his stepping, weaving runs and clever creative play has been pivotal in the Red Devils march up the Super League this season.

 
  Battle 3 – Ben Cockayne v Gareth Obrien/ Niall Evalds

Yet again experience is the key and there can be many more experienced in the Rovers line-up than full back Ben Cockayne. A formidable opponent who always causes problems for opposing sides. In his second spell with the Robins he’ll surely be one of the key components to their swift return to Super League.

For the Reds, well a real dilemma for coach Ian Watson as to who gets the full back slot. Evalds bang in form following 2 stunning performances against Widnes and Wigan scoring 3 tries in the process. However how on earth do you leave out “The Saviour” a man who is synonymous with this fixture, his goal kicking (and drop goals of course) alone can with a game but in general play there can be very few better running around at the minute.

 

 
Previous encounters 

Previous Challenge Cup meetings (This century)

Fri 28th Feb 03

Hull KR 2 Salford 12

 

 

Last time we met

22nd July 2016

Hull KR 18 Salford 19

Salford were victorious in the million pound game against Hull KR. A Gaz O'Brien drop goal in extra time was enough to secure Salfords place in Super League for 2017 and condemning Rovers to Relegation.

 

Trading places?

Here’s a few players who have donned the colours of both sides.

Michael Dobson

Kris Welham

George Griffin

Iain Thornley

David Hodgson

Darrell Goulding

Chris Charles

Nick Pinkney

Greg Austin

Jack Feetham

 
Squads

 
 

Your listening to this weeks Devil in the Detail podcast all your Salford Red Devil's news and chat, Paul Parkin joins the boys to talk through all the big stories of the week. Lami Tasi and Adam Walne look back at the big win v Wigan. Ian Watson in in coaches corner, Paul Whiteside previews our local amateur clubs fixtures and results as we look forward to the cup game on Friday against Hull KR.