Derby Day defeat for Salford

Salford Red Devil’s were back in action at The AJ Bell Stadium against an in form Warrington Wolves. The wolves had claimed back to back victories over Easter beating Widnes last Thursday and then Castleford on the Monday.

Former Salford star Ben Murdoch Masila was missing through injury.

The Wolves came out firing in the opening stages, Toby King and Josh Charnley combining well exchanging passes before King touched down in the fourth minute. The video referee Robert Hicks awarded the try after checking for a foot in touch. Stefan Ratchford missed the conversion. 

Soon after Ratchford was involved again, his looping pass found Charnley who raced in at the corner. Ratchford hit the post this time with the conversion attempt. 0-8.

Warrington continued to dominate as Toby King came close to scoring his second try only for the quick thinking Junior Sau to beat him to a high kick.

Tyrone Roberts high kick caused panic as the Salford defenders allowed the ball to bounce. Roberts couldn’t believe his look as he cantered to the line for the wolves third try of the opening quarter.

Robert Lui playing at fullback for the injured Niall Evalds got Salford on the score sheet with an excellent try. Slicing through the Wolves defence to race to the line. Lui added the goal 6-14.

Lama Tasi made a thrilling break on the next set as Salford began to put Warrington under pressure. Unfortunately the support wasn’t there and the chance was gone.

As the second half got under way Ryan Lannon came up with a mistake deep in his own half. Salford’s defence held firm as Warrington tried to put the game to bed. Roberts, Ratchford and Kevin Brown pulling the strings Salford struggled to cope with the attacking options and off load game there visitors possessed. 

Jake Bibby had the crowd on there feet as he picked up a loose ball to go on a rampaging run down the touch line beating two defenders before being tackled. This seemed to lift the Red Devil’s and moments later Lui’s pin point kick found Bibby who only had to fall on the ball over the try line. Some how his in decision led to an error and blow a certain score.

Defences were definitely on top in the second half, the only try coming 8 minute from time as Ratchford turned creator again to put Brown through a gap to touch down. Ratchford converted to put the game beyond Salford at 6-20.

The former Salford favourite added a penalty goal in the 76th minute 6-22.

Salford’s effort and endeavour was there for all to see this afternoon. Losing Logan Tomkins late on this week was another blow for coach Ian Watson who with the smallest squad in Super League is certainly doing it tough at the moment. Ian thrives on challenges he faces and was in fine form after the match in a brutally honest press conference and interview.

Speaking to Ian after the game he said “we’ve got a team of fully committed lads who are working there backsides off for the club, we just lack that bit of quality to beat the top teams. We compete for large parts of the game.”

Salford’s spine has changed numerous times this season and the side is nowhere near as settled as this time last year. For the young players in The Salford side there learning valuable lessons at the moment.

It’s a much needed 8 day break now for The Red Devil’s who travel to Huddersfield Giants next Sunday, 3pm kick off.

Final score 

Salford 6 Warrington 22

Paul Whiteside.

Pictures by Steve McCormick 📸

Warrington 12 Salford 38 Match Report

 

Salford recorded a convincing win against Warrington on Bank Holiday Monday, Paul Whiteside looks back at a amazing win.

After Fridays heroics Salford travelled to Warrington in search of a first league double over the wolves since 2006. Ian Watson made a few changes with Todd Carney, Josh Wood and Jake Bibby coming in. Logan Tomkins, Micheal Dobson and kris welham were rested. 

It was a nervous opening with both sides completing their sets and not giving much away. Young Jake Bibby opened the scoring for Salford with a very well taken try under pressure. Gareth O Brien converting off the touch line 0-6.

On the next set of six things got even better for the Red Devil's when Todd Carney ghosted through finding Junior Sau who put Niall evalds over for a super try. O Brien kicking to extend the lead to 0-12. Shortly after that Carney and Sau combine again down Salford's left and Evalds got his second try the conversation was good 0-18.

 

The Wolves then lost Julien to the sin bin,this seemed to spur the home side on who enjoyed a good spell of pressure only to be denied by sensational Salford defence. 

Weller Hauraki was then sent to the sin bin for a professional foul. The Red Devil's defence became like the Alamo as Warrington threw everything at them as they became desperate for points. The lively Brad Dwyer eventually crossed with Patton converting 6-18. 

Two minutes before the break Robert Lui came up with a thrilling break. Ben Murdoch Masila was in support and the Wolves some how stopped the big man. On the next play Carney is at his creative best to send Sau over. O Brien agonisingly hits the post with the conversation. A fantastic first half ends 6-22. 

 The first action of the second half sees the prolific Niall evalds complete his hat trick 6-26 conversion missed.

 

Warrington don't seem to have an answer to Salford's attack as Robert Lui breaks through yet again. Carney kicks for Evalds who finishes superbly to grab his fourth try. O Brien converts to put Salford 6-32 up! The huge away following are delighted and continue to sing there hearts out.

Tom lineham finished well in the corner to give the wolves a crumb of comfort before the excellent O Brien kicks a 40/20! From the tap Daniel Murray runs very strong sucking in defenders before Kris Brining powers over from close range to complete a memorable afternoon for Salford. 

The season just keeps getting better for Ian Watson and this team of heroes. You really sense that anything is possible and the sky certainly is the limit for this group of players. 

Speaking to Willie Poching after the game he was very grounded and just focused on the next game which is Wakefield next Sunday. The momentum continues to build for Salford who are now enjoying the best season since 1980. 

As Hair cut 100 once sang, Fantastic Day!!! Final score Warrington 12 Salford 38.

 
 Your listening to this weeks pop up podcast all your Salford Red Devil's news and chat, we talk to Club Blogger David Clegg about how it's great being a Salford fan right now, Ian Watson, Rob Lui and more Tune in here.