Hull 18 Salford 54 Match Report

  

Salford put on a stunning 10 try performance against Hull FC last night, Here is Paul Whitesides view on this game which will live long in the memory.

Salford travelled to Humberside in search of there first league win at hull FC since a 15-20 success in January 1995! Confidence was flowing through the team after three good victories and a top display last week against St. Helens.

It was a nervy opening for Salford with Jamie Shaul busting through before Mark Sneyds pin point kick was palmed on to Steve Michaels for the opening try of the game. Sneyds kicked the goal and it was  6-0 Hull.

Hull then get back to back penalties and cautiously take the two points to edge there lead to 8-0.

Salford hit back when Logan Tomkins scoots from dummy half setting Robert Lui up for a fine try. Michael Dobson kicks the goal 8-6.

 

With 18 minutes gone the penalty count is stacking against Salford when referee Gareth Hewer put the Red Devil's on a team warning. Despite that Salford were over again though Mark Flanagan found Gareth O Brien with a lovely pass and with his soft hands send Greg Johnson over in the corner. Dobson couldnt convert but Salford lead 8-10.

The Red Devil's started to really up the tempo, Lui's clever kick trapped Shaul in goal. Salford started to attack with real menace Logan Tomkins put Craig kopzack over  and with the conversion by Dobson Salford lead 8-16. 

The tenth penalty of the game after 25 minutes sees Hull put on a team warning. Salford took full advantage making the pressure tell when Kopczack stumbles over the line. O Brien kicks the goal and it's 8-22. Another attack happened and Sau powered over as Salford looked unstoppable with ball in hand O Brien can't convert 8-26.

 

Mark Sneyd is sin binned with 5 minutes of the first half remaining and Salford took full advantage Kris Welham sent Greg Johnson over. Robert Lui was tremendous, dangerous with the ball and his clever kicking punished Hull. There is time for another score just before the break when Tomkins throws a wonderful pass to Junior Sau who sends Justin Carney over the travelling support sent into ecstasy. O Brien can't convert but Salford lead 8-34 at half time.

 

Hull started the second half looking to get back into the game and with two quick tries from Shaul and Michaels the Red Devil's were pegged back to 18-34. Salford had to dig in and weather a real storm as the hone side start to off load and look dangerous.

Just before the hour mark Todd Carney entered the fray with Rob Lui moving to hooker. Justin Carney is sin binned while in possession from punching at what looks a crucial stage of the match. 

Todd Carney sends a fine pass out to Greg Johnson who cuts in field and it's Robert Lui who puts Michael Dobson in to extinguish any hopes of a Hull comeback. The kick is successful to steady the ship at 18-40. 

 

There was another thrilling Salford break from Ben Murdoch Masila, Greg Johnson was stopped just short and Shaul was sinbinned for holding down. O Brien wisely takes the two points on offer to take the sting out of the march 18-42.

 Salford are not done scoring yet and continue to move the ball with superb fluidity. George Griffin galloping through a huge gap in the hull defence 18-48! Finally Murdoch Masila puts the icing on the Salford cake bursting through to score in the corner where the Salford faithful are gathered. O Brien kicks the goal 18-54! 

A superb ten try demolition of Hull FC.

Speaking after the game Salford's coach Ian Watson was cautious and knows there is a lot of hard work to be done! There were patches in the match where Salford can improve and a tough Good Friday game against local rivals Leigh awaits! 

After plenty of big defeats at hull FC over the years it was great to turn the tables tonight! The momentum is building and the manner of this victory will make the rest of the Super League sit up and take note of the wonderful work Ian Watson and his staff are doing! 

Final score Hull FC 18 Salford 54

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

 

Your listening to this weeks podcast. Ryan Wilkinson. joins the boys to talk about all things Salford Red Devils, We look back at our great win v St Helens with Gaz Obrien, George GrIffin and Lami Tasi and Ian Watson in coaches corner, Review all the big stories of the week including the return of Robbie Hunter Paul. Paul Whiteside looks at what our amateur sides have been upto this week.

Big Match preview Hull FC v Salford Red Devils

 

Salford Red Devil's travel to Hull FC on Friday night and it promises to be a fascinating encounter. Check out Dan Robinson's preview below where he thinks the game could be won and lost.

Form guide

 

Previous meetings

 

Battles

 

Michael Dobson v Mark Sneyd

Both halfbacks have had great starts to the season, Marc Sneyd in particular after coming under criticism by ex Great Britain and Leeds halfback Garry Schofield, proving against Huddersfield that he has what it takes by scoring a hat trick and adding several goals to his tally. Michael Dobson this season has been the nucleus behind the majority of Salfords performances.

 Dobbo will have to be at his best on Friday along with Rob Lui as they face a battle to retain their starting places with the arrival of Todd Carney which will give head coach Ian Watson a selection headache. Dobson surely ahead in the selection stakes having been Salford's main man this year orchestrating some brilliant try's and most recently taking over the goal kicking duties from Gareth O'Brien.

 

Josh Jones v Josh Griffin

Some fans were under the impression that Jones signed for Salford signalling the end was near for the ex St. Helens man, oh were they proved wrong, from the outset Jones has quite clearly been Salfords go to man this year proving that he still has what it takes by leading the Salford pack along with BMM to ensure that Salford have a solid foundation for the likes of Dobbo, Rob Lui and Todd Carney to play off. 

He has also shown his versatility by playing in the centres and being just as handy as he is there as he is in the second row. Ex Salford man Josh Griffin proved last year whilst playing some of his best rugby with the reds that he can be a handful for any defender and has carried on his form at Hull this year.

 

Craig Kopczak v Scott Taylor 

Kopczak recently signed a new 3 year deal with The Reds and celebrated with a try against St Helens, Craig is steadily proving to be one of the best ball carriers in the super league being one of Salfords best options for go forward whether it's in the starting line up or off the bench as an impact player. Craig is model professional and his attitude towards all aspects of the game will make him a role model for the younger generation of Red Devil fans that aspire to one day play for the mighty Red Devil's.

Scott Taylor like his team mate and ex Salford man Griffin proved last season that he can be a real handful for any defence in the super league and has continued to prove that during his time at Hull. His performance on Friday night will  need to be a big one if he is to be victorious Friday night

Squads

 

 

Your listening to this weeks podcast. Ryan Wilkinson. joins the boys to talk about all things Salford Red Devils, We look back at our great win v St Helens with Gaz Obrien, George GrIffin and Lami Tasi and Ian Watson in coaches corner, Review all the big stories of the week including the return of Robbie Hunter Paul. Paul Whiteside looks at what our amateur sides have been upto this week as we preview the mouth watering clash with Hull on Friday night