St Helens v Salford Red Devils Big match preview

St Helens v Salford 

Saturday 12th January 1980 seems a life time ago. So much has changed in sport and society in general but that’s how far you have to go back since Salford won this fixture. 

The Rubix cube had just made its debut at The International Toy Fair. New Romantics were taking over the pop charts and The British Steel Corporation had started a nationwide strike. Times were changing and so was the sport of Rugby League. Since Salford victory that day good performances in this fixture have certainly been hard to come by. 2007 and ten years later in 2017 were both heartbreaking for Salford and their supporters. Matty Smith kicking the decisive drop goals in both matches 27-26 and 25-24.

The 2017 match was a real bitter pill to swallow after Salford had lead 8-24 going in to the closing stages. It’s hard for me to say it but it was a remarkable comeback from a club that never seem to give in. “Never write off The Saints” as people say! 

Surly runs can’t go on forever can they? One things for certain Ian Watson’s men will have to be on the top of their game to have any chance in this fixture. This season has been a strange one so far for The Red Devils who have shown when then click in to gear they can beat anyone as we saw in Perpignan in March and at Warrington on Good Friday.

Super League away record.

St. Helens 22

Draws 0

Salford 0

1997  St. Helens 19 Salford 12

1998  St. Helens 48 Salford 12

1999  St. Helens 48 Salford 0

2000  St. Helens 46 Salford 22

2000  St. Helens 50 Salford 28

2001  St. Helens 66 Salford 16

2002  St. Helens 34 Salford 2

2004  St. Helens 40 Salford 4

2005  St. Helens 46 Salford 12

2006  St. Helens 28 Salford 6

2007  St. Helens 48 Salford 4

2007  St. Helens 27 Salford 26

2009  St. Helens 38 Salford 12

2010  St. Helens 58 Salford 34

2011  St. Helens 31 Salford 6 (played at Widnes)

2012  St. Helens 38 Salford 10

2013  St. Helens 14 Salford 10

2014  St. Helens 32 Salford 12

2015  St. Helens 32 Salford 12

2016  St. Helens 34 Salford 20

2017  St. Helens 25 Salford 24

2018  St. Helens 32 Salford 2

They played for both 

Over the years there has been so much player movement between the two clubs. The town of St Helens is a real hot bed of the game with some fantastic amateur set ups including Thatto Heath, Blackbrook and Clock Face. In the Super League era Matty Smith, Jordan Turner, Lama Tasi, Tommy Lee and Theo Fages have all moved to Saints from Salford. Willie Talu, Tony Puletua, Francis Meli, Mark Edmondson, Matty Ashurst, Andrew Dixon, Danny Arnold, Alan Hunte, Josh Jones, Bobbie Goulding, Lee Gaskell ,Paul Forber, Mark Lee, Jake Emmitt and Anthony Stewart to name a few in recent years to represent both sides.

Eric Prescott, Paul Groves, Paul Brownbill, John Mantle, Ken Gwilliam, George Nicholls and Darren Bloor played for both clubs in the pre super League era. The list could certainly go on as there are many more. Alex Murphy and Shaun McRae have coached both sides.

A match to remember 12th January 1980

St. Helens 17 Salford 18

After a successful period for Salford in the 1970s as the decade ended cracks were starting to appear. Players were moving on and some getting older but their was still some stalwarts at the club with Mike Coulman, Colin Dixon, Keith Fielding, Kenny Gill, Alan Grice, Steve Nash, Eric Prescott and Maurice Richards all on the playing roster. Between them they had tons of big game experience and hundreds of matches under their belts.

The 1979/80 season would go on to be modestly successful for Salford with a final league position of fourth. Top of the table at Christmas time and unbeaten in the league for the first few months of the season the supporters were dreaming of good times again. 

December 79 was a tough month and three defeats against three of the top sides of that period Bradford, Widnes and Hull Kr were a slight set back.

With young star hooker Paul O’Neil on international duty playing for Great Britain under 24s changes were made. Kevin Ashcroft came in at hooker for O’Neil and Sammy Turnbull played right centre. 

Scrum halves Dave Harris and Steve Nash were both injured so new signing John McAtee made his debut. 

Eric Prescott tackled everything putting in an all action display in the pack.

Mike Coulman ran the ball hard all afternoon against a very tough St. Helens pack that included terrific ball playing forward George Nicholls and big Powerful Eric Chisnall.

The game was nip and tuck all the way. Salford’s three tries came from Coulman, Prescott and Colin Whitfield. Goal kicking full back Steve Rule booted four conversions but the unlikely match winner was veteran hooker Kevin Ashcroft. His drop goal snatched it for Salford in what was a thrilling afternoon at Knowsley Road. 

The teams that day;

St. Helens, Brian Parkes, Les Jones, Clive Griffiths, Derek Noonan, Roy Mathias, 

Steve Peters, Johnny Smith, Mel James, Graham Liptrot, Eric Chisnall, Chris Seldon, Peter Gorley, George Nicholls. 

Subs, Denis Litherland and Roy Haggerty.

Salford, Steve Rule, Keith Fielding, Sam Turnbull, Colin Whitfield, Maurice Richards, Frank Wilson, John McAtee, Mike Coulman, Kevin Ashcroft, Tony Gourley, Chris Mcgreal, Stuart Williams, Eric Prescott.

Attendance, 4,111

Referee, Mr J.E. Smith. (Halifax) .

Friday’s match.

St. Helens have looked a step above the rest of the sides in Super League so far in 2019. Just one defeat in the south of France against Catalans Dragons is the only set back Justin Holbrook’s men have suffered. 

After a fantastic Easter Saints have eased up slightly in recent weeks. After a hard fought win at Hull Kr last Sunday’s Challenge Cup victory at Huddersfield was in the balance right until the final hooter.

One player who has really stood out for Saints in 2019 is star centre Kevin Naiqama. In his debut season he’s looked outstanding, with a superb off load and brilliant finishing ability. His lightning pace adds a little more quality to what is a frightening back line. Tommy Mackinson and Regan Grace are two of the most prolific wingers in the league.

The pack is quick, mobile and boasts plenty of size and aggression. 

Half backs Theo Fages and Johnny Lomax have been linking so well this season playing off that dominate pack. The whole team works like a well oiled machine. Efficient, reliable and relentless. St. Helens are going to take some stopping.

Salford’s defeat in The Challenge Cup last Saturday hit the supporters, Staff and players hard. A really disappointing performance, particularly in the second half were they had no answer to Hull Kingston Rovers dominance.

With Salford’s squad being a small one their isn’t many changes Ian Watson can make but it will be interesting to see the 19 man squad later in the week.

Watson continues to punch above his weight with really limited resources. He certainly has plenty to deal with but nothing seems to faze him. Jansin Turgut left the club last week under a cloud leaving the squad another man lighter.

With lots of rumours of players moving on next year and speculation here there and everywhere a positive performance and result on Friday would be very welcome.

Safe travels and enjoy the game everyone.

Paul Whiteside.

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

Salford 10 St Helens 60 Match Report

St. Helens arrived at The AJ Bell Stadium top of the Super League table and showed on the pitch tonight they certainly are the real deal. 

Tommy Makinson scored the opening try of the night after a slick Saints move. 

Salford’s Greg Johnson was then completely isolated and rooted to the ground trying to defend a high Danny Richardson kick. Johnson’s indecision allowing Dom Peyroux to touch down.

On the very next set the visitors cut Salford to pieces with there attacking options. Fantastic support play and perhaps a hint of obstruction as referee Chris Kendall asked for the video referee. The try was awarded to Ben Barba.

Niall Evalds came up with a mistake close to his own line as things went from bad to worse for Salford. Back to back sets was touch much for the Red Devil’s defence and with three defenders in close attention Ryan Morgan some how got the ball down.

Tyrone McCarthy powered over to get Salford on the score sheet. Jake shorrocks converting 6-22.

Salford’s night was then summed up. Josh Wood with an excellent piece of defence forced a drop out trapping Barba in goal. 

Wood off load moments later went straight to Barba who raced the length of the field to crush any Salford hopes of a victory. 

Saints substitute Matty Lees was shown the red card for a wreckless challenge on Niall Evalds. The Salford fullback didn’t return after unfortunately failing his concussion assessment.

The 12 men of Saints some how managed to create an over lap against Salford’s 13 players allowing Regan Grace to touch down.

Trailing 6-32 at the break Salford couldn’t stem the tide. Grace grabbed his second try before Chris Percival went over. Man of the moment Barba went in for his hat trick try off a clever kick through 6-48.

Former Salford star Theo Fages brought the 50 points up before Ryan Morgan grabbed a brace.

Kris Welham scored a try for Salford with almost the final play of the match.

A very disappointing performance after so much hard work the previous week. Things don’t get any easier for Ian Watson’s men with an away trip to Wigan next Friday. St. Helens were just to good tonight in every department.

Salford 10 St. Helens 60

Paul Whiteside.

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

Salford v St Helens Big match preview

A few weeks ago, looking at the fixture list and seeing Saint Helens coming to town, you could have been forgiven for not being overly optimistic as a Salford fan. Now though with back to back victories, a performance that Ian Watson labelled one of the best in three years and the Saints slipping up against Wakefield, there seems a new found optimism around the club and fans.

With The 38-4 demolition of Trinity fresh in the minds, Salford will be keen to press on with their performances and keep up the intensity they showed across nearly all the game on Friday last week.

With Rob Lui injured, however, Ian Watson will have to rely heavily on Jack Littlejohn as his only true half and hoping Mark Flanagan and Tyrone McCarthy can step up and provide some pivots as they did so ably last time out.

Saints in contrast have few injury concerns ahead of Thursday’s match, however the absence of James Roby could be important and is an area that Watto could potentially target.

Let’s look at those critical areas of the pitch that could make the difference in the head to heads:

Wood/Littlejohn V Fages/Smith

The Lui / Littlejohn axis was developing week on week, for Salford, but due to Rob Lui’s injury during the Wakefield game, it meant Wood and Flanagan doing a lot of work in the halves. It appeared that because of this, Littlejohn thrived on the opportunity and had his best game since arriving at the start of the season. Let’s hope his confidence continues into this match and Wood and other pivots can rely on him to control the game.

Give any team in super league room to play and you’ll be in a lot of trouble. This is no different for top scorers and league leaders St Helens. 

They have creativity all over the field, but the Salford defence cannot allow former Red Devils’ Matty Smith or Theo Fages any time or space on the ball, otherwise it could be a long evening for Salford players and fans alike.

Big Ben v Amor.

Ben Nakubuwai had another great performance last week, running hard and straight and barely missing a tackle. Salford will need every bit of that performance and more should they wish to get anything from this match. This area in particular is somewhere they have competed fiercely with any all all super league clubs so far this season and is one part of the field that they may have the edge this Thursday.

Kyle Amor got his name on the scoresheet for Saints last week during their hammering of  Huddersfield Giants. As with many in this confident Saints side, he is keen to offload when he sees an opportunity and this is something that Salford’s pack will need to nullify if they want to get something out of the game.

Evalds v Barba

With Gareth O’Brien gone, Niall Evalds has become an automatic first on the team sheet. His calmness under the high ball and his defensive positioning has been very impressive all season even during the losses he’s looked solid. He will be severely tested again on Thursday, the expectation on him to perform is testament to how much his game has improved over the last 2 seasons.

It’s not an understatement to say that Ben Barba has lit up Super league so far this season. His brace of tries during Saints last outing could have been 4 or 5 such was their dominance during the game. His breathtaking speed and acceleration will be something that concern the Salford coaching staff and it will clearly be something they will have worked on this week in training. Can he be blunted?

Last 6 games head to head


Form guide

On paper, the power and creativity of St Helens should be more than a match for The Red Devil’s, however they’ve shown against Wakefield that they can be vulnerable in defence and you can be certain Ian Watson has been studying the weaknesses and will be hoping to exploit them. This factor alongside the good recent form, performances and hopefully a large and loud following from the Salford faithful and they could power their way to victory! Come on Salford!

St Helens 25 Salford 24 Match Report

 

Last night Salford suffered late heartbreak as Ex Red Matty Smith prouduced a stunning late drop goal to snatch the points for the Saints. Paul Whiteside looks back at the late drama which unfolded at the Totally Wicked Stadium.

The last time Salford won away at St Helens The pretenders were number one in the charts, a pint of beer was 33 pence  and US president Jimmy Carter was about to announce his country's boycott of the Olympic Games! January 1980 a Kevin Ashcroft drop goal the difference in a 17-18 victory at Knowsley road.

 37 year later Salford are riding high in the table and in their first cup semi final since 1998 they took on a St. Helens side who have there own desires to make the top four. 

The opening ten minutes were tight with defences on top. Salford got the first points from Todd Carneys penalty goal. 0-2. Shortly after Mark Flanagan hits a crash ball only to be denied a try by superb saints defence. 

The home side took the lead in the 24th minute when Matty Smith opened the Red Devil's defence with a smart dummy. Mark Percival adding the goal 6-2. 5 minutes later saints stretch the lead with a penalty after Kris Welham was penalised for a high tackle. 8-2. 

 

Saints first half defence is almost faultless until the hooter sounds then a speculative Carney kick is fumbled allowing Niall Evalds to pounce under the posts. Carneys kick levels the scores at half time. 8-8.

Whatever Ian Watson said to his players at half time had a great effect. Salford coming out with renewed energy and gusto, Josh Jones following up his own kick to trap Saints in goal forcing a drop out. Lui and Evalds combine to send Greg Johnson over for a super Salford try in the corner. Carney hits the post with the conversation attempt 8-12. 

The Red Devil's continue to work hard in defence with some good solid sets. Carneys kicking game pinning the saints back in there own half. The Australian really starts to take control of the game. 

 

The excellent Kris Brining with a rip roaring run provides the stage for Lui to work some magic dancing his way over the line to open up a gap for Salford. Carneys goal is good 8-18.

Saints first real chance of the second half is snuffed out by Lui who's excellent tackle denies young Regan Grace a try. 

Salford's next try comes after 3 successive drops out grind saints down. Niall Evalds finishes superbly off Todd Carneys pin point kick. Carneys goal is tagged on 8-24.

As the game approaches the final ten minutes the Red Devil's seem on course for a famous win. James Roby comes up with a quick fire score which Percival converts 14-24. 

Moments later Theo Fages forces a drop. The pressure starts to build as Saints throw caution to the wind. Grace spins out of Johnsons tackle to crash over in the corner. Percival can't convert 18-24. With just two minutes remaining saints break again with Matty smith. Johnny lomax completes a famous comeback with a try under the posts. Percival converts to level the scores 24-24 with a minute remaining. 

Salford defend a set from the kick off as a draw seems the likely result. As the hooter sounds Robert Lui puts a kick through in a crazy situation.  Matty Smith comes up with possession to drop a goal from 40 yards out as a great escape is completed with Salford snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. 

 

Ian Watson was bitterly disappointed after the game with the last ten minutes of the match. Salford need to learn to close games like this down especially as the business end of the season will soon be on us. After a pulsating roller coaster second half the long wait continues for Salford. Final score 

St. Helens 25 Salford 24.

Your listening to this weeks Devil in the Detail. All the latest Salford Red Devil's news and chat. Ryan Wilkinson joins us to talk about the latest challenge cup ticket news, BBC radio Manchester's Phil Kinsella on the next step for Salford and lots more Salford chat. Tune in here 

St Helens v Salford Red Devils big match preview

 

Salford travel to St Helens after securing a challenge cup semi final last week. Paul Parkin looks forward to the game. Read his big match preview below.

Well can we finally do it, break our St Helens away day hoodoo? Its been a very long 37 year wait and we are well over due. 

Salford come into the game on the back of a very important and much moral boosting quarter final win against Wakefield next week to set up the semi final against Wigan, Saints on the other hand were involved in the only Super League fixture last weekend and came out on the wrong side of the 24-16 score line and will be looking to bounce back and get there top 8 charge back on track. A famous win for the Reds would help our top four finish hopes alive.

 

It’ll be an interesting night for these guys Matty Smith, Theo Fages, Tommy Lee, Mark Flanagan, Josh Jones, Lami Tasi  & Gareth O’Brien.

 

Battle 1 – Kris Welham v Mark Percival

These two guys are in really hot form right now and this will be an intriguing battle. Welham has impressed all season with some great creative work in attack both scoring himself and in setting up tries for the guys around him. 

In Percival Saints must have the best British centre doing the rounds at the moment. A real quality player who can create something from nothing, plenty of pace and power for his tender age a real star of the game.

 

Battle 2 – Lama Tasi v Alex Warmsley

The battle of the big men in the front row this one, both these units will give their respective team plenty of go forward and impact runs to get them moving.

 Tasi will have a point to prove against the side he took a sabbatical with last season and looks reborn in the Red shirt this year. Warmsley is a forward who has had a huge impact since joining St Helens back in 2013 and will take some stopping. Oddly enough both players are the same age so its a decent comparison.

 

Battle 3 – Mark Flanagan v Jon Wilkin

Two great mates who will leave all friendliness at the coffee shop by the time kick-off arrives. Two vastly experienced players who have appeared in some huge games in the past but not too often on opposite sides. These two have all the knowhow and experience to lead their troops around the park and come up with some very telling plays of their own.

 

 

Last 5 Meetings

30th March 2017

Salford 22 St Helens 14

13th May 2016

St Helens 34 Salford 20

11th February 2016

Salford 44 St Helens 10

5th June 2015

St Helens 32 Salford 12

12th February 2015

Salford 6 St Helens 52

 

 

Your listening to this weeks podcast all your Salford Red Devil's news and chat here. Ryan Wilkinson joins the boys to talk about the big news of the week including Challenge cup ticket information. Rob Lui Michael Dobson Greg Jonson and Mark Flanagan look back at the win v Wakefield with Watto in coaches corner. 

Phil Kinsella from BBC radio Manchester talks about Salfords season so far. Paul Whiteside looks back at the results and fixtures for our amateur sides as we preview the game against St Helens on Friday

Salford 22 St Helens 14 match report

  

Salford were back in action at the AJ Bell stadium after last weeks terrific performance at widnes.

Tonight St Helens were in town. The Saints were also in good form winning there last two games away at Catalan and home to Warrington. So two form sides something had to give. 

20 years ago in may 1997 Salford beat saints 39-26 Ian Watson was an unused substitute for Salford that night and Kieran Cunningham was in the St. Helens side! Tonight they went head to head as coaches. 

The opening stages of the game were very nervy neither side wanted to give anything away. Defences were really on top and the first points came from a Michael  Dobson penalty goal to edge Salford ahead 2-0.

The Red Devil's had to shuffle the team around early on losing Greg Johnson to injury. Kris Welham moved on to the wing while Rob Lui slotted in the centre. Todd Carney entered the fray and took Lui's place at stand off. Salford's attacking flair was there for all to see. Craig Kopczack burst on to a lovely short ball to celebrate his new contract in style with a try under the posts. Michael Dobson added the extras.

 

Todd Carney spilled the ball from the kick off leaving Salford's defence work to do just before half time. They held there nerve to complete an excellent first half.

Three minutes in to the second half Craig Kopczak makes a thrilling break, the ever reliable Dobson is there in support to extend Salford's lead with a great try. O Brien kicks the goal 14-0.

St. Helens had so much possession and the Reds goal line defence was superb once again. Finally Alex Warmsley got the visitors on the scoreboard powering over to reach out for a try. Mark Percival kicks the goal 14-6. The Saints are starting to move through the gears james Roby and Johnny Lomax speeding up there attack causing the damage. 

Mark Percival made a break and hares towards the line but Mark Flanagan chased back to pull off a fine tackle. Marks work rate is once again outstanding with a fine all action man of the match display. Moments later the pressure tells and saints were in at the corner with a try from Morgan. Kick is missed and it's 14-10. 

 

Another crucial penalty goal is converted by Dobson 16-10. 

With ten minutes remaining perhaps a drop goal would be on the Salford menu. Robert Lui is then very harshly sin binned leaving the Red Devil's to play the game out with 12 men. 

St. Helens continue to attack and throw everything at Salford but can't pierce this heroic defence. 

A relieving kick down field with nothing on Morgan comes up with the error and Michael Dobson pounced for his second try. Huge relief round the stadium as Dobson kicks the goal to give Salford breathing space 22-10.

 

Lomax grabs a try for the saints with two minutes remaining but Percival can't convert as Salford hold on for another famous win in front of a delighted crowd.

Down in numbers in the second half losing both hookers Tomkins and kris Brining Salford dug in with a fantastic display of courage and desire. Ian Watson has got a team to be proud of this year and he was delighted after the match. There is work to be done and Ian will keep the players feet on the ground ahead of next fridays trip to hull. A thrilling match tonight which finished Salford 22 St. Helens 14.

Pictures by Steve McCormick, Written by Paul Whiteside 

Your listening to this weeks Devil in the Detail podcast. We look back at a big week for Salford regarding new contracts for their top performers, we talk to Kris Welham , Greg Johnson and Ian Watson in Coaches corner as well as look at the result and fixtures for our amateur sides.

Finally we talk about ex players who played only a handful of times for Salford and try and form a one hit wonder XIII.

Salford v St Helens big match preview

Salford Red Devil's host St Helens on Thursday night at the AJ bell and it looks to be a fantastic match up Dan Robinson looks at where the battle will be won and lost.

 

 

The battles

 

Battle 1 

Carney v Swift

After last weeks fantastic performance Justin Carney is starting to look like his old self again and really seems to be enjoying life as a Devil. The explosive running winger has finally got on the score sheet this season and will no doubt look to double his tally on Thursday night.

Possible England candidate Swift has also been going well for the visitors this season and has done since he came into the scene wearing the saints jersey. Swift certainly has the speed element but can he cope with the power of Carney or Johnson? We shall see.

 

Battle 2

Lee Mossop v  Kyle Amor

After missing out last week against Widnes the 2017 England candidate will no doubt want to be in the team this week against his former sides closer rival. Mossop has really put in some strong performances which hasn't gone unnoticed. His determination to get over the game line has really helped the Devils get on the front foot this season.

Kyle Amor for Saints has also been very good this campaign so far and calls for him to get a call up to the international scene have been made by many saints supporters. Very much like Mossop his no nonsense style of play helps the saints in the middle of the park. This will be a very good battle Thursday night for sure

 

Battle 3

Michal Dobson v Marty Smith 

For me this is the battle that will win the game for either side. Dobson has been such an asset this season and his kicking game will be key if the Devils are to get the points on Thursday. Hopefully he can continue from last week and the link between him, Lui, Carney and Obrien will be crucial.

Ex Salford halfback Smith hasn't had the best start to 2017 after suffering a broken leg. His return to the side last week helped the Saints get the points against a battered Wolves side. Which number 7 will be the one smiling come Thursday night we shall see.

Stats 

 

Form

 

Players to may feature against their former club

 

There will be lots of players looking to impress on Thursday night against their former teams. Salford with Lami Tasi, Mark Flanagan and Josh Jones  will he looking to put one over on the saints.

Ex Salford favourite Theo Fages, Tommy Lee and Matty Smith will be looking forward to coming back to the AJ Bell and spoiling the party.

Your listening to this weeks Devil in the Detail podcast all your big match build up here. We look back at a good week for Salford with a win against Widnes with Kris Welham and   Greg Johnson, Ian Watson is in coaches corner as we preview the big game against Saints.

Super league review

It's been another exciting week in Super league this week Read all about it here

 

Wakefield 28 Leigh 24

Wakefield scored three tries in a strong 2nd half performance to record a victory over a battling leigh.

Leigh started well in the 1st half with 3 tries then Wakefield hit back with 3 tries one from ex red Ben Jones Bishop and the game was still in the balance.

Trinity finished the stronger and with Try's from Jacob Miller and another from BJB Wakefield saw the game out.

 

Huddlesfield 12 Leeds 28

Leeds are showing signs of recovery after recording their 3rd  straight win this time at Huddersfield. It was a battle a Matt Parcell try for Leeds  gave them a 18-12 lead which showed at half time this game could have gone eather way.

A try from Jordan Baldwinson was enough for Leeds in the 2nd half and with Liam Sutcliffe kicking a penalty the Leeds faithful were happy with the win.

 

Widnes 10 Salford Red Devil's 46

A demolition job for the Red Devil's as they recorded a impressive away win at the struggling Vikings.

A opening score by Lami Tasi set the platform and it was all one way traffic from there as salford raced into a 0-30 half time lead.

Todd Carney made is Salford debut in the 2nd half and set up a try for Gaz O'Brien in a great win for the Salford Red Devil's. A late try by Rhys Hanbury for Widnes was as good as it got for them.

 

Wigan 20 Hull FC 22

Hull FC leap frogged Wigan to go top of Super league with hard fought win at the DW stadium.

Try's from Albert Kelly and Jamie Shaul put Hull in control at 0-22 early in the 2nd half.

George Williams and Liam Marshall gave the Warriors hope of snatching a win but Morgan Escare missed the crutial conversion and the Hull went home with the points.

 

St Helens 31 Warrington Wolves 6

Another defeat for Warrington as the Saints went marching on to another win, Jack Owens scored in a 3 try burst for St Helens who had Matty Smith back from injury lead 18-0 at the break.

Kurt Gidley scored for Warrington in the 2nd half but they were always 2nd best, Alex Warmsley and a drop goal by Smith put the cherry on the cake for Keiron Cunninghams men.

 

Castleford Tigers 43 Catalan 26

Castleford Tigers returned to the top of Super League with a comeback win against Catalan Dragons.

Ex Red Richie Myler put the French men 0-14 up but they were unable to game manage the situation and the Tigers scale roaring back.

Two tries from ex red Greg Eden put the Tigers back in control and Ex Salford favourite Rangi Chase making his come back from recent discipline issues turned the game the Tigers way.

Victory for the Tigers takes them back to the top of the Super League after defeat against Salford last week.

Your listening to this weeks podcast. After our latest challenge cup draw with Toronto and a good win v Castleford we ask which trophy would you rather win?

We also talk Magic weekend tickets and much more including interviews with George Griffin, Rob Lui, Lee Mossop and Mark Flanagan.

super league review

What a weekend  of Super league we have witnessed. Read our report looking back at the other games in Super league this week.

 

Leigh Centrurians 22 Warrington 8

Leigh continued their impressive start to their Super League season at the expense of a stuttering Warrington side.

Ex Red Gaz Hock scored a brace eather side of half time a try by Warringtons Tom Lineman gave the Wolves hope but Leigh saw off the danger rooting Warrington to the bottom of the Super League table.

 

Leeds 38 Wakefield 14

Leeds secured another win this time against Wakefield to keep their impressive form going.

Two try's by Salford Lad Calum Watkins in the 1st half gave Leeds breathing space at half time 20 points to 4. Wakefield hit back in the 2nd half with tries from Fifita and Johnstone but Leeds did enough to secure the win.

 

 

Hull FC 32 Widnes 12

Hull secured a win against Widnes to heap more pressure on Salford Lad and Widnes Coach Dennis Betts. 

Danny Houghton lead the line well and Widnes were unable to deal with Hull FCs pace and power all night. Two tries from Albert Kelly the highlight for Hull.

It's 4 defeats in 5 games for Widnes who now must be feeling the pressure of super league in 2017.

 

Catalan Dragons 24 St Helens 28

St Helens secured the points in the south of France to ease the pressure on their Coach Kieron Cunningham.

Adam Swift, Mark Percival, Ryan Morgan and Adam Walker tries put Saints 22-18 up at the break, with Thomas Bosc, Julian Bousquet and Iain Thornley responding in a fierce, open contest.

A moment of magic by ex Red Theo Fages offloading to Jack Owens to score swung the game St Helens way.

 

Wigan Warriors 16 Huddersfield 16

Wigan were held to a draw by a spirited Huddersfield side at the DW stadium.

Jemaine McGillvary opened the scoring for the Giants with Morgan Escale for Wigan scoring a try and being inspirational throughout.

Danny Brough thought he had kicked the Giants to victory but a late try by Anthony Gelling made the scores level and the points were shared.

Your listening to this weeks Devil in the Details,  this week we have update from the latest fans forum with CEO Ian Blease,, Phil Cooper and Ex Salford player Paul Highton talk about the new magic weekend shirt and State of mind project designed to help ex players and people in the local community and Ian Watson is in Coaches corner to talk us through the defeat against Wakefield.