Catalan Dragons v Salford Match report

 

After a tough Good Friday match against Leigh, Salford rounded off the Easter programme against Catalan Dragons in Perpignan. It had been a beautiful day and was still very warm at pitch side at kick off. 

The first half was a scrappy affair with a lot of stoppages and Salford struggled to find any sort of fluentcy! Salford lost Junior Sa'u and Logan Tomkins which was a bitter blow with Ian Watson having to shuffle the team round.

 The first points of the match came when a Salford mistake in centre field gave the Dragons  possession. Good ball movement saw Vincent Duport score out wide. Luke Walsh added the conversion 6-0 after 12 minutes. 

 

Catalan were strong in defence Josh Jones was clattered in a real solid tackle that could of been deemed a spear tackle. Luke Walsh was orchestrating the play for the home side and when his neat kick through hit the cross bar it was a real let off for the Red Devil's! Salfords best chance of the first half falls to Justin Carney but he just runs out of space. 

Vincent Duport gets over the line again and Salford look like they have forced the error when the video referee is called into action. The try is given and with Walsh's conversion it's 12-0.

A string of penalties for the Dragons and Salford start to feel the pressure. It feels like a let off when Walsh takes the two points from close range. The dragons lead 14-0 against a tired looking Salford side now low on numbers. 

Todd Carney adds to salfords woes with a knock on from the second half kick off. The Reds escape unscathed with some good defence. 

Desperate for a score Salford start to push forward. Todd Carney throws a looping pass but Greg Johnson can't take it in. The Dragons take full advantage making Salford pay the price when ex red Richie myler's pin point kick finds Inu who scores. The Walsh goal makes it 20-0.

 

Salfords huge traveling army of fans finally get something to shout about when Justin Carney pockets a dragons kick on his own line and races the full length of the field to score. Gareth o Brien adds the goal 20-6.

The game though is then put beyond The Reds when Walsh puts a kick through that should be mopped up by Salford. O Brien misjudges the bounce and the ball going straight into the arms of Myler who races over. Walsh goal 26-6. 

The Red Devil's bad luck continues as Dobson and Lui make a great break! Unbelievably Tony Giggot intercepts and races away to add to the misery! Walsh fails with the kick 30-6. 

 

There is a wonderful partisan atmosphere in the ground with a crowd of almost 11000 witnessing Catalans best performance of the season. The excellent busy half back Walsh adds two drop goals for the Dragons to extend their lead to 32-6 before Bosc super kick to the wing finds Duport who grabs his hat trick try! Giggot kicks off the touch line 38-6.

The Salford players look shattered at full time with the Easter fixtures really taking its toll. Speaking to Ian Watson after the match he was disappointed with the result but was very pleased with the effort and courage of his players. He will no doubt be looking for a reaction from his players next Sunday for the big cup match against Toronto! Junior Sau could possibly have a groin problem and will be assessed in the next few days! 

Final score In Perpignan, Catalan 38 Salford 6.

Report by Paul Whiteside

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

 

Your listening to the latest Devil in the Detail Podcast all your Salford Red Devil's chat. This week we are joined by Michael Dobson, Lami Tasi and Ian Watson and lots more news coming out the club. 

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

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.

widnes v Salford match report

 

Salford travelled to Widnes looking for back to back wins for the first time this season. Logan Tomkins came up with a terrific try saving tackle as Salford's goal line defence was put under early pressure. 

Some strong running from the pack earned good field position and Lami Tasi powers over for the opening try. O Brien kicks the goal 0-6. Next up a lovely flowing move from the Red Devil's Gaz O'Brien finds Kris Welham who gave Greg Johnson a chance. There is still work to be done but Greg stepped inside superbly to touchdown. O Brien misses the kick 0-10 Salford.

 

Salford's continued to put pressure on Widnes with some great defence. The Vikings come up with an error deep in there own half and Salford pounce. George Griffin went over from close range O'Brien failed to convert but Salford were in control at 0-14. 

The lead soon increases with a try this time from Ben Murdoch Masila. Michael Dobson is successful with the conversation and at 0-20 it was all Salford.

The team really start to turn the screw Greg Johnson races 60 yards after picking up a loose ball. The ball ends up with centre Kris Welham who finishes brilliantly in the corner. Michael Dobson kicks well and it's 0-26. 

 

The Salford supporters behind the sticks are enjoying every second and it's a great away following. A nice kick to touch and there looks nothing on but the Red Devil's chase is tremendous as the force the Widnes player in touch. Salford's enthusiasm is outstanding, racing to form the scrum. Excellent centre play from Junior Sa'u putting Justin Carney over for his first try of the season right on half time. Dobson fails to convert but it's a special first half from Salford 0-30 at the break.

It's a bit of a sloppy start to the second half with a few penalties conceded and Widnes take advantage with Corey Thompson going over 4-30.

There was a welcoming roar when Todd Carney entered the field for his debut. Moments later Justin Carney makes a great burst and charges down the pitch. Todd throws out a speculative pass to Sa'u who cuts loose and Michael Dobson is in support to score a well deserved try O'Brien kicks the goal 4-36.

 

Holes are starting to appear all over for the Widnes defence and Robert Lui is next on the try scoring list with a huge smile on his face it is well deserved! O brien couldn't convert 4-40. Todd Carney started to find his feet and made another Salford break. Players are queuing up to score and Gaz O'Brien strolled in. Dobson kicked the goal 4-46. Rhys Hansbury gets the final score of the game a consolation for the Vikings! 

It's an outstanding display from Salford demolishing Widnes. Ian Watson was delighted with attack and defence a real solid team performance! The whole feeling around the club at the moment is positive and Salford are definitely building momentum. St. Helens come to the AJ Bell next Thursday but in this form Salford won't fear anybody! Widnes 10 Salford 46. Paul whiteside

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

 

Your listening to this weeks Devil in the Detail podcast. All the latest news regarding Magic Weekend tickets, interviews with George Griffin, Mark Flanagan, Rob Lui and Lee Mossop as well as a look at where our amateur sides play this Saturday. The big debate after it was announced we will face Toronto Wolfpack in the Challenge cup and our fantastic win yesterday which trophy you our listener prefer to win the Challenge cup or the Super league title? A great debate to enjoy tweet us your answer by using #cupreds or #superreds