Widnes 24 Salford 16 match report

Widnes 24 Salford 16.

Ian Watson described it as a weird feeling at the final hooter. He was obviously disappointed with the score line but in a game Salford dominated for long periods they still managed to self destruct in the second half.

Derrell Olpherts made his debut and it was a good start for the Red Devil’s who were on the front foot in the opening exchanges asking all the questions.

Wing man Olpherts finished off a slick Salford move to squeeze in at the corner. Referee Ben Thaler checked with the video referee after calling a try as his on field decision. After a good few minutes the try was turned down.

Moments later though Robert Lui’s high kick was allowed to bounce, Josh Jones is alert and kept a cool head to send Craig Kopzack in for the opening try. Lui adds the goal 0-6.

Widnes were then denied a try from the video referee before scoring on the very next play. Chris Dean slicing through a gap in Salford’s defence. With the conversion the scores were level.

Robert Lui added two penalty goals in the closing stages of the first half to edge Salford in front 6-10 at half time.

Widnes seemed to up the tempo at the start of the second half. Lama Tasi was sin binned after just four minutes for a high tackle. The Vikings made the extra man count and it was good hands from half back Joe Mellor that put Christian Inu over. Inu added the conversion off the touch line to put the hosts in front 12-10.

Weller Hauraki grabbed a try to restore the lead for Salford, the video referee this time giving the Red Devil’s the nod. 

With just over 15 minutes to go the match hung in the balance with the Vikings trailing 12-14. Lui added another penalty after a widnes drop out failed to go ten meters 12-16.

The last ten minutes the game turned around completely. Back to back penalties got the Vikings on the front foot before Greg Burke crashed over from close range to level the scores. Inu had a simple conversion 18-16.

In the final few minutes Niall Evalds who had been a star performer all night for Salford couldn’t prevent the busy Aaron Heremaia scoring the game clinching try. It was a really tough on young Niall who had took every high ball as safe as houses and looked really sharp.

Ian Watson felt there were some harsh penalties that went against his side in what was a frustrating night for Salford. Widnes with a near faultless second half completion rate just did enough to take the points.

Catalan Dragons visit The AJ Bell Stadium on Good Friday with a 12pm kick off.

Paul Whiteside.

Pictures by Steve McCormick 📸

Salford 30 Widnes 10 match report

Salford secured another league win to keep their journey to the top 8 on course with victory against Widnes. Paul Whiteside with all the details.

 Salford Red Devil's were back in league action today with the visit of Widnes Vikings. The visitors had seen big improvements in recent weeks with a good home win against St Helens last Friday. Salford gave a debut to young forward Daniel Murray and Niall Evalds returned at full back for the injured Gareth O Brien. The other significant change came on the wing were Jake Bibby took Justin Carneys place. 

 

The first 20 minutes were a tight affair Evalds was great under the high ball and also looking very sharp in attack. The Salford defence was looking really solid. Adam Walne and Lami Tasi coming up with some huge hits. The half way point sees the introduction of Kris Brining and Craig Kopczack. 

There is an instant impact with Brinings sharpness at the play the ball and good distribution, Ben Murdoch Masila is over for the first try. Michael Dobson adds the goal 6-0. Widnes are not really offering much in attack but a lot of that is down to Salford's excellent defensive work. 

Kris Welham is proving to be a nightmare for opposing defences when his fantastic kick through finds the speedy Greg Johnson who races in. Dobson gets the luck with the conversation in off the post 12-0.

Joe Mellor the Widnes stand off looks the most likely to break the Salford resistance. The Red Devil's goal line defence stays firm. Just before the break Michael Dobson was taken off for a concussion assessment. 

 The second half opens up with another great piece of full back play from Evalds who seems to be growing in confidence taking everything the vikings throw at him. 

 

Widnes get the first points of the second half after just four minutes keeping the ball alive on the last tackle. Half back Tom Gilmore scores the try and adds the extra two 12-6.

Next up sees a real piece of magic from Robert Lui. His sublime reverse kick finds Niall Evalds who darts over for a well deserved try. Dobson kicks the goal to edge Salford further in front at 18-6. 

Salford's attack is starting to click in to gear and another flash kick through from Dobson looks to find Evalds who's pace is frightening. The bounce just Evalds him to deny what would of been a sensational score. 

The Vikings though were not for giving in. Patrick Ah Van crashing over in the corner with 17 minutes to go. Gilmore fails to convert 18-10. 

Michael Dobson kicked a penalty goal on the 68th minute 20-10. The final ten minutes however belonged to Salford. Lama Tasi busts right through the heart of the vikings in another thrilling attack. Dobson's clever kick forces a drop out. The pressure is to much for the Vikings and Lui's  pass finds Masila who charges to the line carrying three defenders over showing sheer power! The crowd are on there feet as Dobson kicks the goal 26-10.

 

The final action sees Jake Bibby in the right place at the right time taking Josh Jones offload to score. The youngster was excellent all afternoon showing real strength going forward and was brilliant under the high ball in defence. Dobson goal hits the post 30-10. 

Another solid display from Salford. Ian Watson was happy with how the young players had dealt with the pressure. Without pack stars lee Mossop and George Griffin the young Devils Daniel Murray and Ryan Lannon showed there is competition for places throughout this squad. 

A huge game away at Wigan is next up next Friday. It's 20 years since Salford won that particular away fixture. The way this side are playing though it should be a great night. It's back up to third place in the table. 

Salford 30 Widnes 10.

Paul Whiteside

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

Your listening to this weeks DITD here all your Salford Red Devil's news and chat, we look back at the Toronto match with Ian Watson. All the big news of the week regarding Salford is covered and we talk to Olsi Krasniqi and Craig Kopczak too. Enjoy 

super league review

 

There has been some great rugby played so far this Easter read all about it here in our Super League Full Time Review.

 

Huddersfield 22 Catalan Dragons 29

Catalan kicked of their Easter period with a hard fought win against Hudddsfield.

Aaron Murphy and Jake Mamo scored twice to put the Giants ahead but Tony Gigot's try and Brayden Wiliame's converted score gave Dragons a 12-10 lead at the break.

Catalan took control in the 2nd half Ex Red Richie Myler among the scorers.

Huddersfield have now gone seven games without a win, despite battling draws at both Wigan and St Helens during that run, and remain third from bottom. Catalan are seventh.

 

Widnes 10 Warrington 19

Warrington beat Widnes in a close fought Cheshire derby this Easter.

Stefan Marsh scored early for Widnes Wolves then hit back with tries from Tom Lineham, Jack Hughes and Joe Philbin, and Declan Patton's drop-goal, to lead give them a 17-4 at half-time lead.

Charly Runciman pulled one back for Widnes but Patton's late penalty made it three games unbeaten for Tony Smith's side and builds the pressure on Widnes coach Dennis Betts.

 

Salford Red Devil's 12 Leigh Centurions 6

Salford secured their 5 win in a row after a nervy win against Leigh on Good Friday.

Leigh's Mitch Brown's first-half try was cancelled out by a Kris Welham's score to make it 6-6 at half-time.

Gareth O'Brien scored for Salford after a long period of pressure, and Michael Dobson added the two to put Salford ahead with quarter of an hour to play.  It got very nervous down the AJ Bell from then on but Salford saw the game out to the delight of the big crowd that turned out on the day.

 

Hull FC 24 Leeds Rhinos 52

A big win away for the Rhinos allows them to keep pace with the other front runners in Super League.

It was a good day for ex Red Joel Moon who's double helped put Leeds 30-12 up in a five-try first-half performance, with Steve Michaels and Ex Red  Scott Taylor going over in response.

Hull's Jamie Shaul and Mark Minichiello then went over either side of Danny McGuire's sin-binning for Leeds.

But Leeds have found some back bone and saw the tough game out. A win which will please Brian McDermott. Hull FC coach Lee Radford will be concerned as another 50 point defeat has got the alarm bells ringing.

 

Wigan Warriors 29 St Helens 18

Wigan kicked off their Easter with a big win against St Helens. Saints who had Kyle Amor sent off early battled throughout the game but trailed when Joe Burgess scored before half time.

Tries from Liam Marshall, another from Liam Farrell and Burgess' second eased Wigan clear despite replies from Regan Grace and Tommy Makinson.

With Keiron Cunningham departed the Saints will look back at this game as one which got away from them after the sending off of Kyle Amor.

 

Castleford Tigers 42 Wakefield 24

Castleford beat local rivals Wakefield to keep their top spot in Super League.

Castleford started well with six first-half tries, with Jake Webster and Grant Millington crossing twice, after David Fifita gave Wakefield an early lead.

Prop Fifita scored again in the second half, Wakefield thought they could be in with a chance of Good Friday Success.

Castlefords Greg Eden's scored his 12th try of the season ensured a fourth straight Tigers win.

Your listening to this weeks Devil in the Detail podcast, all your Salford Red Devil's Rugby league chat and news in one place. This week we talk to Michael Dobson, Lami Tasi and Ian watson looking forward to the Easter period.

super league review

 
It's been another great weekend in Super league, Check out our review of all the action here

 

 

Salford Red Devil's 22 St Helens 14

Salford continued their winning run with a battling display against St Helens.  Salfords 1st half was strong and were rewarded when Craig Kopcjack scored and Salford lead 8-0 at half time.

Saints came back in the 2nd half with a try from Alex Warmsley but a double from Michael Dobson made the game safe for Salford.

 

Leeds Rhino 26 Wigan 18

Leeds Rhinos overcame a spirited Wigan to record another win at Headingley. The highlight for Leeds was Kalum Watkins who was celebrating his 200th career appearance going over for the Rhinos.

 

George Williams scored twice for Wigan but it wasn't enough on the night. Another defeat for Wigan which makes them slip towards mid table in Super league.

 

Castleford 52 Huddersfield 16

Luke Gale and Joel Monaghan both scored hatricks for Castleford to keep them top of the pile

Leading 16-4 at half time Castleford were in contol, Ryan Brierley hit back with a try for the Giants in the 2nd half but a 24 point contribution by Luke Gale gave Castleford the win.

Catalan 18 Wakefield 38

It was a very successful trip to the south of France for Wakefield as a hatrick by ex Red Ben Jones Bishop gave them the two points.

Wakefield were never in danger of losing this game, two tries for Catalan one from Krisnan Inu was the highlight for them but it was Trinity who came away victorious.

 

Leigh Centurions 24 Widnes Vikings 37

Widnes recorded their 1st win of 2017 by beating Leigh.

The Vikings were made to work hard for the win and lead 18-12 at half time.

A hatrick for Danny Craven was enough for the Vikings after a spirited performance and a try from Danny Tickle was as good as it got for Leigh.

 

Warrington 22 Hull 22

Both sides will look back at this game as one they should have won.  Hull lead 20-8 at half time with a try from Albert Kelly but back came Warrington.

A Marty Russell hatrick saved Warrington and even tho both sides tried to win the game at the end a draw was a fair result. Ex Red Mark Sneyd kicked 5 goals.

Your listening to this weeks Devil in the Detail podcast We talk about New contracts announcement. We interviewed Chris Welham and Greg Johnson and talk about the positive stuff happening in the world of Salford Red Devil's.

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.

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 

Widnes v Salford big match preview

Salford Red Devil's travel to Widnes full of confidence after last weeks win against Castleford Dan Robinson looks where the battles maybe won and lost on Friday.

 

Battle 1 The wingers

Justin Carney v Corey Thompson

Both players have had big impacts since joining the respective sides and have both shown the fans what they can do. Carney a big powerful running winger in my opinion has been a very good performer since his arrival from Cas. His ability to return a kick is second to none and he makes us a lot of yards going forward.

Thompson had a great 2016 with the Viking scoring a lot of tries. He has a very good eye for a kick and this battle for me will really be key and who ever keeps the other quite will taste success at the end of the game

 

Battle 2 The Big Men

BMM v Chris Houston

Last weeks performance from BMM was incredible. His second try was a bit like Josh Jones at Huddersfield the way he bounced the defenders off to score under the posts. Since his disappointment at Wakefield he really did put a shift in and is a really important cog in our attack.

Houston is a strong running second rower who is also a very good defensive player. The very experienced Australian will no doubt look to lead by example on Friday night.

 

Battle 3 The 2 point men

Gaz O'Brien V Rhys Hanbury

Both excellent goal kickers this battle I believe will be the battle for the 2 pointers. Both kickers will look to convert all attempts in order to maximise the points on the day. Could it be another Drop Goal master class from Obrien? Or will it be Hanbury that slots the points to win the game.

Stats from previous meetings 

 

Form

 

Squads

 

Your listening to this weeks Devil in the Detail and What a great show we have for you this week.  After our big win v Castleford we speak to pack stars Lee Mossop and Mark Flanagan about the victory, we have all the latest news coming from the club which includes our challenge cup tie with Toronto, Paul looks at what our amateur sides have been upto this weekend and to help us look forward to the Widnes game we speak to the star man Rob Lui and George Griffin ahead of the game.

Picture by Steve McCormick

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.