Salford v Wigan big match preview

Salford v Wigan.

Many pundits and supporters weren’t impressed with Wigan in 2018. Despite the flair Warrington, St. Helens and Castleford played with it was the Warriors who eventually took the silverware with victory in the Grand final.

Shaun Wane’s side had a resilience about them, a real doggedness to grind teams down. 

In the close season Coach Wane has left for a job in Rugby Union. Talisman Sam Tomkins has joined Catalans. Pack enforcer Ryan Sutton has moved to The NRL to play with Canberra Raiders, but perhaps the man Wigan are missing the most in 2019 as they struggle to find any sort of form is John Bateman. Last year Bateman really was the glue that held the Warriors together. Without him they look a shadow of the team that triumphed at Old Trafford. 

Along with Sutton, Bateman is also now with The Green Machine (Canberra) for the new NRL season. The Raiders now have an exciting international quartet of English players in Josh Hodgson, Elliot Whitehead, John Bateman and Ryan Sutton.

Adrian Lam has the task of guiding Wigan threw the next 12 months before Shaun Edwards takes charge next season, although some doubt has been cast over Edwards joining the Warriors just recently. With the poor start to the season the pressure is certainly on to start getting results.

The Warriors have lost four league games on the spin with just one victory from there six matches so far. Salford will have to be on there guard though against a team littered with international players. 

Super League home record.

Salford 4

Draws 0

Wigan 17

1997 Salford 14 Wigan 4

1998 Salford 2 Wigan 34

1999 Salford 6 Wigan 46

2000 Salford 18 Wigan 30

2001 Salford 31 Wigan 30

2002 Salford 24 Wigan 46

2004 Salford 16 Wigan 32

2005 Salford 20 Wigan 34

2006 Salford 28 Wigan 10

2007 Salford 6 Wigan 25

2007 Salford 24 Wigan 50

2009 Salford 12 Wigan 38

2010 Salford 4 Wigan 18

2011 Salford 16 Wigan 32

2012 Salford 20 Wigan 40

2013 Salford 0 Wigan 42

2014 Salford 4 Wigan 25

2015 Salford 24 Wigan 18

2016 Salford 20 Wigan 23

2017 Salford 16 Wigan 26

2018 Salford 12 Wigan 40

They played for both 

Over the years there have been plenty of players who’ve been at both clubs at some point in their career. Here are a few of them,

Mal Aspey, Neil Baynes, Steve Blakeley, Gavin Clinch, Andy Coley, Michael Dobson, Mark Flanagan, Martin Gleeson, Sean Gleeson, Wayne Godwin, Bobbie Goulding, Andy Gregory, Steve Hampson, Ged Byrne, Paul O Neil,

Harrison Hansen, Gareth Hock, Nathan Mcavoy, Lee Mossop, Jack Murphy, David Myers, Martin Offiah, Sam Panapa, John Pendlebury, Luke Robinson,

Tim Smith, David Stephenson, Trevor Stockey, Ged Stazicker, Scott Taylor, Logan Tomkins, Colin Whitfield, Stephen Wild and Phil Ford.

A match to remember  Friday 3rd March 2006

Salford City Reds 28 Wigan 10.

Salford had made a fantastic start to the season and this victory propelled us up to second place in The Super League table. Two impressive wins in the opening two rounds of the season 6-24 away at Warrington and a 16-0 home win against new boys Catalans Dragons had been an impressive start for Karl Harrison’s side. 

This particular night back in 2006 was pretty special. There had been quite a bit of snow during the day leaving the pitch with a covering of white. Fortunately the match passed a 5pm pitch inspection.

Salford’s defence was composed and organised containing Wigan for large parts of the contest.

Simon Finnigan playing at loose forward crosses for the games first try to put the City Reds in front. 

The prolific Pat Richards touched down for Wigan to cut there deficit before Andy Coley restored Salford’s lead crashing over from close range off Malcom Alker’s neat inside pass. 

The Warriors threatened at the start of the second half, Danny Orr’s try pegging Salford back at 14-10. This proved to be the catalyst that clicked the home side in to gear. John Whilshere and Andrew Dunemann both touched down in a dominant ten minute spell to sew the game up much to the delight of the home supporters. 

David Hodgson streaked Away and raced forty metres to score a late try against his former club to seal an emphatic nights work for Karl Harrison’s side.

The Salford side of 2006 typified there coach, plenty of grit, determination and hard work. 

Salford: Fitzpatrick, Hodgson, Littler, Moule, Wilshere, Dunemann, Robinson, Baldwin, Alker, Highton, Coley, Brocklehurst, Finnigan. Replacements: Clough, Haggerty, Rutgerson, Langi.

Wigan: Ashton, Dallas, Richards, Vaealiki, Calderwood, Orr, Moran, Seu Seu, Godwin, Logan, Tickle, Hansen, Brown. Replacements: Paleaaesina, Hargreaves, Tomkins, Higham.

Referee: K Kirkpatrick (Warrington). 

Attendance, 5494.

Sunday’s match.

Despite Wigan’s poor start to the 2019 season you only have to take a quick glance at there squad to see this match will be a difficult assignment for Ian Watson’s men. As we saw against Leeds just over a month ago, when good players click and play as a team it’s a tough job to stop them.

Salford haven’t had much success in this fixture since moving to The AJ Bell Stadium but after a real honest effort at Castleford last Sunday will be confident and raring to go in front of there home supporters.

Looking back to the friendly match between the two sides in January Salford were exposed at times by Wigan’s pace on the edges. Oliver Gildart is a classy centre and the Warriors have some of the best finishing wingers in the Super League competition.

Salford have some exciting players of there own though, Ken Sio is mr reliable, Jake Bibby with four tries in his last two games has looked outstanding. Jackson Hastings continues to impress in attack and defence and there is no doubt Jackson will want to put one over the champions on Sunday. 

This is a game where the forward pack needs to get on top and dominate. If the pack lay the platform for Hastings and Robert Lui as they did in Perpignan Salford can take the points.

This is a game not to be missed, a Sunday afternoon and a mouth watering fixture in prospect.

Safe travels and enjoy the game everyone.

Paul Whiteside.

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

Battling Salford push Tigers all the way Match report

After last weeks perfect display in France Salford we’re back in League action at Wheldon Road to take on Castleford.

After the torrential rain of the last week or so the pitch had stayed in decent shape. The rain held off to leave bright and breezy conditions at kick off. 

The Salford supporters packed the railway end terrace of the ground for one of our best away followings at Castleford for many a year.

The Tigers made a good solid start to the game and got on the front foot in the opening stages.

Salford looked to have done the hard work in defence before a last tackle kick from Jake Trueman sat up kindly behind the posts for Nathan Massey to touch down. Jordan Rankin added the conversion 6-0.

Things got worse for the visitors when Niall Evalds threw a crazy pass to kris Welham yards from his own line when returning a kick. Welham slipped, the ball went to ground leaving a gift try for the Tigers. Rankin touching down and converting 12-0.

After his two try heroics last weekend Jake Bibby was over again to score. Terrific ball movement from Salford from the opposite side of the pitch before Bibby squeezed in beside the corner flag.

Adam Walker came off the bench for his debut. The forwards first action saw Castleford hooker Paul McShane sin binned. Strangely though the Tigers were awarded the penalty.

Just before the break Niall Evalds came up with a try saving challenge. The full back turned in to a football goalie for a few seconds as he wonderfully stopped a Castleford kick through close to the line saving a certain try.

The Tigers turned the screw at the start of the second half. Three sets of six on the Salford line after forcing Two drop outs eventually broke the resistance. Greg Eden coasted in to extend the advantage 18-4.

Salford roared back showing great character. The all action Jansin Turget scored a well deserved try with Joey Lussick adding the goal.

Moments later Salford attacked again, Hastings sprung in to action before Lussick was tackled without the ball. From the penalty Lussick ran from dummy half with so much determination that he crashed over the line to score. The Salford supporters were delighted behind the sticks as the games momentum seemed to be changing.

Trailing 18-16 Salford were now right back in the match. Ben Nakabuwai knocked on from the kick off to take the pressure off the Tigers. Castleford were over the line shortly after but referee Robert Hicks called no try for obstruction.

It took something special to nudge Castleford further ahead. A real training ground move caught the Salford defence napping. Jesse Sene-Lafao scoring under the sticks. Rankin hit the post from what looked a straight forward conversion. 22-16.

Hicks awarded a contentious penalty five minutes later. From almost the half way line Rankin extended Castleford’s lead to eight points.

Salford though weren’t giving up and kept battling away. Robert Lui’s high kick hung in the air before Greg Minikin spilled it close to his own line. Hastings attacked before producing a fantastic offload for Jake Bibby to reach out superbly for his second try of the match. Lussick’s conversion attempt drifted wide leaving the score at 24-20 with just seven minutes remaining. 

The Red Devil’s continued to attack with one or two 50/50 calls going against them. Castleford clung on to edge a very entertaining match.

Salford coach Ian Watson was pleased with his sides effort and commitment against one of the league’s front runners. 

The Red Devil’s are back in action next Sunday at The AJ Bell Stadium when they host Wigan Warriors.

Castleford 24 Salford 20

Paul Whiteside.

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

Castleford v Salford Sportszone match report

After last weeks perfect display in France Salford we’re back in League action at Wheldon Road to take on Castleford.

After the torrential rain of the last week or so the pitch had stayed in decent shape. The rain held off to leave bright and breezy conditions at kick off. 

The Salford supporters packed the railway end terrace of the ground for one of our best away followings at Castleford for many a year.

The Tigers made a good solid start to the game and got on the front foot in the opening stages.

Salford looked to have done the hard work in defence before a last tackle kick from Jake Trueman sat up kindly behind the posts for Nathan Massey to touch down. Jordan Rankin added the conversion 6-0.

Things got worse for the visitors when Niall Evalds threw a crazy pass to kris Welham yards from his own line when returning a kick. Welham slipped, the ball went to ground leaving a gift try for the Tigers. Rankin touching down and converting 12-0.

After his two try heroics last weekend Jake Bibby was over again to score. Terrific ball movement from Salford from the opposite side of the pitch before Bibby squeezed in beside the corner flag.

Adam Walker came off the bench for his debut. The forwards first action saw Castleford hooker Paul McShane sin binned. Strangely though the Tigers were awarded the penalty.

Just before the break Niall Evalds came up with a try saving challenge. The full back turned in to a football goalie for a few seconds as he wonderfully stopped a Castleford kick through close to the line saving a certain try.

The Tigers turned the screw at the start of the second half. Three sets of six on the Salford line after forcing Two drop outs eventually broke the resistance. Greg Eden coasted in to extend the advantage 18-4.

Salford roared back showing great character. The all action Jansin Turget scored a well deserved try with Joey Lussick adding the goal.

Moments later Salford attacked again, Hastings sprung in to action before Lussick was tackled without the ball. From the penalty Lussick ran from dummy half with so much determination that he crashed over the line to score. The Salford supporters were delighted behind the sticks as the games momentum seemed to be changing.

Trailing 18-16 Salford were now right back in the match. Ben Nakabuwai knocked on from the kick off to take the pressure off the Tigers. Castleford were over the line shortly after but referee Robert Hicks called no try for obstruction.

It took something special to nudge Castleford further ahead. A real training ground move caught the Salford defence napping. Jesse Sene-Lafao scoring under the sticks. Rankin hit the post from what looked a straight forward conversion. 22-16.

Hicks awarded a contentious penalty five minutes later. From almost the half way line Rankin extended Castleford’s lead to eight points.

Salford though weren’t giving up and kept battling away. Robert Lui’s high kick hung in the air before Greg Minikin spilled it close to his own line. Hastings attacked before producing a fantastic offload for Jake Bibby to reach out superbly for his second try of the match. Lussick’s conversion attempt drifted wide leaving the score at 24-20 with just seven minutes remaining. 

The Red Devil’s continued to attack with one or two 50/50 calls going against them. Castleford clung on to edge a very entertaining match.

Salford coach Ian Watson was pleased with his sides effort and commitment against one of the league’s front runners. 

The Red Devil’s are back in action next Sunday at The AJ Bell Stadium when they host Wigan Warriors.

Castleford 24 Salford 20

Paul Whiteside.

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

Castleford v Salford Red Devils big match preview

Catalan v Salford DITD Match report

As the sun slowly faded the pictorial back drop of the Pyrenees mountains were a sight to be hold. As far as away trips go this has to be one the most exciting for any supporter. The home fans fanaticism certainly made the pre match atmosphere a real spectacle. Add to that Salford’s super travelling support the scene was set.

Fresh from a thrilling home victory over the much fancied Warrington Wolves a week ago The Dragons came in to the match as favourites. Salford however had two Away wins already this season.

After missing the last two matches Mark Flanagan returned for The Red Devils at loose forward. Jake Bibby started at centre in place of Junior Sau and Adam Lawton back from his loan at Rochdale Hornets made the Salford bench.

Catalans were without Lance Todd Trophy winner Tony Gigot.

The first real action came from full back Sam Tomkins breaking through. Jackson Hastings with a good cover tackle to snuff out the danger.

Joey Lussick got the games first points with a real poachers try close to the line. Ken Sio converting to give Salford a 0-6 lead.

The Red Devils started to grow in confidence as the first half progressed bossing the first 20 minutes of the game.

Tomkins spilled Hastings high kick and a Salford penalty followed. Sio cautiously added the two points on offer.

The Dragons applied plenty of pressure of there own but Salford defended there goal superbly. 

The visitors hard work was then rewarded 3 minutes before half time Robert Lui sending George Griffin racing to the line to touch down, Sio’s goal made it 0-14.

As the hooter sounded Matty Smith desperately kicks through as the Dragons attacked. Sio picked up cleanly and Salford break. Hastings and Sio combine, Bibby touched down for a fantastic try. After referring to the video referee the try is awarded. Arguably Salford’s best 40 minutes of the season. 

The first attack of the second half Niall Evalds put Jake Bibby Away with a lovely pass. The Red Devils broke cutting the Dragons to pieces, Hastings and Bibby linked up before Bibby touches down for a thrilling try.

Salford’s confidence was soaring as Hastings floated a pass out left for Bibby and Evalds to slice through once again. Fantastic support play saw Griffin charge over for another fine try. 

Hastings then got in on the scoring act with a well deserved try. Bibby’s slick off load sending the Australian in. 

Salford’s 7th try soon followed and it was built on tremendous support play yet again. Some nice work from Lussick before Evalds gets the try.

The Dragons had no answer to what was turning into a near perfect performance from Ian Watson’s men.

A barrage of penalties made Salford do plenty of defensive work but the desire was admirable for a side in such a commanding lead. 

A strange decision by the referee saw Salford on a team warning but the Dragons continued to clutch at straws looking rudderless with the ball.

Man of the moment Bibby then sent Sio in with another great pass in the final minute. On his first appearance of the season Bibby played his heart out and got my man of the match. There were so many contenders though in what was a huge team effort.

Ian Watson speaking after the match applauded his sides effort in defence as well as an amazing attacking display. Watson also paid tribute to Salford’s travelling support who yet again sang there hearts out giving the whole side a huge boost.

The Red Devils are back in action next Sunday at Weldon Road when they face Castleford.

 

Final score Catalans 0 Salford 46

Paul Whiteside.

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

Salford v Saints DITD Report

After spring like conditions for Salford’s last two outings it was a glum, wet and misty night for the visit of St Helens.The Red Devil’s lost George Griffin in the warm up handing 18th man Daniel Murray a place in the starting line up. 

Lee Mossop picked up an injury after just six minutes. The Salford captain left the field and didn’t return leaving coach Ian Watson with just three substitutes for the rest of the game.

Defences were on top in the opening exchanges. Luke Thompson looked lightning quick for a prop forward and along with his Saints team mate Alex Walmsley the visitors sheer size was proving a handful to contain.

Salford’s brave resistance was broken on 19 minutes. Former Red Devil Theo Fages pumped a kick out wide. Mark Percival out jumped Derrell Olpherts to score the games opening try.

Salford continued to play with tons of honesty and endeavour. St. Helens were superb in defence though and seemed to nullify any threat from the hosts.

Saints grabbed there second try and the back of a fortuitous piece of play. Referee Ben Thaler awarded them a scrum when it looked like the ball had played the Salford man leaving him no chance of getting out of the way.

Johnny Lomax showing great strength to brush of defenders to touch down.In the final minute of the first half another 50/50 call went against Salford. This time Fages towering kick seemed to hit Niall Evalds on his head or perhaps shoulder as he attempted to catch the ball. Thaler ruled a knock on and from the resulting scrum James Roby snatched a trade mark try from close range. The veteran hooker was superb all evening for Saints, showing no sign of slowing down.

Trailing 0-16 at half time Salford kept on working at the start of the second half. Both sides traded sets before a piece of magic from the visitors got pulses racing. Golden boot winner Tommy Mackinson and centre Percival combined to cut Salford to pieces with some wonderful support play. A try seemed odds on until Jackson Hastings chased back to produce a stunning try saving tackle to epitomise what he’s all about. The Australian worked his socks off all night in a tireless performance that delighted the Salford faithful.

The Red Devils got on the score sheet after Olpherts leaped above the Saints defence to touch down for a well deserved try. Ken Sio hit the post with his conversion 4-16.

On the very next set Gil Dudson knocked on deep in his own half to pile the pressure back on his side. Saints were at first denied a try by the video referee before Regan Grace touched down on the next set to extend there lead 4-20.

Another Saints break away saw another super cover tackle, this time Ken Sio coming up with a heroic piece of defence. This only delayed the inevitable as a shattered Salford defence couldn’t prevent Roby from rounding the scoring off with his second try.

Salford Coach Ian Watson was pleased with his sides effort and commitment against a top Super League side in St. Helens. “Lots of effort and endeavour, I thought we learned our lessons at half time, coming out second half we were a lot better.” Watson also praised the visitors for a polished and professional performance. “ I thought saints were great today, they showed what a champion team should do in those conditions, hopefully we can learn from that. We’ve got a group here that can learn.”

Salford travel to the south of France next weekend to face Catalans in what should be another intriguing encounter.

Final score Salford 4 St. Helens 26

Paul Whiteside.

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

Sportszone Report Salford v Saints

After spring like conditions for Salford’s last two outings it was a glum, wet and misty night for the visit of St Helens.

The Red Devil’s lost George Griffin in the warm up handing 18th man Daniel Murray a place in the starting line up. Lee Mossop picked up an injury after just six minutes. 

The Salford captain left the field and didn’t return leaving coach Ian Watson with just three substitutes for the rest of the game.

Defences were on top in the opening exchanges. Luke Thompson looked lightning quick for a prop forward and along with his Saints team mate Alex Walmsley the visitors sheer size was proving a handful to contain.

Salford’s brave resistance was broken on 19 minutes. Former Red Devil Theo Fages pumped a kick out wide. Mark Percival out jumped Derrell Olpherts to score the games opening try.

Salford continued to play with tons of honesty and endeavour. St. Helens were superb in defence though and seemed to nullify any threat from the hosts.

Saints grabbed there second try and the back of a fortuitous piece of play. Referee Ben Thaler awarded them a scrum when it looked like the ball had played the Salford man leaving him no chance of getting out of the way.

Johnny Lomax showing great strength to brush of defenders to touch down.

In the final minute of the first half another 50/50 call went against Salford. This time Fages towering kick seemed to hit Niall Evalds on his head or perhaps shoulder as he attempted to catch the ball. Thaler ruled a knock on and from the resulting scrum James Roby snatched a trade mark try from close range. The veteran hooker was superb all evening for Saints, showing no sign of slowing down.

Trailing 0-16 at half time Salford kept on working at the start of the second half. Both sides traded sets before a piece of magic from the visitors got pulses racing. Golden boot winner Tommy Mackinson and centre Percival combined to cut Salford to pieces with some wonderful support play. A try seemed odds on until Jackson Hastings chased back to produce a stunning try saving tackle to epitomise what he’s all about. The Australian worked his socks off all night in a tireless performance that delighted the Salford faithful.

The Red Devils got on the score sheet after Olpherts leaped above the Saints defence to touch down for a well deserved try. Ken Sio hit the post with his conversion 4-16.

On the very next set Gil Dudson knocked on deep in his own half to pile the pressure back on his side. Saints were at first denied a try by the video referee before Regan Grace touched down on the next set to extend there lead 4-20.Another Saints break away saw another super cover tackle, this time Ken Sio coming up with a heroic piece of defence. This only delayed the inevitable as a shattered Salford defence couldn’t prevent Roby from rounding the scoring off with his second try.

Salford Coach Ian Watson was pleased with his sides effort and commitment against a top Super League side in St. Helens. “Lots of effort and endeavour, I thought we learned our lessons at half time, coming out second half we were a lot better.” Watson also praised the visitors for a polished and professional performance. “ I thought saints were great today, they showed what a champion team should do in those conditions, hopefully we can learn from that. We’ve got a group here that can learn.”

Salford travel to the south of France next weekend to face Catalans in what should be another intriguing encounter.

Final score Salford 4 St. Helens 26

Paul Whiteside.

Pictures by Steve McCormick