Sportszone Salford v Rochdale preview

Salford v Rochdale Hornets.

The birth of The Super League in 1996 saw many teams adjust there names. Bradford Northern became Bulls, Leeds we’re now Rhinos, Oldham became Bears, Wigan added the Warriors and Warrington were now Wolves.

One club outside the razzmatazz of Super League who already had a fantastic name famous were Rochdale Hornets. One of my favourite kits in rugby league there traditional colours are a beautiful sight.

It’s been a good few years since Rochdale’s last season in the top flight but the club has a very deep proud history in the sport.

Challenge Cup Winners in 1922 the clubs real rise to fame came around forty years later. Fiji seems a world away from a smoggy Lancashire mill town, where the cotton trade and canals provided the back drop of working class life.

Rochdale Hornets brought in a Fijian contingent in the early 1960s, starting with Orisi Dawai and Josefa Levula in 1961 and, later Aspia Toga. This has resulted in Rochdale having the largest Fijian community in the UK, outside of London. The town still has huge connections with Fiji and just recently in the Rugby League World Cup of 2013 when Ireland played Fiji at Spotland Stadium the match was a sell out with over 9,000 people packing the ground out.

Rochdale Hornets have one of the largest past players associations. There annual dinner is a fantastic event. I was lucky to be invited to the 2019 event at Rochdale Golf club by my friend Brett Garside who played for Hornets in the 1980s. It was a special night and it was great to see so many legends of the club in attendance including Mike Ratu senior and Emon Ratu along with Tony Gourley, Mick Henighan, Billy Sheffield and Alan Hodkinson who represented Salford in there playing days.

In more recent years Rochdale Hornets have had success with promotions.

Bobbie Goulding arrived as player-coach in December 2003. He was in charge of Rochdale Hornets for two seasons, twice being nominated for coach of the year.

In 2013 Rochdale Hornets appointed Ian Talbot as head coach. He led Hornets to their first trophy in 91 years when they won the Kingstone Press Championship 1 play-off final defeating local rivals Oldham. Ian Talbot stood down as head coach at Hornets at the end of the 2015 season to take up a position at St. Helens.

Talbot's replacement was Alan Kilshaw.

In Alan Kilshaws 1st season (2016) Rochdale Hornets defeated Toulouse Olympique XIII in the promotion final in Toulouse, France to become Kingstone Press League 1 Champions. This was the 1st time Rochdale Hornets had been Champions of a division since 1919, a gap of 97 years.

Rochdale is a very proud town with some wonderful scenery, if you’ve never been to Hollingsworth lake it’s well worth a visit. Just like Salford, Hornets have a whole host of other attractions around Greater Manchester to compete with. 

This community club though has some real stalwart supporters who work there socks off to keep the club going on limited resources.

Home record since 1969/70

Salford 21

Draws 0

Rochdale 3

Salford 41 Rochdale 0  1969/70

Salford 18 Rochdale 9  1970/71

Salford 15 Rochdale 17 1971/72 (floodlit cup)

Salford 46 Rochdale 13 1972/73 (Lancashire cup)

Salford 30 Rochdale 7  1972/73

Salford 10 Rochdale 14 1972/73 (top 16 playoff)

Salford 24 Rochdale 3  1973/74 (Lancashire cup)

Salford 24 Rochdale 16 1973/74

Salford 18 Rochdale 0  1974/75

Salford 33 Rochdale 6  1976/77

Salford 27 Rochdale 8  1977/78 (John player Trophy)

Salford 25 Rochdale 7  1978/79 (John player Trophy)

Salford 4   Rochdale 13 1978/79

Salford 7   Rochdale 2   1981/82

Salford 26 Rochdale 11  1982/83

Salford 36 Rochdale 1   1984/85

Salford 18 Rochdale 12  1985/86 (John player Trophy)

Salford 52 Rochdale 12  1989/90 ( Lancashire cup)

Salford 41 Rochdale 12  1990/91 (Lancashire cup)

Salford 44 Rochdale 4   1995

Salford 36 Rochdale 16  1996

Salford 58 Rochdale 16  2003 ( Rail cup)

Salford 58 Rochdale 18  2003

Salford 68 Rochdale 0  2008  ( rail cup)

They played for both 

Over the years there has been plenty of player movement between the two clubs and the list of players to represent both teams is huge. I’ve listed a few below;

Steve Gibson, Wayne Reid, Bob Marsden, Ian Watson, Tony Gourley, John Butler, Mick Henighan, Simon Baldwin, Greg Austin, Gavin Bennion, Rodney Bowker, Cliff Eccles, David Fell, Carl Forster, Ian Gormley, Andy Gorski, Iain Maccorquodale, Paul Southern, Anthony Stewart, Simon Svabic, Phil Waring, Colin Whitfield, Roy Wiltshire and Mick Worrall.

A match to remember  15th September 1982.

Salford 26 Rochdale Hornets 11.

After the glory years of the 1970s a new look Salford side embarked on the journey of the 80s.

Relegation from the top flight at the end of the 1980/81 season was a disappointment but there was an exciting crop of young talent on show at The Willows. Ged Byrne, Paul Fletcher, Paul Groves, Paul O Neil, Ronnie Smith, Trevor Stockley and Stuart Williams had now all broken through in to the first team. There was still plenty of experience in the squad from the famous 70s side with Mike Coulman, Keith Fielding, Steve Nash and Maurice Richards.

This match at The Willows in September 1982 was another solid performance from Salford. Tries from O Neil, Williams, Byrne and Smith saw a comfortable 25-11 victory.

The good form continued in to the second half of the season in 1983 and promotion back to the First Division was sealed. 

With 24 victories from 32 league matches a third place finish behind Wakefield and champions Fulham capped off a successful campaign.

A league double over local rivals Swinton and a Challenge cup victory over top flight Side Leigh were also memorable matches in the season.

Friday’s match.

The Challenge cup break is just what Salford need after four successive league defeats. Super league is a tough competition where the consistency is needed week in week out. Salford’s cup run of 2017 certainly captured the supporters imagination. A semi final defeat against Wigan denying Salford a place at Wembley. Last season The Red Devil’s were beaten at the first hurdle against Leigh.

Rochdale Hornets have a difficult assignment in 2019 to try and survive in what is a very competitive Championship Division. Toronto and Toulouse have set the pace and newly promoted Bradford and York have also impressed in the opening few months of the season. Leigh, Widnes , Featherstone and Halifax are among the other front runners and so far Sheffield have been a real surprise package.

With one victory from Hornets first seven matches the race is on to avoid relegation.

Salford have lost four games on the trot and will be looking for a morale boosting victory on Friday night. Hornets certainly have nothing to lose and will want to be as competitive as possible. The experienced Scott Moore will be lining up for the visitors and has impressed in recent weeks. Stuart Howarth is a former Salford player along with player coach Carl Forster.

Talented scrum half Dan Abram is a player to keep an eye on and well travelled winger Shaun Ainscough knows where the try line is.

After last Sunday’s disappointing defeat against Hull Ian Watson is poised to make changes in the Salford line up and it will be interesting to see what his Starting thirteen looks like come kick off.

The Challenge Cup and the road to Wembley starts here for Salford. 

Safe travels and enjoy the game everyone.

Paul Whiteside.

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

Salford v Rochdale challenge cup report

Salford will be in the hat for the last 16 draw of The Challenge Cup after an emphatic victory over a brave Rochdale Hornets side.

The plucky visitors started well, moving the ball from the kick off chancing their arm down Salford’s edge.

The Red Devil’s clicked in to gear early on, Greg Burke with some neat footwork to score the opening try.

Three more tries followed, Niall Evalds danced over. Salford’s star fullback looked razor sharp all night with his burst of pace and hot stepping. 

Pack grafter Gil Dudson powered before over tries from Ed Chamberlain and Logan Tomkins.

Krisnan Inu showed his explosive power playing in the centres and his off load put Evalds in for his second try. Chamberlain with the conversion to put Salford 34-0 up.

Hornets continued to chip away and were rewarded with a try from experienced winger Shaun Ainscough.

Jake Bibby scored Salford’s seventh try of the first half to round off an entertaining forty minutes.

As the second half got under way Josh Wood made his first Salford appearance of the season to the delight of the home supporters. After Josh’s recent injury worries it certainly was a relief to see him back in a red jersey.

One real worry for Salford boss Ian Watson is the injury picked up by Ed Chamberlain. The flying winger had to be helped from the field by the medical staff after suffering what looked like a knee injury.

The first points of the second half came from Bibby who touched down after Burke’s sublime pass.

Niall Evalds added two more tries to take his tally to four for the match before George Griffin and Robert Lui grabbed tries of there own. 

Inu took the goal kicking responsibilities for the second half and nailed them all to take the score to 70-6. He also got on the try scoring list late on showing great strength to skittle the Hornets defence. 

Watson seemed pleased with the intensity his team showed throughout the match with Salford never really easing up. The concern is definitely with Ed Chamberlain who will have a scan in the coming days to reveal the extent of his injury. 

The Red Devil’s now face Warrington on good Friday and Wigan on Easter Monday in what looks a very tough Easter schedule. Watson was relishing the challenge in front of him at what is now a pivotal point in the season.

Rochdale Hornets face big challenges of their own in the quest to survive in The Championship. They face Swinton and Sheffield over Easter.

Salford 76 Rochdale Hornets 6.

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

Paul Whiteside.

Salford v Rochdale challenge cup preview

Salford v Rochdale Hornets.

The birth of The Super League in 1996 saw many teams adjust there names. Bradford Northern became Bulls, Leeds we’re now Rhinos, Oldham became Bears, Wigan added the Warriors and Warrington were now Wolves.

One club outside the razzmatazz of Super League who already had a fantastic name famous were Rochdale Hornets. One of my favourite kits in rugby league there traditional colours are a beautiful sight.

It’s been a good few years since Rochdale’s last season in the top flight but the club has a very deep proud history in the sport.

Challenge Cup Winners in 1922 the clubs real rise to fame came around forty years later. Fiji seems a world away from a smoggy Lancashire mill town, where the cotton trade and canals provided the back drop of working class life.

Rochdale Hornets brought in a Fijian contingent in the early 1960s, starting with Orisi Dawai and Josefa Levula in 1961 and, later Aspia Toga. This has resulted in Rochdale having the largest Fijian community in the UK, outside of London. The town still has huge connections with Fiji and just recently in the Rugby League World Cup of 2013 when Ireland played Fiji at Spotland Stadium the match was a sell out with over 9,000 people packing the ground out.

Rochdale Hornets have one of the largest past players associations. There annual dinner is a fantastic event. I was lucky to be invited to the 2019 event at Rochdale Golf club by my friend Brett Garside who played for Hornets in the 1980s. It was a special night and it was great to see so many legends of the club in attendance including Mike Ratu senior and Emon Ratu along with Tony Gourley, Mick Henighan, Billy Sheffield and Alan Hodkinson who represented Salford in there playing days.

In more recent years Rochdale Hornets have had success with promotions.

Bobbie Goulding arrived as player-coach in December 2003. He was in charge of Rochdale Hornets for two seasons, twice being nominated for coach of the year.

In 2013 Rochdale Hornets appointed Ian Talbot as head coach. He led Hornets to their first trophy in 91 years when they won the Kingstone Press Championship 1 play-off final defeating local rivals Oldham. Ian Talbot stood down as head coach at Hornets at the end of the 2015 season to take up a position at St. Helens.

Talbot's replacement was Alan Kilshaw.

In Alan Kilshaws 1st season (2016) Rochdale Hornets defeated Toulouse Olympique XIII in the promotion final in Toulouse, France to become Kingstone Press League 1 Champions. This was the 1st time Rochdale Hornets had been Champions of a division since 1919, a gap of 97 years.

Rochdale is a very proud town with some wonderful scenery, if you’ve never been to Hollingsworth lake it’s well worth a visit. Just like Salford, Hornets have a whole host of other attractions around Greater Manchester to compete with. This community club though has some real stalwart supporters who work there socks off to keep the club going on limited resources.

Home record since 1969/70

Salford 21

Draws 0

Rochdale 3

Salford 41 Rochdale 0  1969/70

Salford 18 Rochdale 9  1970/71

Salford 15 Rochdale 17 1971/72 (floodlit cup)

Salford 46 Rochdale 13 1972/73 (Lancashire cup)

Salford 30 Rochdale 7  1972/73

Salford 10 Rochdale 14 1972/73 (top 16 playoff)

Salford 24 Rochdale 3  1973/74 (Lancashire cup)

Salford 24 Rochdale 16 1973/74

Salford 18 Rochdale 0  1974/75

Salford 33 Rochdale 6  1976/77

Salford 27 Rochdale 8  1977/78 (John player Trophy)

Salford 25 Rochdale 7  1978/79 (John player Trophy)

Salford 4   Rochdale 13 1978/79

Salford 7   Rochdale 2   1981/82

Salford 26 Rochdale 11  1982/83

Salford 36 Rochdale 1   1984/85

Salford 18 Rochdale 12  1985/86 (John player Trophy)

Salford 52 Rochdale 12  1989/90 ( Lancashire cup)

Salford 41 Rochdale 12  1990/91 (Lancashire cup)

Salford 44 Rochdale 4   1995

Salford 36 Rochdale 16  1996

Salford 58 Rochdale 16  2003 ( Rail cup)

Salford 58 Rochdale 18  2003

Salford 68 Rochdale 0  2008  ( rail cup)

They played for both 

Over the years there has been plenty of player movement between the two clubs and the list of players to represent both teams is huge. I’ve listed a few below;

Steve Gibson, Wayne Reid, Bob Marsden, Ian Watson, Tony Gourley, John Butler, Mick Henighan, Simon Baldwin, Greg Austin, Gavin Bennion, Rodney Bowker, Cliff Eccles, David Fell, Carl Forster, Ian Gormley, Andy Gorski, Iain Maccorquodale, Paul Southern, Anthony Stewart, Simon Svabic, Phil Waring, Colin Whitfield, Roy Wiltshire and Mick Worrall.

A match to remember  15th September 1982.

Salford 26 Rochdale Hornets 11.

After the glory years of the 1970s a new look Salford side embarked on the journey of the 80s.

Relegation from the top flight at the end of the 1980/81 season was a disappointment but there was an exciting crop of young talent on show at The Willows. Ged Byrne, Paul Fletcher, Paul Groves, Paul O Neil, Ronnie Smith, Trevor Stockley and Stuart Williams had now all broken through in to the first team. There was still plenty of experience in the squad from the famous 70s side with Mike Coulman, Keith Fielding, Steve Nash and Maurice Richards.

This match at The Willows in September 1982 was another solid performance from Salford. Tries from O Neil, Williams, Byrne and Smith saw a comfortable 25-11 victory.

The good form continued in to the second half of the season in 1983 and promotion back to the First Division was sealed. 

With 24 victories from 32 league matches a third place finish behind Wakefield and champions Fulham capped off a successful campaign.

A league double over local rivals Swinton and a Challenge cup victory over top flight Side Leigh were also memorable matches in the season.

Friday’s match.

The Challenge cup break is just what Salford need after four successive league defeats. Super league is a tough competition where the consistency is needed week in week out. Salford’s cup run of 2017 certainly captured the supporters imagination. A semi final defeat against Wigan denying Salford a place at Wembley. Last season The Red Devil’s were beaten at the first hurdle against Leigh.

Rochdale Hornets have a difficult assignment in 2019 to try and survive in what is a very competitive Championship Division. Toronto and Toulouse have set the pace and newly promoted Bradford and York have also impressed in the opening few months of the season. Leigh, Widnes , Featherstone and Halifax are among the other front runners and so far Sheffield have been a real surprise package.

With one victory from Hornets first seven matches the race is on to avoid relegation.

Salford have lost four games on the trot and will be looking for a morale boosting victory on Friday night. Hornets certainly have nothing to lose and will want to be as competitive as possible. The experienced Scott Moore will be lining up for the visitors and has impressed in recent weeks. Stuart Howarth is a former Salford player along with player coach Carl Forster.

Talented scrum half Dan Abram is a player to keep an eye on and well travelled winger Shaun Ainscough knows where the try line is.

After last Sunday’s disappointing defeat against Hull Ian Watson is poised to make changes in the Salford line up and it will be interesting to see what his Starting thirteen looks like come kick off.

The Challenge Cup and the road to Wembley starts here for Salford. 

Safe travels and enjoy the game everyone.

Paul Whiteside.

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

SALFORD V HULL FC MATCH REPORT DITD

With both sides level on 8 points in the League table this match looked a tough match to call a result for. Salford on the back of three defeats and looking to get there mojo back. 

Hull’s start to the season has been nothing short of erratic. Three tremendous victories over Wigan, Huddersfield and Leeds showed the Airlie Birds are a threat for any side on there day. However there inconsistency has scuppered there early progress. 

An opening day derby defeat in the last seconds away at Hull Kingston Rovers was a bitter pill for Lee Radford and his team to swallow. Add to that home defeats to Wakefield and Castleford plus last weeks thumping at home to Warrington leaving a slight feeling of despondency on Humberside.

The hangover of last season’s losing run is still fresh in the minds of the Hull supporters. In Lee Radford though they have a passionate, bright young coach who has certainly proved himself at the top level.

Turning the focus on to Salford, The Red Devil’s were exceptional against Catalans last month. Three defeats have followed since there return. Despite that fact though Ian Watson’s side have competed well and with a little more belief, experience and perhaps fine tuning to cut out the silly errors could have won all three.

Back in front of there vocal home supporters this afternoon provided the perfect opportunity to get back to winning ways.

Hull got out of the blocks early Josh Griffin touching down after just 5 minutes.

The visitors bossed the first 15 minutes of the match Mark Sneyd leading his forward pack well and hooker Danny Houghton was a handful running from dummy half. Sneyd added a penalty goal to edge his side in to a 0-8 lead.

Robert Lui’s neat kick through for Josh Jones got Salford on the scoreboard. Jones touching down and Ed Chamberlain converting.

Salford had a good share of territory and possession in the first half and were unlucky to have a try ruled out by referee Gareth Hewer. Niall Evalds raced over but Hewer ruled it out for a push in the build up.

Sneyd notched a penalty goal to send Hull in 6-10 at half time.

Lee Radford’s men began to grow in confidence and when Griffin bagged his second try 7 minutes in to the second half Salford’s hill became a little steeper.

Four minutes later Josh Griffin completed his hat trick against his former club. His battle with his brother George was certainly an intriguing one all afternoon. 

Sneyd kicked another penalty goal with 15 minutes remaining to put Hull in to a 12 point lead.

Jackson Hastings pulled a try back for Salford to leave the Red Devil’s just 6 points behind going in to the last 10 minutes of the match.

This was to be Hull’s day though with Sneyd dropping a goal to restore a two score advantage at 16-23.

Ironically two ex Salford players did the damage scoring all Hull’s points.

A disappointing afternoon for Salford, coach Ian Watson didn’t hide his emotions after the match stating that “changes would be made”.

Salford 16 Hull 23.

Paul Whiteside.

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

Salford v Hull Preview DITD

Salford v Hull 

Hull and there supporters were glad to see the back of 2018. A dismal run through the Super Eight playoffs and a long losing sequence saw a season of underachievement. 

So far in 2019 the Airlie Birds have shown signs of improvement but continue to be plagued by inconsistency. So far there league record is a mirror image of Salford’s. Just one home victory against Leeds and three away wins at Wigan, London and Huddersfield. Andre Savelio has recently signed for Hull from Brisbane Broncos. Andre has a good reputation having impressed in Super League for Warrington and St. Helens. 

He will certainly boost there squad. Eagle eyed Salford supporters will remember Andre’s dad Lokeni playing at The Willows in the 90s and being a big part of the Salford Reds pack under then coach Andy Gregory.

Over the last decade Hull have been a regular top 6 side and with Challenge Cup glory at Wembley two season running in 2016 and 2017 the supporters on the west side of the city have had plenty to cheer.

Head coach Lee Radford is a local lad who played for the club for a large part of his career. Radford who turned 40 just recently is well respected amongst his peers, after 5 and a half years in charge out of all the coaches in the top flight only Daryl Powell at Castleford has served longer.

Super League home record 

Salford 9

Draws 0

Hull 11

1998 Salford 12 Hull 4

1999 Salford 38 Hull 18

2000 Salford 30 Hull 22

2000 Salford 33 Hull 24

2001 Salford 24 Hull 36

2002 Salford 10 Hull 24

2004 Salford 8 Hull 12

2005 Salford 12 Hull 22

2006 Salford 20 Hull 24

2007 Salford 18 Hull 35

2009 Salford 14 Hull 18

2010 Salford 27 Hull 20

2011 Salford 16 Hull 32

2012 Salford 24 Hull 22

2013 Salford 18 Hull 24

2014 Salford 35 Hull 22

2015 Salford 32 Hull 28

2016 Salford 20 Hull 28

2017 Salford 10 Hull 34

2018 Salford 24 Hull 8

They played for both 

Over the years there’s been quite a few players to represent both clubs, here are a few  pre-Super League era as well.

Paul Fletcher, Richie Barnett, Brian Blacker, Jodie Broughton, Craig Coleman, Josh Griffin, Brad Hepi, Mark Johnson, Daniel Holdsworth, Alan Hunte, Stuart Howarth, Warren Jowitt, Tommy Lee, Ryan Mcgoldrick, Craig Murdock, Iafeta Paleaaesina, Tommy Saxton, Scott Taylor, Jordan Turner, Martin Gleeson and Marc Sneyd.

A match to remember  Sunday 19th April 1998.

Salford 12 Hull 4.

After the heroics of the 1997 season Salford coach Andy Gregory had made some exciting signings for the new season. London Broncos had finished 2nd place in the table in 97 and for Salford to sign there star scrum half Josh White, really showed a statement of intent. 

A good cup run to the semi final had preceded the start of the league campaign. A close opening Super League defeat at The Willows 14-18 to St Helens was followed by a magnificent display at Wilderspool thumping Warrington 4-37. Hull were the new boys in the top flight after being promoted the previous season with Huddersfield.

Salford had already beaten Hull a month earlier in The Challenge Cup 41-10 but this match was a real close affair.

The late Steve Prescott scored Hull’s only points. Salford’s tries came from Steve Blakeley and the prolific Darren Rogers. Blakeley’s kicked both conversions. Despite the low score this was match was filled with end to end action. Two well drilled defences keeping each other at bay.

After a real promising start to 1998 the season fizzled out. The heart break of the Semi Final defeat hung over the club like a huge black cloud. 

The teams that day:

Salford 

Broadbent, Mcavoy, Martin, Hassan, Rogers, Blakeley, White, Savelio, Edwards, 

E Faimalo, J Faimalo, Bradbury, Hulme.

Subs, Lee, Southern, Forber, Platt.

Hull

Prescott, Smith, Hunte, Hallas, Johnson, Seru, Tomlinson, Okesene, Stephenson, Ireland, Booth, Campbell, Hepi.

Subs, Nolan, Leatham, Temu, Schultz.

Referee, Colin Morris

Attendance, 5227.

Sunday’s match.

After last weekends home hammering to Warrington 12-63, Hull will most certainly be looking for a reaction. There is no doubt about the talents within there squad. Albert Kelly, Mark Sneyd and Jake Connor provide the craft. Add to that a very physical pack with Scott Taylor, Josh Bowden and the all action veteran Mark Minichiello. 

There is plenty of size, power and pace in the back line too with Fetulia Talanoa, Carlos Tuimavave and former Salford favourite Josh Griffin. Leading the team is there own captain fantastic, hooker Danny Houghton. The 2016 Man of Steel is a tackling machine, a ferocious competitor and his dummy half ball distribution is amongst the best in the league.

With an inconsistent start to 2019 the pressure is on for Hull and Sunday’s match should be a fascinating encounter. 

Salford are also struggling for form after there heroics in the South of France three defeats have followed. The Red Devil’s are competing though which is pleasing coach Ian Watson. Last weekend’s result at Wakefield saw another slow start from Salford who for long periods were chasing the game. You get the feeling that a good strong start will be vital this Sunday. Rugby league is a sport where teams thrive on confidence. Who knows where it goes and who knows where it comes from. 

Both sides are currently on eight league points with the Easter fixtures just round the corner. To get to double figures before the bank holiday programme would be a huge boost for The Red Devil’s.

Former Salford scrum half Steve Nash will be in attendance at the match. A championship winner in his time At The Willows Steve celebrates his 70th birthday this Sunday. A Great Britain international who played 275 matches for Salford after making his debut against Dewsbury in August 1975. 

A Challenge Cup Winner with his home town club Featherstone Rovers In 1973 Steve was man of the match winning the Lance Todd Trophy. The previous year 1972 Steve was part of that legendary Great Britain side that lifted the World Cup. A true Rugby League Hero, happy birthday and best wishes.

Safe travels and enjoy the game everyone.

Paul Whiteside.

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

Salford v Hull FC Match report Sportszone

With both sides level on 8 points in the League table this match looked a tough match to call a result for. Salford on the back of three defeats and looking to get there mojo back. Hull’s start to the season has been nothing short of erratic. 

Three tremendous victories over Wigan, Huddersfield and Leeds showed the Airlie Birds are a threat for any side on there day. However there inconsistency has scuppered there early progress. 

An opening day derby defeat in the last seconds away at Hull Kingston Rovers was a bitter pill for Lee Radford and his team to swallow. Add to that home defeats to Wakefield and Castleford plus last weeks thumping at home to Warrington leaving a slight feeling of despondency on Humberside.

The hangover of last season’s losing run is still fresh in the minds of the Hull supporters. In Lee Radford though they have a passionate, bright young coach who has certainly proved himself at the top level.

Turning the focus on to Salford, The Red Devil’s were exceptional against Catalans last month. Three defeats have followed since there return. Despite that fact though Ian Watson’s side have competed well and with a little more belief, experience and perhaps fine tuning to cut out the silly errors could have won all three.

Back in front of there vocal home supporters this afternoon provided the perfect opportunity to get back to winning ways.

Hull got out of the blocks early Josh Griffin touching down after just 5 minutes.

The visitors bossed the first 15 minutes of the match Mark Sneyd leading his forward pack well and hooker Danny Houghton was a handful running from dummy half. Sneyd added a penalty goal to edge his side in to a 0-8 lead.

Robert Lui’s neat kick through for Josh Jones got Salford on the scoreboard. Jones touching down and Ed Chamberlain converting.

Salford had a good share of territory and possession in the first half and were unlucky to have a try ruled out by referee Gareth Hewer. Niall Evalds raced over but Hewer ruled it out for a push in the build up.

Sneyd notched a penalty goal to send Hull in 6-10 at half time.

Lee Radford’s men began to grow in confidence and when Griffin bagged his second try 7 minutes in to the second half Salford’s hill became a little steeper.

Four minutes later Josh Griffin completed his hat trick against his former club. His battle with his brother George was certainly an intriguing one all afternoon. 

Sneyd kicked another penalty goal with 15 minutes remaining to put Hull in to a 12 point lead.

Jackson Hastings pulled a try back for Salford to leave the Red Devil’s just 6 points behind going in to the last 10 minutes of the match.

This was to be Hull’s day though with Sneyd dropping a goal to restore a two score advantage at 16-23.

Ironically two ex Salford players did the damage scoring all Hull’s points.

A disappointing afternoon for Salford, coach Ian Watson didn’t hide his emotions after the match stating that “changes would be made”.

Salford 16 Hull 23.

Paul Whiteside.

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

Salford Red Devils v Hull Big match Preview

Salford v Hull 

Hull and there supporters were glad to see the back of 2018. A dismal run through the Super Eight playoffs and a long losing sequence saw a season of underachievement.

 So far in 2019 the Airlie Birds have shown signs of improvement but continue to be plagued by inconsistency. So far there league record is a mirror image of Salford’s. Just one home victory against Leeds and three away wins at Wigan, London and Huddersfield. 

Andre Savelio has recently signed for Hull from Brisbane Broncos. Andre has a good reputation having impressed in Super League for Warrington and St. Helens. He will certainly boost there squad. Eagle eyed Salford supporters will remember Andre’s dad Lokeni playing at The Willows in the 90s and being a big part of the Salford Reds pack under then coach Andy Gregory.

Over the last decade Hull have been a regular top 6 side and with Challenge Cup glory at Wembley two season running in 2016 and 2017 the supporters on the west side of the city have had plenty to cheer.

Head coach Lee Radford is a local lad who played for the club for a large part of his career. Radford who turned 40 just recently is well respected amongst his peers, after 5 and a half years in charge out of all the coaches in the top flight only Daryl Powell at Castleford has served longer.

Super League home record 

Salford 9

Draws 0

Hull 11

1998 Salford 12 Hull 4

1999 Salford 38 Hull 18

2000 Salford 30 Hull 22

2000 Salford 33 Hull 24

2001 Salford 24 Hull 36

2002 Salford 10 Hull 24

2004 Salford 8 Hull 12

2005 Salford 12 Hull 22

2006 Salford 20 Hull 24

2007 Salford 18 Hull 35

2009 Salford 14 Hull 18

2010 Salford 27 Hull 20

2011 Salford 16 Hull 32

2012 Salford 24 Hull 22

2013 Salford 18 Hull 24

2014 Salford 35 Hull 22

2015 Salford 32 Hull 28

2016 Salford 20 Hull 28

2017 Salford 10 Hull 34

2018 Salford 24 Hull 8

They played for both 

Over the years there’s been quite a few players to represent both clubs, here are a few  pre-Super League era as well.

Paul Fletcher, Richie Barnett, Brian Blacker, Jodie Broughton, Craig Coleman, Josh Griffin, Brad Hepi, Mark Johnson, Daniel Holdsworth, Alan Hunte, Stuart Howarth, Warren Jowitt, Tommy Lee, Ryan Mcgoldrick, Craig Murdock, Iafeta Paleaaesina, Tommy Saxton, Scott Taylor, Jordan Turner, Martin Gleeson and Marc Sneyd.

A match to remember  Sunday 19th April 1998.

Salford 12 Hull 4.

After the heroics of the 1997 season Salford coach Andy Gregory had made some exciting signings for the new season. London Broncos had finished 2nd place in the table in 97 and for Salford to sign there star scrum half Josh White, really showed a statement of intent. 

A good cup run to the semi final had preceded the start of the league campaign. A close opening Super League defeat at The Willows 14-18 to St Helens was followed by a magnificent display at Wilderspool thumping Warrington 4-37. Hull were the new boys in the top flight after being promoted the previous season with Huddersfield.

Salford had already beaten Hull a month earlier in The Challenge Cup 41-10 but this match was a real close affair.

The late Steve Prescott scored Hull’s only points. Salford’s tries came from Steve Blakeley and the prolific Darren Rogers. Blakeley’s kicked both conversions. Despite the low score this was match was filled with end to end action. Two well drilled defences keeping each other at bay.

After a real promising start to 1998 the season fizzled out. The heart break of the Semi Final defeat hung over the club like a huge black cloud. 

The teams that day:

Salford 

Broadbent, Mcavoy, Martin, Hassan, Rogers, Blakeley, White, Savelio, Edwards, 

E Faimalo, J Faimalo, Bradbury, Hulme.

Subs, Lee, Southern, Forber, Platt.

Hull

Prescott, Smith, Hunte, Hallas, Johnson, Seru, Tomlinson, Okesene, Stephenson, Ireland, Booth, Campbell, Hepi.

Subs, Nolan, Leatham, Temu, Schultz.

Referee, Colin Morris

Attendance, 5227.

Sunday’s match.

After last weekends home hammering to Warrington 12-63, Hull will most certainly be looking for a reaction. There is no doubt about the talents within there squad. Albert Kelly, Mark Sneyd and Jake Connor provide the craft. Add to that a very physical pack with Scott Taylor, Josh Bowden and the all action veteran Mark Minichiello. 

There is plenty of size, power and pace in the back line too with Fetulia Talanoa, Carlos Tuimavave and former Salford favourite Josh Griffin. Leading the team is there own captain fantastic, hooker Danny Houghton. The 2016 Man of Steel is a tackling machine, a ferocious competitor and his dummy half ball distribution is amongst the best in the league.

With an inconsistent start to 2019 the pressure is on for Hull and Sunday’s match should be a fascinating encounter. 

Salford are also struggling for form after there heroics in the South of France three defeats have followed. The Red Devil’s are competing though which is pleasing coach Ian Watson. Last weekend’s result at Wakefield saw another slow start from Salford who for long periods were chasing the game. You get the feeling that a good strong start will be vital this Sunday. Rugby league is a sport where teams thrive on confidence. Who knows where it goes and who knows where it comes from. 

Both sides are currently on eight league points with the Easter fixtures just round the corner. To get to double figures before the bank holiday programme would be a huge boost for The Red Devil’s.

Former Salford scrum half Steve Nash will be in attendance at the match. A championship winner in his time At The Willows Steve celebrates his 70th birthday this Sunday. A Great Britain international who played 275 matches for Salford after making his debut against Dewsbury in August 1975. 

A Challenge Cup Winner with his home town club Featherstone Rovers In 1973 Steve was man of the match winning the Lance Todd Trophy. The previous year 1972 Steve was part of that legendary Great Britain side that lifted the World Cup. A true Rugby League Hero, happy birthday and best wishes.

Safe travels and enjoy the game everyone.

Paul Whiteside.

Pictures by Steve McCormick