Batley 14 Salford 42 - Salford make Million Pound game

Salford travelled to Mount Pleasant to face Batley knowing they had to at least equal London Broncos result against Featherstone to qualify for The Million Pound Game. The opening ten minutes were very tight Salford made mistakes and failed to complete there sets. The Bulldogs couldn't take advantage and the opening score went to Salford with Gareth O Brien scoring after a nice move. O Brien added the goal 0-6. 3 minutes later it was good work from o Brien again to send junior Sau over in the corner the goal was booted off the touch line to give Salford a real solid start 0-12.

Sau then makes a mistake trying to field a Batley kick. From the scrum the pressure is applied ten yards out and the Bulldogs are in with Wayne Rettie kick is missed 4-12. Salford though up the tempo and score through Weller Hauraki. O Brien adds his third goal 4-18. The Red Devils start to move through the gears playing down the slope Greg Johnson is next up to score out wide o Brien misses the goal 4-22. Hauraki soon after ghosts over the line which o Brien goals 4-28. Salford are now totally in control and growing in confidence much to the delight of the good travelling support.

There's just time for another score before half time as Josh Griffin scores, o Brien makes it 5/6 goals. Half time score 4-34. The second half is a different story as the slope comes in to play. Rettie gets the opening try his 100th in the professional game. The kick is missed 8-34. Robert Lui makes a super break with a nice neat change of pace gets to the line to clinch the victory for Salford, O Brien kicks the goal 8-38. The Bulldogs are determined to win the second half and score again as centre Chris Ulugia goes over. Pat Walker kicks the goal 14-38. Salford finish the day with the final try. Great work from the impressive O Brien as he drops his shoulder to scoot to the line. He can't add the goal 14-42. That's the way it finished.

.A good solid performance sends Salford to Craven Park next Saturday in The Million Pound Game to play Hull kr in a fight for super league survival. It's going to be a real nerve shredder that's for sure. Let's hope we take a huge following and get right behind the club we love so much Salford RLFC. Great to see the smiles on supporters faces today. Paul Whiteside The Away Day Red .

SALFORD 16 LONDON 19

Salford were looking to build on last weeks victory this afternoon when London Broncos were the visitors to the AJ Bell stadium! It was a slow start with the Broncos frustrating Salford in the early stages as both sides traded sets. London got the first try William Barteau pounced to race away and score an interception try. Jamie Soward misses the conversion 0-4.

Salford desperately try to get back level and blow certain tries when Josh Griffin and Junior Sau spill the ball from good chances. Niall Evalds also goes close. It's a big blow when Craig Kopzack is forced off with an ankle injury.The Red Devils finally get the scores level when George Griffin powers over under the posts. Gareth O Brien Adds the goal 6-4 after 35 minutes.

London continue to impress and shock Salford again with a well worked try from Scott Leatherbarrow after a great break from the lively Isreal Eliab. Jamie Soward adds the goal to send London to the half time break leading 6-10.

As the second half starts the Broncos continue to work hard and Salford make errors! 58 minutes gone London edge further ahead with an excellent try. Soward splits the defence with a super break finding Eliab who looks to be going in touch but some how off loads back to Soward who crashes over to stun the crowd. His kick of the touch line is excellent. 6-16. If Salford needed a wake up call they've just had it!

With 15 minutes remain and the Broncos adding a penalty goal to edge themselves a bit closer with a  6-18 lead the spark and urgency seemed to be missing from Salford today. Michael Dobson gives away a real soft penalty to help London up the field and they wisely work there way to the posts with Barteau dropping a goal 6-19. Josh Griffin adds two late tries for Salford with O Brien adding the goal from the first try.

London hold on though for a famous win one they deserve! If Salford are to survive this season we must do it via the million pound game. A trip to Batley next Sunday is salford's next match where it will be another tough test. As supporters we can only hope there is enough fight left for the final two weeks of a long testing season. A very disappointing day finished Salford 16 London 19. Paul Whiteside away day red

Salford 70 Featherstone 16

Salford returned to the AJ Bell Stadium for the first time in three weeks! It had been 8 years since the last fixture with Featherstone Rovers in the 2008 which finished 30-30 at Post Office Road! The Rovers were still without a point in the qualifiers after being edged out 11-10 at Batley last weekend! It was a perfect start for the visitors moving the ball superbly on the opening set of the match. Nice work from Anthony Thackery sending prop Jordan Baldwinson over for the opening try. Kyle Briggs adds the goal 0-6!

Misi Taulapapa spills the ball from the kick off to invite Salford pressure. The Red Devils take advantage as Weller Hauraki roars over Gareth O Brien kicks the goal to level the score 6-6. Rovers kick off is poor and Michael Dobson takes it out on the full to grab a penalty. The pressure tells again as Junior Sau claims a kick out wide to score in the corner. O Brien kicks a tough one 12-6.

Josh Jones is next to touch down showing real strength and desire to muscle his way over. O Brien misses the conversation 16-6. Salford are turning up the heat and Junior Sau. Quick hands out wide to Daniel Vidot who finishes well to get down low at the corner flag
. O Brien misses off the touch line but Salford are in control 20-6.

Rovers are feeling the pressure and knock on near there own line. Sau grabs his second try which o Brien converts 26-6. Featherstone finally get some field position and they make it
count with a nice short kick which Jack Ormondroyd dives on to score. Briggs adds the goal 26-12. Salford then score the try of the half with a lovely move, O Briens ball out the back to Evalds is sublime and he races away with a brilliant finish. O Brien kicks well 32-12. Rovers are struggling with the pace of the game and another thrilling break follows from Josh Griffin who runs 30 yards side ways, throws a basket ball pass to Ben Murdoch Masila, his hand off is to much for rovers half back Thackery and the big man is over. O Brien kicks the goal 38-12 with 5 first half minutes remaining. There's just enough time for the busy Logan Tomkins to scoot over from dummy half o Brien kicks again to send the rampant Red Devils in at half time 44-12.

It's a poor start to the second half with Salford knocking on first set of 6. More mistakes and a few soft penalties give Rovers a chance. Josh Walters gets the try Briggs can't convert 44-16. Salford then cut loose with three tries in 8 minutes. Olsi Krasniqi gets the first before Haurakis second and then Dobson scores! All goaled by O Brien. 62-16. Rovers never gave up and deserve credit for a spirited display! Salford add two more tries in the final ten minutes. Murdoch Masila and Jones finishing the day with a brace each. Both goals are missed.

It was a result that Salford desperately needed and can now go in to next weeks home game with London confident. There's still a lot of work to be done to ensure are super league survival but today was the first brick in the wall. Final score Salford 70 Featherstone Rovers 16, Paul Whiteside Away Day Red

MATCH REPORT SUPER 8 QUALIFIERS LEEDS 30 SALFORD 8

Salford travelled to Headingley knowing a victory would give the whole club a massive lift! With just two victories at Leeds since 1959 history was not on are side.
Leeds were on the front foot early on there first set of six Gareth o Brien spilled a grubber kick close to his own line. Salford defended well to clear the danger.

Soon after the Leeds Rhinos scored a soft try from close range as Jamie Jones Buchanan crashing over. Liam Sutcliffe added the conversion to lead 6-0.
Ten minutes in and Salford hit back, Michael Dobson's high bomb is palmed back by Josh griffin and Dobson sends George Griffin in for a much needed try! O Brien kicks the goal to level things up 6-6.

Shortly after Dobson puts in what looks a nothing kick but Leeds come up with the error giving Salford a real chance from good field position. The Reds come up with a mistake and the chance is gone.

Salford start to concede penalties and referee Ben Thaler puts them on a team warning. More penalties follow but the Reds defence is really solid and they hold there line keeping the Rhinos at bay. 8 minutes from half time and Salford are awarded a penalty well in range. Without any hesitation Gareth O Brien kicks the goal in off the post to edge Salford ahead 6-8.

A few minutes later and a very crucial point in the match as Gareth o Brien is sin binned for a professional foul. Leeds make the extra man count and Kallum Watkins scores. Sutcliffe misses the kick but the rhinos are in front 10-8 at half time.

Salford up the tempo and start the second half on the front foot a barn storming break from Weller Hauraki is agonisingly close. The Salford traveling support go wild only for the referee to rule the try out for a double movement.

53 minutes on the clock and Leeds know there in a real arm wrestle as they decide to kick at goal from a penalty. This time it's Jordan Lilley who kicks the goal 12-8. Moments later comes the game changer as Josh Griffin comes up with a huge error in his own half and James Segeyaro pounces to race away for a try. Lilley kicks the goal to put a bit of daylight between the sides 18-8.

Salford were in desperate need of a try but Leeds turned the screw and made the pressure count. A teasing kick out wide is pouched by Carl Ablett who scores in the corner to put the game beyond Salford! Lilley kicks off the touch line 24-8. The Red Devils didn't really threaten the Rhinos line in the closing stages! Two minutes from time Adam Cuthbertson charges over from close range to round off a big win for Leeds. Lilley kicked the goal. Another very disappointing night for the travelling Salford supporters.

The club face a real tough fight now to stay in super league and must beat featherstone at the AJ bell stadium next Sunday. Final score Leeds 30salford 8!

Salford 12 Hull KR 29 Super 8 qualifiers match report

Salford returned to the AJ Bell stadium looking to bounce back from last weeks defeat against Leigh. Hull KR were tonight's visitors in what was a must win game for both sides. Rovers started brightly and with early pressure scored the opening try through Josh Mantellato who converted off the touch line 0-6.

Michael Dobson again working very hard puts in a good kick chase to force a drop out. George Griffin comes up with the error and knocks the drop out on. Hull KR take advantage as Albert Kelly puts in a clever grubber kick for James Greenwood to pounce on. Rovers lead is extended to 12 as Mantellato converts the try. Salford are making unforced errors this time Greg Johnson knocks on from a drop out. 16 minutes in and Mantellato kicks a penalty to edge Rovers further ahead 0-14.

Rovers are doing the basics right running and tackling harder. The Salford supporters finally have something to cheer in the 22nd minute as Robert Lui's superb pass finds Mason Caton Brown who finishes brilliantly to squeeze in at the corner. Gareth O Brien misses the goal 4-14. Another Salford mistake and this time Ben Cockayne takes full advantage of the free play kicking through twice. Rovers force a drop out and Salford concede a penalty within range which Mantellato boots over 6-16.

Albert Kelly is really controlling the game with some great kicking, this time he puts a 40/20 kick to peg Salford deep in there own half with defending to do. The Red Devils are caught cold at the scrum as the ball is moved wide and Ken sio breezes over. Another good kick from Mantellato 4-22. Some light relief right on the hooter when Gareth o Brien kicks a penalty to make the half time score Salford 6 Hull KR 22.

A positive start is needed to the second half but when Greg Johnson knocks on returning the ball from the kick off the Salford faithful must fear the worst. This time the defence is better as the danger passes. Junior Sau desperate to get back in the game chases a real lost cause to force a scrum ten yards from the rovers line. Salford attack desperate for points but Ben Murdoch Masila agonisingly loss the ball over the line.

With half an hour remaining o Brien scores a try and converts it to give a ray of hope 12-22. Salford's night is summoned up when o Brien knocks on from the kick off to put Rovers back on the front foot. Another penalty is conceded, Mantellato has no hestitation and kicks the goal 12-24. 20 minutes remain as Salford pile pressure on but the hull KR defence is very good and matches every move.

The Red Devils attack is predictable and the important plays are telegraphed. The visitors are managing the game the right way and Albert Kelly turns the screw 14 minutes from time with a drop goal 12-25. Salford beaten in every department tonight concede another try again Kelly the creator. Another cruel grubber kick as Thomas Mimms makes it look all to easy scoring the try.

Nothing flash from hull KR but the deserved everything they got tonight. The Salford players look shattered as the hooter sounds! All is not lost with four games still to play but what effect will this result have on the Salford players?. Two weeks to turn things around with Leeds away a tough prospect up next. A very disappointing night finished Salford 12 Hull KR 29. Paul Whiteside away day red

Batley Bulldogs Super 8 qualifiers preview

Batley Bulldogs. 3rd in the championship.
Coach John Kear, captain Keegan Hirst.


Last 8 league meetings.
2008. Salford 46. Batley 0
2008. Batley 22. Salford 48
2003. Batley 16. Salford 54
2003. Salford 54. Batley 12
1996. Salford 60. Batley 6
1996. Batley 18. Salford 56
1995. Batley 12. Salford 12
1995. Salford 52. Batley 24

Past great players. Carl Gibson 1982-86,
Bill Hudson1946/47
Barry Eaton 2002-2005
Danny Maun 200-2003,2008-2013
Glen Tomlinson 1991-96,
2001-2002 Richard Price 1998-2001
Craig Lingard 1998-2008
Paul Harrison 1998, 2002-2005

Honours Championship winners 1923/24
Challenge cup winners1896/97,1897/98,1900/01
Yorkshire cup winners,
1898/99 and 1923/24.

Batley continued there success story this year finishing third in a relatively low budget. With a thrilling victory over Leigh I the opening league game, the Bulldogs will be no push overs on there home turf at mount pleasant. John Kear has done a real solid job and they will be sad to see him leave at the end of the

Video

Salford took on Batley in 1901 here is the highlights of the game

Memorable match. Wednesday 29th November 1995 Mount pleasant
Batley 12 Salford reds 12.
It was a wild wintry mid week night in West Yorkshire. Salford riding high in the centenary season. It was a struggle that season for Batley finishing 10th one place above the bottom club, there rivals dewsbury. On this occasion though they have Salford a real scare. The Reds went on to clinch the division 1 title finishing seven points clear of keighley Cougars, winning 17 of there 20 games. Some good times followed for Salford in the next few years. We won the division one title the following year and were promoted to super league. Back to back challenge cup semi finals in 1997 and 1998. Plus a 6th place finish in are first attempt at super league

Match report Leigh 32 Salford 26 Super 8 Qualifiers

Salford travelled to Leigh for there second game of the super 8 qualifiers. With five ex Salford players in the Centurions 17 it was always going to be a fiercely fought contest. The Red Devils hit the ground running with early oppertunites as Mason Caton Brown is denied a try in the corner. George Griffin moments later makes a terrific break but Robert Lui is pulled down meters short. All this action in the opening four minutes. Lui then takes a heavy knock on his knee and receives some attention from the physio. Leigh strike first though as Josh Drinkwater sends Reni Maitua in for a try which Martin Ridyard converts. 6-0.

The next set of six Leigh are on the attack again as Ridyard sends Corey Paterson charging over. Conversion is added 12-0 after ten minutes. Micky Higham causing problems with his darting runs from dummy half. Salford spring in to life as Mason Caton Brown deep in his own half finds the gap and beats half the Leigh team to race away and score a sensational try. Gareth o Brien kicks the goal 12-6.

Leigh then get a huge slice of luck as drinkwaters kick bounces off lui back into his arms and he sends Greg McNally under the posts for a try. Ridyard kicks the goal 18-6. Salford start to attack and move the ball out wide, Gareth o Brien sends a super floating pass to Niall Evalds who finishes well in the corner. O Brien kicks goes just wide. 18-10. With just over three minutes of the half remaining Salford concede a penalty within range of the posts and Ridyard boots the two points over. The teams go in at half time Leigh in front 20-10.

Leigh kick the second half off but Robert Lui spills the ball and the centurions are on the attack from the drop out. Salford defend really well and clear the danger. Ben Murdoch Masila is denied a try by the video referee. A decision that could have gone either really. Salford are starting to take control and the video referee is called upon again as Josh Griffins nice flick pass to Mason Caton brown is scrutinised. Adam Higson the Leigh winger comes up with a great tackle as Brown just steps in touch as Salford are denied again. Josh Griffin makes a break and finds junior Sau who scorches through a gap to put Robert lui under the posts for a much needed Salford try! O Brien kicks the goal to pull it back to 20-16 as Leigh start to feel the pressure

. A loose pass to Higson as Leigh attack lands in touch and the momentum of the match seems to be changing. With 20 minutes to go Michael Dobsons high kick causes pandemonium in the Leigh defence. Junior Sau touches down but the referee is not convinced and asks for the video assistance. Again Salford are denied as Sau is adjudged to have knocked on! With 17 minutes to go Salford trail by four points but are totally on top. Fantastic ball movement from right to left and Josh griffin squeezes over in the corner. The referee again calls for the video replay! Griffin is denied as a knock on is given. Leigh then try to take the sting out of Salford by kicking a penalty goal to increase there lead to 22-16.

On the next set of six Leigh are over, a great finish from the winger Higson. Ridyard misses the conversion but Leigh have a ten point cushion 26-16. From the kick off it goes from bad to worse for Salford as o Brien kicks out on the full to invite Leigh back on the attack with a penalty. A wonderful off load from former Australian international Willie Tonga to Matty Dawson who scores in the corner to add to the Red Devils misery! Ridyard rubs salt in the wounds with a kick off the touch line 32-16.

Salford fight back with two tries in the last five minutes from Ben Murdoch Masila and the impressive Caton Brown! 32-26 with 11 seconds remaining. From the kick off Dobson is caught as the full time hooter sounds! Leigh players are delighted, Salford dejected! Final score Leigh 32 Salford 26. A disappointing result after last weeks great performance. The pressure is now on with a win against Hull KR on Friday night being the number one priority. The intensity of last week was missing today and that's something Ian Watson and Tim sheens will need to put right in time for next week. Paul Whiteside away day red.