Salford Red Devils’ return to Betfred Super League action ended in defeat at the hands of Wigan Warriors.
Tries from Kallum Watkins and Tui Lolohea were not enough to see the Red Devils mount a significant challenge, six days on from their single-point cup final disappointment.
The Warriors started strongly and established an 24-0 lead inside the first 30 minutes. Sam Powell claimed an early brace of tries and Liam Farrell supported a Joe Burgess break to score down the centre, before Bevan French went over for his first of the night.
Salford had also been hit with Olly Ashall-Bott and Mark Flanagan both required to go off for a head injury assessments. Neither returned and the Red Devils were therefore forced to reshuffle.
Once reorganised, they did create an opening, which saw Kallum Watkins go over for his first Super League try in a Red Devils shirt. Wigan soon restored their cushion however, with French scoring his second.
👹 Kallum Watkins claims his first @SuperLeague try for Salford!
💪 #TogetherStronger pic.twitter.com/OfpHz0ReVQ
— Salford Red Devils 👹 (@SalfordDevils) October 23, 2020
Halftime: Wigan Warriors 30-6 Salford Red Devils
Salford struck first in the second-half. Tui Lolohea took an opportunity from his adopted position of fullback and supported a break from Chris Atkin to score in the right channel.
Wigan then kicked up a gear once again, as Jackson Hastings swung the momentum back in their direction, before Oliver Gildart and Farrell both claimed their braces.
French then completed his hat-trick, to mark an impressive performance.
The Red Devils now face a quick turnaround ahead of their match against St Helens on Monday. Supporters can hear the thoughts of head coach Ian Watson HERE on RDTV.
Fulltime: Wigan Warriors 58-12 Salford Red Devils
Wigan Warriors: French, Bibby, Hardaker, Gildart, Burgess, Leuluai, Hastings, Bullock, Powell, Singleton, Isa, Farrell, Partington, Flower, Greenwood, Clubb, Smithies
Salford Red Devils: Ashall-Bott, Williams, Watkins, Kear, Inu, Lolohea, Atkin, Mossop, Lussick, Yates, Roberts, Greenwood, McCarthy, Ackers, Flanagan, Burke, Pauli
Wigan tries: Powell 2, Farrell 2, French 3, Hastings, Gildart 2
Wigan goals: Hardaker (9/10)
Salford tries: Watkins, Lolohea
Salford goals: Inu (2/2)
Referee: C. Kendall
Image Credit: Steve McCormick
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