Despite a valiant effort, Salford Red Devils fell to a 4-26 defeat to St Helens at the The Salford Stadium in their fifth fixture of the 2019 Betfred Super League season.
Although the 22-point margin may suggest otherwise, the game was a hard-fought affair however the current table-toppers came out on top thanks to a double from James Roby and tries from Mark Percival, Jonny Lomax and Regan Grace. Derrell Olpherts crossed for Salfordโs only try of the game.
The evening didnโt get off to a great start for the Red Devils as they lost George Griffin in the warm-up and he was subsequently replaced by Daniel Murray. However, the struggles continued five minutes into the game as Lee Mossop left the field with a similar injury leaving Salford down to 16 men for the remainder of the game.
Jansin Turgut went close for Salford in the early stages but was stopped just short of the line. But it was St Helens who opened the scoring just before the midpoint of the first half as Percival climbed highest for a cross-field kick. Lachlan Coote converted.
Injury issues continued for Salford as Greg Burke had to leave the field for a concussion assessment with Gil Dudson returning after just a few minutes on the interchange bench. The visitors would soon score again as Lomax managed to force his way over from close-range.
On the half-time hooter, Roby managed to burrow his way under the Salford defence. Coote converted to further the lead going into the break.
Following an immense cover tackle from Jackson Hastings, Salford would grab the first try after the interval as Olpherts rose highest to claim a cross-field kick and get the Red Devils on the scoreboard.
St Helens immediately replied, however. Dominique Peyroux was denied by video referee Rob Hicks but from the following scrum as the ball went wide to Grace to go over in the corner. The Red Devils continued to push but couldnโt cross again and it was Saints who finished the scoring as Roby grabbed his second of the game five minutes from time.
Salford: Evalds, Olpherts, Welham, Saโu, Sio; Lui, Hastings; Mossop, Lussick, Dudson, Jones, Turgut, Murray.
Interchanges: Burke, Nakubuwai, McCarthy, Tomkins.
St Helens: Coote, Makinson, Costello, Percival, Grace; Lomax, Fages; Walmsley, Roby, Thompson, Taia, Peyroux, Knowles.
Interchanges: Lees, McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Paulo, Amor.
Salford Tries: Olpherts (53โ).
Salford Conversions: N/A.
Saints Tries: Percival (18โ), Lomax (32โ), Roby (39โ, 75โ), Grace (56โ)
Saints Conversions: Coote (19โ, 40โ, 76โ)
ย
Referee: Ben Thaler.
Video Referee: Rob Hicks.
Attendance: 4064.
Tag: Derrell Olpherts
Talking Points | Hull Kingston Rovers 22-24 Salford Red Devils
Salford Red Devils made itย three wins from four in the 2019 Betfred Super League season with a remarkable comeback victory over Hull Kingston Rovers at KCOM Craven Park and it certainly threw up someย interesting talking points.
Comeback
The biggest talking point from the win over Hull Kingston Rovers was, of course, the nature of it. Salford Red Devils found themselves 22-8 down at half-time only to go on and earn a memorable 22-24 victory at KCOM Craven Park.
There were many impressive facets to Salfordโs comeback but the key to their success was a resilient and improved second half defensive display. The Red Devils managed to keep to Rovers at bay throughout the whole of the second half and this is now the third time this season that Salford have kept a side scoreless for a full forty minutes.
Full-time: @HullKROfficial 22-24 @SalfordDevils.
Oh, we do love a comeback win at KCOM Craven Park! ๐
What a second half performance!#SLHkrSal pic.twitter.com/drbNNs70A1
— Salford Red Devils ๐น (@SalfordDevils) February 23, 2019
On the other hand, the Red Devils retention of the ball improved massively in the second half as Ian Watsonโs men cut out the errors and were much more sensible with ball in hand. This paid dividend as the half went on with Salford getting more attacking opportunities and eventually taking the chances that came their way.
There was a stark contrast between the Salford team from the first half to the second half and Ian Watson will be looking to ensure itโs the side that went out for the second half who turn up on Thursday evening against St Helens.
George Griffinโs performanceย
George Griffin moved up from the interchange bench to loose-forward for this weekendโs win over Hull Kingston Rovers and it was an inspired change from Head Coach Ian Watson as the 26-year-old put in a phenomenal 80-minute display.
The loose-forward, who moved into the back-row, was an absolute rock in defence making a massive 50 tackles against Hull Kingston Rovers, this was 18 more than any other Red Devil. Griffin also took 13 carries and was a constant thorn in the side of the Robins in both defence and attack.
Head Coach Ian Watson said: “For him to do eighty minutes like that and move to the right back-row and make an impact there like he did is a massive credit to him.
First games of the season
Along with Griffin moving into the starting line-up, Daniel Murray and Tyrone McCarthy were both named among the interchanges for the first this year and both forwards made strong openings to their 2019 Super League campaigns.
McCarthy has waited patiently for his first opportunity of 2019 to come and he certainly took it with both hands against his former club โ Hull Kingston Rovers. McCarthy was solid in defence and certainly lifted the team on his entrance to the field.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BuPKj_unJGn/
Murray entered the field in the second half and immediately took it to the Hull Kingston Rovers forwards with some solid defence and strong ball carrying throughout. In fact, the 23-year-old took the carry leading up to both Derrell Olphertsโ and Ken Sioโs tries. Murray has continued to develop year-on-year with the Red Devils and that shows no signs of stopping in 2019.
Both Murray and McCarthy will be hoping their performances have put them in line for a position in the team for Thursday eveningโs clash with St Helens at the The Salford Stadium.
Try-scoring exploits
Josh Jones was – once again โ a standout performer for Salford and his he managed to power his way over in the first half for his third try in his last three games now crossing against London Broncos, Leeds Rhinos and Hull Kingston Rovers. This is the first time he has scored in three consecutive fixtures since 2013 during his time with St Helens.
Ken Sio pulled off a spectacular finish to help the Red Devils fight back and this was Sioโs fourth try in his first four outings for Salford. Despite not crossing last week, Sio has now found himself on the scoresheet against London Broncos, Hull Kingston Rovers and twice in Round One against Huddersfield Giants.
Derrell Olphertsโ try begun the comeback and this is Olphertsโ second try of the season after rounding off Salfordโs opening win of the season against Huddersfield Giants earlier this month. With two tries this year, Olpherts has already matched his tally from the 2018 Betfred Super League season.
Finally, Joey Lussick has now scored in back-to-back games for Salford after also scooting over against Leeds Rhinos last weekend. Lussick also scored in similar fashion in last yearโs Qualifiers meeting between the teams.
Tickets for our game against St Helens on Thursday 28th February areย available to purchase from the The Salford Stadium Ticket Office, over the phone on 0161 786 1570 and online HERE.
Match Report | Hull Kingston Rovers 22-24 Salford Red Devils
Salford Red Devils came back from 22-8 down to earn a memorable victory over Hull Kingston Rovers which means they have now won three of their opening four games of the 2019 Betfred Super League season.
Second half tries from Derrell Olpherts, Ken Sio and a late score from Joey Lussick pulled the scores level with Sioโs conversion nine minutes from time proving the difference between the sides.
Hull KR went into the break with a comfortable lead through tries from Weller Hauraki, Craig Hall, George Lawler and Jimmy Keinhorst. The Red Devils led briefly in the first half as Rob Lui and Josh Jones scored in quick succession.
It was the Rovers who opened the scoring as former Red Devil Hauraki planted the ball down from Danny McGuireโs low kick.
Lui, on his birthday, would soon get Salford on the scoreboard as he dummied and slid through the Hull defence to score. This was followed up by Jones who โ in typical fashion โ bundled his way over a number of Rovers defenders to score his third try in as many games.
However, the lead didnโt last long as Hall latched onto a chip kick from Josh Drinkwater. Lawler was next to score for the Robins as he wriggled free of three Salford defenders to score from close-range. Keinhorst would round off the first half scoring as he picked up a loose ball and raced thirty metres. Three tries in the final fifteen minutes of the half gave the hosts a 14-point lead at the interval.
Salford would come out a different side after the break and went close on a number of occasions but getting over the KR line was proving difficult. But the Red Devils pressure eventually paid dividend as Lui threw a looping pass wide to Olpherts who finished well to get the ball rolling for Ian Watsonโs men.
The ball was moving much more freely for Salford and a flowing move involving Jackson Hastings, Lui, Niall Evalds and Junior Saโu eventually found winger Sio who pulled off a magnificent finish in the corner against his former club. Sioโs conversion came back off the bar meaning the Red Devils still trailed by four points.
With less than ten minutes remaining, Lussick would go for the line from close-range โ in identical fashion to his debut try last season โ and force his way under the Rovers defence to level the scores. Sio converted to complete an incredible Salford comeback.
Hull Kingston Rovers: Dagger, Shaw, Keinhorst, Linnett, Hall; McGuire, Drinkwater; Mulhern, Lee, Masoe, Tomkins, Hauraki, Lawler.
Interchanges: Garbutt, Lannon, Atkin, Addy.
Salford Red Devils: Evalds, Olpherts, Welham, Saโu, Sio; Lui, Hastings; Mossop, Lussick, Dudson, Jones, Turgut, Griffin.
Interchanges: McCarthy, Murray, Burke, Tomkins.
KR Tries: Hauraki (6โ), Hall (28โ), Lawler (33โ), Keinhorst (37โ).
KR Goals: Shaw (7โ, 34โ, 38โ)
Salford Tries: Lui (10โ), Jones (24โ), Olpherts (56โ), Sio (64โ), Lussick (70โ).
Salford Goals: Sio (57โ, 71โ).ย
Attendance: 7065.ย
Referee: Liam Moore.
Talking Points | Salford Red Devils 18-28 Wigan Warriors
Salford Red Devils fell to defeat in their second pre-season fixture of 2019 against Wigan Warriors at the The Salford Stadium. However, there were still some promising talking points from the game.
First look at Ken
Ken Sio made his first appearance for the Red Devils since his off-season move from NRL side Newcastle Knights and was one of a few standout performers for Ian Watsonโs side.
It took Sio just four minutes to get onto the scoresheet for Salford as he met Jackson Hastingsโ low kick to the corner. The winger continued to impress bringing the ball back from deep within the Red Devils half throughout the game.
Following Hastings and Luiโs departures from the field, Niall Evalds moved into the halves with Sio slotting in at full-back where he looked equally as comfortable. The powerful Australian offers versatility in the back-line with the ability to play full-back, winger and centre which will only benefit Salford throughout 2019.
There is a strong competition for places across the back line with the likes of Jake Bibby, Ed Chamberlain, Derrell Olpherts, Kris Welham, Greg Johnson, Junior Saโu and Evalds but Sio has certainly put his name forward to start away at Huddersfield in just under a fortnight.
Energetic Evaldsย
In last week’s talking points, following victory over Swinton Lions, we mentioned the versatility of some of Salfordโs key players, one of which was Niall Evalds who moved into the halves. In the defeat to Wigan, the England Knight once again was moved into the halves when Hastings and Lui left the field.
Evalds is blessed with blistering speed and fantastic ball handling ability which made him a handful for the Wigan defence once he moved into the halves. He directly assisted Jake Bibbyโs try in the second half before also being involved in the build-up play to Derrell Olphertsโ late score.
While the Red Devils will be looking to Lui and Hastings to occupy the half-back slots throughout the season, Evalds is certainly showing he has the capability to take up the mantle if necessary. Ian Watson even went as far as saying Evalds reminded him of Darren Lockyer, to watch Ian Watson’s full post-match press conference, click here.
Shot clockย
The 2019 season will see the introduction of the shot clock โ which has been massively successful Down Under โ and it was in play for the first time at the The Salford Stadium against Wigan Warriors.
Two shot clocks have been installed at the The Salford Stadium in the South and North stands. These will countdown to encourage teams to pack scrums and take goal line drop-outs quicker.
Both sides packed down and took goal line drop-outs within the allotted time throughout the game however conversions โ which arenโt yet being enforced โ did often go over the allotted time limit more often than not.
It will certainly be interesting to see how teams โ including the Red Devils โ adapt to the new rules and the positive effects it will have on the Betfred Super League.
Salford Red Devils 2019 Season Tickets are stillย available to purchase from the Club Ticket Office, over theย phone on 0161 786 1570 or online HERE.You can spread the cost via Direct Debit payments, for more details, click HERE.
Match Report | Salford Red Devils 18-28 Wigan Warriors
Salford Red Devils fell to defeat to current Betfred Super League champions Wigan Warriors at the The Salford Stadium in their second, and final pre-season, game of 2019.
Debutant Ken Sio put Salford ahead early on however three unanswered tries from Liam Farrell, Sam Powell and Tom Davies gave Wigan a twelve-point lead at the break.
The Red Devils again opened the scoring in the second half through Joey Lussick and inched closer to the Warriors thanks to Jake Bibbyโs try. However, Morgan Escare and Zak Hardaker would cross to ensure a Wigan victory. Derrell Olpherts did notch a late consolation.
Sio โ who joined in the off-season โ took just four minutes to open his Salford account as he latched on to a low kick to the corner from Jackson Hastings. Ed Chamberlainโs conversion fell short of the sticks.
Wigan took their time getting into the game, but Farrell managed to spin away from three Salford defenders to score before Hardakerโs conversion put the visitors in front. Powell would scoot under the Red Devils defence shortly after to extend the lead. Hardaker again converted.
With half-time approaching, Wigan would cross again as a looping George Williams pass found Davies on the wing to further the Warriorsโ lead heading into the interval.
It was again Salford who started the quicker in the second half, however. Gil Dudson went close for the Red Devils but a quick play-the-ball on the Wigan line allowed Lussick to throw a nice dummy before burrowing his way under the Warriors defence. Chamberlain added the extras to put Salford just one score behind.
Evalds โ who had now moved into the halves in place of Jackson Hastings โ was causing issues for the Wigan defence and it was his ball to Bibby which created Salfordโs third. The winger adjusted his run well, stepped inside the onrushing Wigan defenders and held three of them off to plant the ball down. Lussick โ who was now on goal kicking duties in place of an injured Chamberlain โ hit both the post and bar meaning the Red Devils still trailed.
Wigan came back at the Red Devils and would score two tries in eight minutes down the left-hand flank. Escare was the beneficiary of the first break before Hardaker would get on the end of the second in his first game for the Warriors.
In the closing stages Salford would score once more to narrow the deficit. Evalds and Saโu linked up well before the latter flicked the ball out of the back to find Olpherts who pulled off a fantastic finish in the corner.
Salford: Evalds, Sio, Saโu, Chamberlain, Bibby; Lui, Hastings; Mossop, Lussick, Murray, Jones, Turgut, Burke.
Interchanges: Griffin, McCarthy, Nakubuwai, Flanagan, Olpherts, Dudson, Davies-Aspey, Wellington.
Wigan: Hardaker, Marshall, Sarginson, Gildart, Davies; Williams, Sammut; Flower, Powell, Clubb, Isa, Farrell, Hamlin.
Interchanges: Greenwood, Navarette, Partington, Bullock, Escare, Shorrocks, Tautai, Byrne, Hankinson, Marshall, Ganson, Mullen.
Salford Tries:ย Sio (4โ), Lussick (45โ), Bibby (51โ), Olpherts (75โ).
Salford Goals:ย Chamberlain (46โ),
Wigan Tries:ย Farrell (17โ), Powell (27โ), Davies (36โ), Escare (61โ), Hardaker (69โ)
Wigan Goals: Hardaker (18โ, 28โ, 62โ, 70โ)
Referee:ย Liam Moore.
Attendance:ย 2190.
Talking Points | Salford Red Devils 52-6 Swinton Lions
Following Salford Red Devilsโ comfortable victory over Swinton Lions in their first game of 2019, we take a look at some of the talking points from the fixture.
Attacking threat
The Red Devils ran in eleven tries in a controlled performance against Swinton and the attacking skill Ian Watsonโs men possess was on show throughout. Junior Saโu, Greg Johnson and Joey Lussick all profited from the attacking display crossing for braces while there was also another five Red Devils on the scoresheet.
Saโu and Johnsonโs tries all came on the back of some quick hands out wide. However, there was a number of occasions when Salford broke from deep thanks to the likes of Mark Flanagan, Niall Evalds, Jackson Hastings and young debutant Connor Davies-Aspey.
Flanagan โ who began at loose-forward but went on to operate as half โ linked up well with Evalds on a number of occasions which led to some great Red Devils tries. Hastings went through the line in almost identical fashion to his debut against Leeds Rhinos last year to set up Saโuโs second try.
If the Red Devils can continue to cause problems from all over the field, we could see some more excellent tries throughout 2019.
Connor Davies-Aspey
Salford Red Devils Academy player Connor Davies-Aspey was awarded a one-month trial earlier this week and he certainly made the most of his opportunity against Swinton with an impressive cameo in the final twenty minutes of the game.
Davies-Aspey came onto the field and managed to make three clean breaks. His break in the final ten minutes put winger Derrell Olpherts over in the corner and he was close to finishing the game with two try-assists however pulled the trigger a second too early on his pass to Jansin Turgut just minutes earlier.
Head Coach Ian Watson praised the young hooker in his post-match press conference saying it โwas great for young kid to come in and do thatโ. Read more of Ian Watsonโs reaction here.
Davies-Aspey has certainly put himself in contention for a place in the squad next weekend as the Red Devils face current Betfred Super League champions Wigan Warriors in a pre-season friendly at the The Salford Stadium.
Versatility and depth
After the interval, Ian Watson made four changes to the starting side with Greg Johnson and Derrell Olpherts coming onto the field in place of Ed Chamberlain and Jake Bibby. Both Johnson and Olpherts would go on to score in the second half showing the quality of the Red Devilsโ options on the wing this season.
In the pack, the likes of Tyrone McCarthy and Ben Nakubuwai entered the fray and made an impact following impressive forty-minute stints from Lee Mossop and new recruit Gil Dudson in the first half.
Half-back duo Jackson Hastings and Rob Lui both left the field midway through the second half with Mark Flanagan, Joey Lussick and Niall Evalds jumping into the halves. Salfordโs try-scoring form didnโt slow down, and the Red Devils continued to look smooth in the absence of a permanent half-back.
The crowdย
On a cold January afternoon fans of both Salford Red Devils and Swinton Lions braved the conditions to watch their sides putting together a solid showing for a pre-season friendly with 1798 people in attendance.
Salford vs Swinton is a fixture โ that was Head Coach Ian Watson pointed out earlier in the week โ doesnโt happen too often anymore so it has become somewhat of a sought-after attraction. Our Betfred Championship visitors brought a strong following down the road to the The Salford Stadium this weekend while our loyal Red Devils were in fine voice as always showing the passion for the game in the local area.
Next weekend, the Red Devils host another local side in Wigan Warriors, and weโll be hoping for a similarly strong turnout.
Match Report | Salford Red Devils 52-6 Swinton Lions
Salford Red Devils got 2019 off to a perfect start with an eleven-try rout over local rivals Swinton Lions at the The Salford Stadium.
Junior Saโu, Greg Johnson and Joey Lussick all grabbed braces on a rampant afternoon for Ian Watsonโs men while Jackson Hastings, Niall Evalds, Rob Lui, Ed Chamberlain and Derrell Olpherts also got their names on the scoresheet.
It was Saโu who opened the scoring powering over from close-range after collecting the ball at the second attempt. Hastings was the provider for the opener, but he soon turned try-scorer six minutes in pouncing on Luiโs neat kick under the posts.
The Red Devils fast start continued when Mark Flanagan found Evalds on his inside to cut open the Swinton defence for the third time in the opening fifteen minutes. However, the Lions did cross shortly after as Oscar Thomasโ low kick wasnโt dealt with by Salford and Mike Butt was quickest to react.
Swintonโs revival was short-lived however as Lui managed to fend off three Swinton defenders to force his way over after jinking inside. With around eight minutes of the half remaining Chamberlain benefitted from some quick hands out wide to further the lead going into the break.
Head Coach Ian Watson made five changes at the break and it was substitute Johnson who got the scoring for the second half underway. The winger went close a minute earlier but was held down by Lewis Hatton who was sent to the sin-bin. However, Johnson did get on the end of a well-timed Kris Welham pass moments later.
In similar fashion to the first half, Flanagan would again find an onrushing Evalds on the inside and the full-back found Lussick in support who notched his first of the afternoon. Evalds was causing all sorts of problems for Swinton and his quick play at first receiver followed by a sublime tip-on from Welham put Johnson in for his second in just six minutes.
A try-scoring run of four in nine minutes was rounded off when Lussickโs low kick was chased down by Welham with the centre then giving it back to the Australian for his second.
Swinton would be handed another yellow card when Butt held down Olpherts who had raced seventy metres from his own try-line. The man advantage again proved dividend for Salford as Academy player and triallist Connor Davies-Aspey cut through the Lions line before finding Olpherts in the corner to round off the scoring.
Salford welcome current Betfred Super League champions Wigan Warriors to the The Salford Stadium on Sunday 20th January, 2pm kick-off, in their second pre-season friendly.
Salford Red Devils: Evalds, Bibby, Saโu, Welham, Chamberlain; Lui, Hastings; Mossop, Lussick, Dudson, Jones, Turgut, Flanagan.
Interchanges: Griffin, McCarthy, Nakubuwai, Johnson, Olpherts, Davies-Aspey, Wellington.
Swinton Lions: Hansen, Butt, Lloyd, Williams, Aaronson; Fairclough, Thomas; Bennion, Waterworth, Austin, Hope, Jones, Hatton.
Interchanges: Brickhill, Gray, Hall, Halton, Jones, Kenga, Ratu, Warne, Worrall, Ashton.
Salford Tries: Saโu (3โ, 35โ), Hastings (6โ), Evalds (13โ), Lui (19), Chamberlain (33โ), Johnson (54โ 60), Lussick (56, 63โ), Olpherts (76โ).
Salford Goals: Chamberlain (7โ, 14โ, 34โ), Lussick (64โ).
Swinton Tries: Butt (16โ).
Swinton Goals: Thomas (17โ).
ย
Swinton Sin-bins: Hatton (52โ), Butt (67โ).
Referee: Liam Moore.
Attendance: 1798.
Gallery | Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital visit
Last week, Salford Red Devilsย visited Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital to give out selectionย boxes and toys to some amazingly strong children ahead ofย the Festive season.
The visit was made possible by a host of Salford Red Devils fans and local business donating an array of selection boxes and gifts alongside donations from the Club and we’d like to again thank everyone who contributed.
Head Coach Ian Watson said: “The visit to Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital was an honour for myself and the squad. To get to share some quality time with the staff and children was an amazing experience.
“The fact we could go in and be welcomed in the way we were was very special.
“We couldn’t believe the spirits of the strong children, many of whom may spend Christmas time there.ย The outstanding care that we witness was first class.
“All the squad loved the interaction with the patients and we hope to welcome many of them to Salford Red Devils games when on their way to recovery.”
And, we’ve put together twenty images from our visit to Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital for you to take a look at:ย
Three Talking Points | Halifax RLFC 4-62 Salford Red Devils
A rampant twelve-try performance from the Red Devils against Halifax saw Salford go clear at the top of the Qualifiers table and here are three talking points.
Defensive effort
It was another resilient performance with Salford conceding just one try at the MBi Shay Stadium. The Red Devils currently have the strongest defence in The Qualifiers conceding just twenty points so far; thirty less than any other side.
Halifax scored first through Sam Wood, but Ian Watsonโs men toughed it out for over seventy minutes afterwards without breaking in defence. The hosts put pressure on Salfordโs line on numerous occasions as Scott Murrell tried to unlock the defence.
However, the Salford forwards held Halifax up short on a few occasions while the outside backs covered any threats out wide from the Fax dangermen.
The Qualifiers could very well come down to points difference this season and with Salfordโs stern defence being on show for the first three rounds this puts the Red Devils in good stead for the upcoming weeks.
Ruthlessness ย
Despite the Red Devils controlling the game for the full eighty minutes and heading into half-time with the game almost won we saw a ruthlessness from Ian Watsonโs men that we havenโt seen for some time.
The likes of Rob Lui, Jackson Hastings, Joey Lussick, Josh Wood and Niall Evalds caused Halifax problems in attack throughout. Once Hastings scored the first try, Salfordโs momentum just built throughout with a number of Red Devils ending up on the scoresheet.
Derrell Olpherts was the main beneficiary of this ruthlessness with Red Devils realising they could cause issues down the left-hand side and Olpherts crossed for a hat-trick. Salfordโs attack was in full force until the final minute when Junior Saโu scored with the last play.
3 out of 3 lets keep going ๐น๐น๐น https://t.co/K6w1AoR3hN
— Derrell Olpherts (@DerrellOlphert1) September 2, 2018
The Red Devils have racked up more points than any other side so far in The Qualifiers and will be looking to take that attacking form into next weekโs game against Toronto.
Travelling support
It wasnโt just the players who turned up at the MBi Shay Stadium as the Red Devils travelled in numbers with almost 1000 Salford fans making the trip over the Pennines.
The support was the largest away following since last yearโs Ladbrokes Challenge Cup semi-final and the constant stream of noise pushed the lads on to victory.
Thanks to everyone who made the trip.
๐ถ Watching Salford away ๐ถ pic.twitter.com/5bWi4CZGoy
— Salford Red Devils ๐น (@SalfordDevils) September 2, 2018
Match Report | Halifax RLFC 4-62 Salford Red Devils
Salford made it three wins from three in The Qualifiers to open up a two-point from four other teams with a convincing 4-62 victory over Halifax at the MBi Shay Stadium.
Derrell Olpherts crossed for his first hat-trick in Salford colours while Jackson Hastings and Junior Saโu both notched braces. Ed Chamberlain, Ben Nakubuwai, Kris Welham, Lama Tasi and Josh Wood were all also on the scoresheet. Sam Wood scored Halifaxโs only try.
But it was the hosts who were quickest out of the blocks and opened the scoring early on. Heaton streaked away down the flank before finding Sam Wood in support to give Halifax an early lead.
However, the Red Devils soon found their feet and it was Hastings who levelled the scores as he dummied and ghosted his way through the defensive line. Hastings was central to Salfordโs second as his high kick was knocked down by Welham before the ball found Chamberlain out wide who put Ian Watsonโs men ahead.
GET IN!! @SalfordDevils fans were class ๐๐ป๐๐ป
— Josh Wood (@Josh19Wood) September 2, 2018
Fellow Australian half Rob Lui settled into the game and began causing the Halifax defence issues and it wasnโt long until Olpherts crossed in similar fashion to Chamberlain before him. This time it was Josh Jones who rose highest before Olpherts grabbed his first of the game.
Nakubuwai would soon force his way through the Halifax defence under the posts as Salford strengthened their grip on the game.
With five minutes of the first half remaining the Red Devils showed no signs of letting up crossing for two quickfire tries. Hastings scooped up a loose ball when it had looked like the chance had passed finding Niall Evalds who in turn looped the ball wide to Olpherts to score his second of the game.
On the half-time hooter, Chamberlain broke down the opposite wing before throwing the ball inside to an onrushing Welham giving Salford a comfortable lead going into the break.
Half-time didnโt affect Ian Watsonโs who scored inside the opening few minutes of the second half with Olpherts claiming his hat-trick. However, the hard work was done by mercurial halfback Hastings who broke from deep before finding the former League One winger.
Tasi was the next Red Devil to break the Halifax defence powering his way over for his first try of the 2018 season. Hastings again provided a try-assist as Saโu crashed over from close-range before gliding through a big gap in the Fax defence to score himself.
Good to get the W with the brothers today! Big thanks to our @SalfordDevils FANS for turning up in numbers today see you all next week!!! #WeAreSalford ๐ดโช๏ธ๐ดโช๏ธ
— Junior Sa'u (@junior_sau) September 2, 2018
Hastings and fellow halfback Lui were both taken from the field with twenty minutes remaining with one eye on next weekโs game against Toronto. Youngster Wood stepped into the halves and went through to score shortly after.
It was down to Saโu to wrap up a rampant Salford display as he plucked Evaldsโ pass out of the air before stepping inside to score in the final minute.
Halifax: Moss, Heaton, Wood, Butler, Sharp; Murrell, Johnston; Fleming, Kaye, Baldwinson, Tangata, Grady, Grix.
Interchanges: Maher, Moore, Cooper, Fairbank.
Salford: Evalds, Olpherts, Saโu, Welham, Chamberlain; Lui, Hastings; Tasi, Wood, Murray, Jones, McCarthy, Flanagan.
Interchanges: Burgess, Nakubuwai, Burke, Lussick.
Halifax Tries:ย Wood (9)
Salford Tries:ย Hastings (12, 65), Chamberlain (19), Olpherts (23, 36, 44), Nakubuwai (27), Welham (40), Tasi (49), Sa’u (54, 80), Wood (71).ย Salford Conversions:ย Chamberlain (20, 28, 37, 45, 50, 66, 73)
Man of the Match: Rob Lui.
Referee: Tom Grant.
Touch Judge: Chris Kendall.
Touch Judge: Andrew Sweet.
Attendance: 2555.
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