Salford fell to a disappointing 11-8 defeat to London Broncos at Ealing Trailfinders which means the Red Devilsโ Super League status for 2019 remains unconfirmed.
Londonโs Jay Pitts grabbed the only try of the first half alongside a conversion, penalty goal and drop-goal from Jarrod Sammut. Winger Greg Johnson went over twice in the second half however missed conversions alongside another Sammut penalty consigned Salford to defeat.
Both sides had chances in the early stages with Rob Lui almost crossing for Salford while Kieran Dixon was hauled down by Johnson in the early stages. The affair was destined to be a close one from the outset with Sammut all too aware of this as he notched a penalty goal on the ten-minute mark.
It was just three minutes later when the Broncos furthered their lead. Fellow halfback Pitts looked to be tackled upright just short of the line but managed to fight his way free to open the try-scoring for the afternoon. Sammut converted.
Referee Scott Mikalauskas was penalising both sides at a frequent rate in the opening twenty minutes leading to the hosts being handed a team warning. Just two tackles later forward Eddie Battye would strip the ball from Ryan Lannon and be sent to the sin-bin for ten minutes.
However, the Red Devils couldnโt capitalise with the extra man. Watsonโs side put the ball to ground each time they were on the Broncos line. In fact, it was London who scored in this period when Sammut broke free following an interception and crossed in the corner however referee Mikalauskas pulled play back for an offside.
Sammut โ who was central to the Broncosโ performance โ kicked a drop-goal with five minutes of the first half remaining to extend their lead.
Things picked up marginally for the Red Devils in the first half with Jansin Turgut causing issues following his arrival while some cracks began to appear in the Broncos defence out wide.
Salford managed to get themselves on the scoresheet just prior to the hour-mark as a flowing move wide involving Mark Flanagan, Jack Littlejohn and Kris Welham eventually found Johnson who finished in the corner. Joey Lussick โ in absence of Ed Chamberlain who was off the field with a head injury โ took the shot at goal but his effort went wide.
The Red Devils continued to push forward, and they had moments of joy down the left-hand flank and a few close calls down the middle as Turgut went through the line but was pulled back for a forward pass from halfback Lui.
However, with five minutes remaining, Sammut notched another penalty goal which extended Londonโs lead to seven points. Johnson โ in almost identical fashion to his first – would score a second of the game with ninety seconds left on the clock. Chamberlain couldnโt add the extras and time got the better of the Red Devils.
London: Walker, Dixon, Hellewell, Kear, Williams; Pitts, Sammut; Evans, Davis, Ioane, Gee, Hindmarsh-Takyi, Battye. Interchanges: Spencer, Butler, Adebiyi, Pelissier.
Salford: Evalds, Johnson, Welham, Chamberlain, Bibby; Lui, Littlejohn; Burke, Lussick, Burgess, Jones, McCarthy, Lannon. Interchanges: Flanagan, Nakubuwai, Kopczak, Turgut.
London Tries: Pitts (13โ). London Conversions: Sammut (10โ, 14โ, 75โ). London Drop-Goals: Sammut (34โ).
Salford Tries: Johnson (57โ, 77โ). Salford Conversions: N/A.ย
Referee: Scott Mikalauskas.
Tag: match report
Match Report | Salford Red Devils 28-16 Toronto Wolfpack
Salford Red Devils made it four wins from four in The Qualifiers despite being reduced to twelve men for a large period โ and eleven in the final minute โ in a heated affair against Canadian side Toronto Wolfpack at the The Salford Stadium.ย
Ian Watsonโs men ran into a 20-0 lead before half-time with Ed Chamberlain, Rob Lui and Jackson Hastings all scoring with the second score coming while Red Devils prop-forward Lama Tasi was in the sin-bin.
Toronto tried to mount a comeback in the second half with Adam Sidlow, Matty Russell and Andy Ackers all crossing in quick succession but a neat try from Ryan Lannon and two goals from Chamberlain were enough to see off the Wolfpack. Luke Burgess and Jackson Hastings were both sent from the field for high tackles while Chase Stanley did ten minutes in the sin-bin for a spear tackle.
It took just six minutes for Salford to open the scoring with Chamberlain going over in the corner. Lui and Niall Evalds linked up well before finding the former Widnes winger who finished well. Chamberlain also followed up with the conversion.
Evalds looked to have scored himself a few minutes later however video referee James Child chalked it off for an obstruction. While the Red Devils were on top in the early stages this almost changed in the 14th minute as Tasi was sent to the sin-bin following a high tackle on former Salford man OโBrien.
But, Salford didnโt relent and Lui โ who has been in terrific form since The Qualifiers began โ barged his way over from close-range. Chamberlain extended the lead from the touchline before slotting over a penalty seven minutes later to keep the scoreboard ticking over.
With five minutes of the first half remaining, Salford scored a spectacular effort to further their lead. Evalds hit an inside ball and made a half-break before Lui shipped it out wide to Kris Welham. The centre raced sixty metres before some quick hands inside from Lui, Evalds and George Griffin put Hastings under the posts. Chamberlain maintained his 100% record with the boot.
While Ian Watsonโs men went into half-time with a comfortable lead, Toronto fought back in the second half. Former Salford forward Sidlow powered his way over before OโBrien converted.
Former Warrington winger Russell would score shortly after as he used his pace to latch on to a low kick to the corner. OโBrien failed to convert meaning there was ten points between the sides, but the job got harder for Salford as Burgess was soon red carded for a high tackle.
The Wolfpack took advantage as Ackers snuck over from close-range. OโBrienโs conversion brought the difference down to just four points. But, it wasnโt long until Toronto also received a card as Stanley was sent for ten minutes following a spear tackle which saw Junior Saโu finish on his head.
And, Salford immediately punished the visitors as Lannon managed to jink and force his way over the line in front of a raucous South Stand. Chamberlainโs conversion restored the hosts ten-point lead.
Tension was high heading into the final fifteen minutes, but Salford dug deep and with five minutes remaining Chamberlain notched a stunning 45-yard penalty goal which moved the Red Devils further in front meaning Toronto needed two converted tries to draw level.
With the final play of the game, Hastings โ who did miss a drop-goal attempt โ would see red following a late shot on OโBrien as he took a high kick. However, the Red Devils moved to eight points in The Qualifiers despite finishing the game with eleven men.
Salford: Evalds, Chamberlain, Welham, Saโu, Bibby; Lui, Hastings; Tasi, Wood, Burgess, Jones, Griffin, Lannon. Interchanges: Kopczak, Lussick, Flanagan, Burke.
Toronto: OโBrien, Russell, Stanley, Caton-Brown; McCrone, Wallace; Lussick, Beswick, Sims, Dixon, Paterson, Buchanan. Interchanges: Ackers, Sidlow, Krasniqi, Emmitt.
Salford Tries: Chamberlain (6โ), Lui (16), Hastings (35โ), Lannon (62โ). ย Salford Goals: Chamberlain (7โ, 17โ, 24โ, 36โ 63โ, 74โ).
Salford Sin-Bins: Tasi (14โ). Salford Red Cards: Burgess (53โ), Hastings (80โ).
Toronto Tries: Sidlow (47โ), Russell (50โ), Ackers (57). Toronto Goals: OโBrien (48โ, 58).
Toronto Sin-Bins: Stanley (60โ).
ย
Referee: Robert Hicks.
Video Referee: James Child.
Attendance: 2509.
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.
Match Report | Salford Red Devils 32-6 Widnes Vikings
Junior Sa’uโs first-half brace paved the way for Salford Red Devils to earn their third-successive victory, after the Red Devils came from behind to pummel Widnes Vikings 32-6 at the The Salford Stadium.
Alongside the centreโs double, scores from Robert Lui, Niall Evalds and Mark Flanagan helped secure a comfortable triumph for Ian Watsonโs side.
The Red Devils headed into the contest on the back of an emphatic victory at Hull Kingston Rovers eight days prior, but they made a sluggish start this time around.
A mere three minutes had passed by the time Liam Finn forged the first opening, the veteran half-backโs looping kick caused an array of confusion within the Red Devils line and Charly Runciman scooped up the loose ball, before beating Evalds in a footrace to touch down.
Krisnan Inu added the extras to give the visitors a six-point lead but the Red Devils fought back swiftly.
In recent weeks Salford have enjoyed the luxury of having one of the most expansive half-back pairings around in Jackson Hastings and Lui. The pair were integral in carving Salfordโs first score of the afternoon, as some slick hands from the latter sent Saโu crashing over in the left-hand corner.
Ed Chamberlain nailed the resulting touchline goal, but Salford were in again just four minutes later.
Half-back pairing Hastings and Lui were involved once more, but on this occasion, it was the former who produced the crucial pass to allow Saโu to cross over in an almost identical fashion.
Saโuโs double seemed to galvanise Ian Watsonโs men, Craig Kopczak โ who returned to the side following a short layoff โ latched onto a short pass from Hastings before surging towards the line, but the forward was held up in-goal after some heroic defending from Olly Ashall-Bott and Patrick Ah Van.
In a dramatic turn of events, home debutant Joey Lussick was sin-binned by referee Ben Thaler three minutes before the half-time whistle, after the hooker allegedly produced a โcrusher tackleโ.
Despite being a man down, Salford flew out of the blocks after the break. After a sustained spell of pressure saw the Red Devils hound Widnes towards their own line, Lui dummied from the play-the-ball and burrowed his way over to extend the margin.
Soon after, Salford were on the front foot once more. Evalds made an excellent break after Josh Jones intercepted Inuโs wayward pass, but Lloyd White made a remarkable recovery to halt the attack.
However, it was from the kicking tee where the hosts would extend their lead. Aaron Heremaia failed to clear the ruck, consequently allowing Chamberlain to confidently stroke the ball over the posts for his fourth goal of the afternoon.
Hastingsโ arrival at the club has sparked a resurgence from fellow half-back Lui. The fifth-eighth has been in inspiring form in recent weeks and he capped off another fine display with 19 minutes left on the clock.
After jinking his way past several Widnes defenders, the 28-year-old produced a stunning offload to assist the onrushing Evalds, before Chamberlain added the extras to increase the lead further.
Salford werenโt finished there though. Watsonโs men claimed another stunning try deep into the half, a piece of fantastic link-up play from Man of the Match Hastings and Lussick resulted in the supporting Mark Flanagan sliding over the whitewash, before Chamberlain landed the goal to wrap up a comfortable victory.
Salford Lineup:ย Evalds; Chamberlain, Welham, Saโu, Olpherts; Lui, Hastings; Mossop, Wood, Tasi, Jones, Lannon, Flanagan.
Interchanges:ย Kopczak, Burke, Lussick, Nakubuwai.
Widnes Lineup:ย Ashall-Bott, Ah Van, Inu, Whitley, Runciman, Mellor, Finn, Hansen, Heremaia, Dudson, Dean, Houston, Hauraki.
Interchanges:ย Leuluai, Gerrard, Olbison, White.
Salford Scorers:ย Tries- Saโu (17, 21โ), Lui (45โ), Evalds (61โ), Flanagan (72โ) |ย Goals-ย Chamberlain (18โ, 22โ, 46โ, 53โ, 62โ, 73โ
Widnes Scorers:ย Tries-ย Runciman (3โ) |ย Goals-ย Inu (4โ)
Salford Sin-Bin: Lussick (37โ)
Half-Time Score:ย 12-6
Man of the Match:ย Jackson Hastings.
Referee:ย Ben Thaler.
Touch Judges: Liam Moore & Richard Thompson.
Video Referee: Robert Hicks.
Match Report | Hull Kingston Rovers 10-28 Salford Red Devils
Salford Red Devils kickstarted their Qualifiers campaign in emphatic fashion after securing a spectacular 10-28 victory over Hull Kingston Rovers, on a drizzly evening at KCOM Craven Park.
Tries from Niall Evalds, Robert Lui, debutant Joey Lussick and Josh Wood ensured Ian Watsonโs side got off to a flyer in the seven-game competition to earn two crucial points and a second-successive triumph.
Salford had a glorious chance to take the lead in the 6th minute of the half when Jackson Hastings was taken high. The Red Devils opted to kick at goal, but Ed Chamberlainโs penalty effort landed wide of the mark.
Both sides struggled to mount any real momentum in the early stages, first Junior Vaivai gifted Salford with an opportunity to score after failing to deal with Luiโs high kick, before Lee Mossop then squandered the chance from the resulting set after knocking on.
The visitors werenโt to be denied for long though, Adam Quinlan was penalised for pushing at the play-the-ball. Salford again chose to kick at goal but this time, Chamberlain comfortably slotted the ball over.
Salford frequently broke from deep throughout the half and this tactic finally paid dividends a minute later when Mark Flanagan collected a short ball from Lui, before piercing through the Rovers line and expertly releasing the onrushing Evalds to give the Reds a six-point lead.
Chamberlain was unsuccessful from the subsequent conversion and things almost worsened for Salford when James Donaldson went crashing over from dummy half. However, the forward dropped the ball at the crucial moment.
Soon after, Rovers’ efforts finally paid dividends as Junior Sa’u failed to contain Quinlan in the tackle and the full-back acted quickly to find Craig Hall in the corner with a cleverly weighted kick.
Salford responded brilliantly and were soon denied a score of their own when Jake Bibby dived over in the corner, only for the try to be chalked off following a forward pass from Chamberlain.
After the break, the Red Devils picked up where they left off when Ryan Lannon earned a penalty after being held down in the tackle. Hastings took over goal-kicking duties and comfortably added another two points to extend the margin to four points.
In what proved to be a tight affair throughout, a moment of brilliance was required for Salford to break away from the Robins and 15 minutes into the half, half-back Lui duly provided it.
After former Swinton man Chris Atkin threw a wayward pass, Lui pounced to intercept the loose ball before racing ninety metres to cross for a stunning solo effort under the posts.
Hastings added his second goal of the evening, but it was another new recruit who was to dominate the headlines this time out. Lussick โ who was making his debut for the club after arriving a fortnight ago from Australia โ claimed his maiden try in Salford colours after spotting a gap in the KR backline to dive over from dummy half.
Half-back Hastings then landed two more goals โ the second a penalty after Evalds was pulled back off the ball โ but the hosts responded with a consolation try when Shaun Lunt barged his way over from close-range.
Despite the slight resurgence from Rovers, Salford werenโt to be halted for long as Wood remarkably ducked under Nick Scruton and Ben Kavanagh, before flinging himself over the whitewash to round-off a dominant performance.
Hull KR Lineup: Quinlan; Oakes, Crooks, Vaivai, Hall; Carney, McGuire; Scruton, Lunt, Mulhern, Tickle, Tomkins, Clarkson. ย
Interchanges:ย Greenwood, Kavanagh, Donaldson, Atkin.
Salford Lineup:ย Evalds; Bibby, Chamberlain, Saโu, Olpherts; Lui, Hastings; Mossop, Wood, Murray, Jones, McCarthy, Lannon.
Interchanges:ย Lussick, Flanagan, Tasi, Nakubuwai.
Hull KR Scorers:ย Tries-ย Hall (32โ), Lunt (73โ) |ย Goals-ย Tickle (74โ)
Salford Scorers:ย Tries-ย Evalds (20โ), Lui (55โ), Lussick 66โ, Wood 78โ |ย Goals-ย Chamberlain (19โ) Hastings (49โ, 56โ, 67โ,70โ, 79′)
Half-Time Score: 4-6
Man of the Match:ย Joey Lussick.
Referee:ย Robert Hicks.
Image Credit: Steve McCormick
Match Report | Salford Red Devils 38-22 Leeds Rhinos
Salford Red Devils returned to winning ways in style after recording a comprehensive 38-22 victory over Leeds Rhinos, despite playing 60 minutes with 12 men on a rain-soaked evening at the The Salford Stadium.
Although Ian Watsonโs side had a man disadvantage – after Lee Mossop was sent off – for an hour of the tie, Niall Evaldsโ brace alongside further scores from debutant Jackson Hastings, Ryan Lannon, Ed Chamberlain, Robert Lui and Josh Jones secured the Red Devilsโ biggest ever Super League win over the Rhinos.
Unfortunately for the Devils, it was the visitors who made the brightest start. With just two minutes on the clock, Brad Dwyer powered his way over from close-range before Liam Sutcliffe added the extras to give the visitors a 6-0 lead.
Despite falling behind, Salford responded emphatically and claimed their first score of the evening six minutes later. After some quick hands almost saw Jake Bibby score in the corner, Robert Lui immediately sent Lannon crashing over from close-range.
Ed Chamberlain missed the resulting goal, but Salford were over again soon after. New recruit Hastings โ who was making his maiden bow for the club since arriving from Australia two weeks ago โ fooled the Rhinos backline with an exquisite dummy, before flicking inside to the onrushing Evalds who slid over the whitewash.
Chamberlain successfully landed his first goal of the night, but Salford werenโt finished there. After making a blistering start to his first appearance in a Salford shirt, Hastingsโ evening quickly improved when Luiโs lofted deflected into his path to allow him to dive over for his first score.
Another goal from Chamberlain soon followed and the centre soon turned scorer to claim a try of his own. After the ball was worked out wide, the former Widnes man exploited a gap within the Leeds line before racing 30m to cross over in the corner.
Prior to the clash, Salford had an impeccable disciplinary record. But that soon came running to an end when team captain Mossop was shown the red card after an on-field altercation.
The forwardโs exit sparked a Leeds revival as Sutcliffe went crashing over a minute later, before the half-back converted his own effort to leave the scores at 22-12.
The red card didnโt spell the end for Salfordโs hard work though, two pieces of excellent defending forced the visitors into successive goal-line drop outs to pile the pressure onto last yearโs Grand Final winners.
Salford were hounded in-goal themselves when Josh Wood scooped up the loose ball, but the Red Devils soon regained possession as Luiโs drop goal deceived Jimmy Keinhorst before bouncing into touch.
Salford had the final say of the half when Lui dummied before forcing his way over right on the stroke of half-time.
After the break, Salford initially paid the price for the man advantage. The visitors came close on several occasions, a last-ditch clearance from Chamberlain prevented Ashton Golding from latching onto his own low kick.
The spell of pressure from the Rhinos soon paid dividends when Tom Briscoe finished off a well-worked move on the right-hand side, though Sutcliffe did miss the subsequent conversion.
Mossopโs exit hindered Salfordโs attacking game-plan, but it was the Red Devils whoโd score next as an error from Golding resulted in Evalds eventually crossing over for his second of the evening.
Salford demonstrated a strong work ethic throughout, and the high level of persistence would result in the next of the score of the contest when Lui spotted an unlikely gap in the Rhinosโ backline, before stabbing the ball through for Jones to leap himself onto.
It was the visitors whoโd have the next say though, Golding chipped the ball over the back of the Salford line to allow Matt Parcell to beat Ben Nakubuwai in a foot race before touching down.
Sutcliffe then added the extras to leave the score-line at a more respectable at 38-22, but the result was already beyond any doubt.
Salford now head into the Qualifiers full of confidence after earning a crucial two points at the The Salford Stadium.
Salford Lineup:ย Evalds, Bibby, Chamberlain, Saโu, Olpherts, Lui, Hastings, Mossop, Wood, Murray, Jones, McCarthy, Lannon.
Interchanges:ย Bennion, Flanagan, Tasi, Nakubuwai.
Leeds Lineup:ย Golding, T. Briscoe, Keinhorst, Handley, L. Briscoe, Moon, Sutcliffe, Garbutt, Dwyer, Singleton, Ablett, Thompson, Smith.
Interchanges:ย Parcell, Peteru, Walters, Crosby.
Salford Scorers:ย Tries-ย Lannon (8โ), Evalds (10โ, 62โ), Hastings (15โ), Chamberlain (18โ), Lui (40โ), Jones (69โ) |ย Goals-ย Chamberlain (11, 16โ, 19โ, 63โ 70โ)
Leeds Scorers:ย Tries-ย Dwyer (2โ), Sutcliffe (21โ), T. Briscoe (55โ), Parcell (75โ) |ย Goals-ย Sutcliffe (3โ, 22โ, 76)
Half-Time Score: 26-12
Salford Red-Cards: Lee Mossop (20โ).
Man of the Match:ย Robert Lui.
Referee:ย Tom Grant.
Touch Judges:ย M. Craven & C. Etchells.
Match Report | Catalans Dragons 44-10 Salford Red Devils
Four tries from Fouad Yaha condemned Salford Red Devils to a 44-10 defeat, as Catalans Dragons ran out comfortable winners at the Stade Gilbert Brutus.ย
Scores from Derrell Olpherts and Josh Wood weren’t enough for Salford to salvage any sort of result as a quadruple from in-form winger Yaha, along with two tries from Kenny Edwards and further scores from Jason Baitieri and Josh Drinkwater put the result beyond any doubt.
The hosts were in a rampant mood throughout the afternoon and took just six minutes to open the scoresheet. Brayden Williame broke clear before cleverly offloading out wide to the onrushing Yaha, who raced clear to claim the first of his four scores.
Drinkwater was unsuccessful from the resulting conversion, but he would add a further two points less than 10 minutes later though after landing a 14th minute penalty in front of the sticks.
The Red Devils responded well and offered some fierce tackles in defence, but the resurgence was to last a mere four minutes as Samisoni Langi broke clear of the line before flicking inside to Drinkwater to allow forge an unchallenged score.
Drinkwater added the first of his six goals but Salford’s efforts were to be rewarded almost immediately after. Dan Murray forced a Catalan error to earn Salford possession, before some quick hands from Jake Shorrocks and Wood put the ball on a plate for Olpherts to emphatically finish in the corner.
Ed Chamberlain was unsuccessful from the resulting conversion and things quickly worsened for Ian Watson’s men as Baitieri fought off several Salford defenders before surging over the whitewash.
The level of intensity shown by the hosts reflected the final outcome of the contest, and they found themselves in again for a second quick-fire try when Yaha collected a high ball before flicking inside to Edwards who slid in for the first of his brace.
Unfortunately for Salford, the French side didn’t show any signs of content when Yaha flew over in the corner after Williame picked him out with a scooped pass.
Yaha has been the standout performer throughout the contest, just seven minutes had passed in the second period when 21-year-old made two tries in three minutes to secure a sublime quadruple and round-off a fine individual display.
Salford shows level of grit throughout the second period. Watson introduced Niall Evalds to the action after a nine-week spell on the sidelines, and the 24-year-old was the spearhead of the Red Devils’ attacking plays for the remainder of the tie.
Almost 20 minutes worth of pressure paid dividends midway through the half when Josh Jones produced one of the offloads of the season to enable Wood to spin past the Dragons defence to touch down.
Chamberlain added the extras but the hosts completed the victory with 12 minutes remaining when Edwards touched down for his second, before Drinkwater landed the subsequent goal.
Catalans Lineup:ย Gigot; Tierney, Mead, Wiliame, Yaha; Langi, Drinkwater; Simon, McIlorum, Moa, Jullien, Garcia, Casty.
Interchanges:ย Anderson, Bousquet, Baitieri, Edwards.
Salford Lineup:ย Chamberlain; Bibby, Jones, Saโu, Olpherts; Lui, Shorrocks; Tasi, Wood, Mossop, Lannon, Nakubuwai, Murray.
Interchanges:ย Evalds, McCarthy, Nzoungou, Burke.
Catalans Scorers:ย Tries-ย Yaha (6′, 38′, 44′, 47′), Drinkwater (18′), Baitieri (32′), Edwards (34′, 68′)ย | Goals-ย Drinkwater (6/9)
Salford Scorers:ย Tries-ย Olpherts (20′), Wood (62′)ย | Goals-ย Chamberlain (1/2)
Man of the Match: Derrell Olpherts
Referee:ย Scott Mikalauskas.
Touch Judges: D. Bowmer & L. Rush.
Video Referee: Robert Hicks.
Match Report | Salford Red Devils 6-24 Castleford Tigers
Salford Red Devils fell to a 6-24 defeat against Castleford Tigers in an error-ridden affair at the The Salford Stadium.
Ian Watsonโs men did go into the break level after Jake Bibbyโs try in the corner had cancelled out Jake Websterโs opening score. However, a second from Webster alongside tries from Michael Shenton and Kieran Gill saw the Tigers control the second forty and go on to win.
Salford were down to just 17 fit men in the lead-up to the game with Levy Nzoungou and Ed Chamberlain both making their home debuts while Castleford also had a handful of first team players sidelined.
After a rather uninspiring first fifteen minutes, Castleford broke the deadlock through Webster in rather bizarre circumstances. The Tigers managed to keep the ball alive with four or five fortunate offloads before a kick ricocheted off Junior Saโu and eventually found Webster who crossed the line unchallenged. Paul McShane converted.
But, with five minutes of the first half remaining the Red Devils pulled themselves level as Bibby โ who has now crossed in each of his last four games – latched onto a low kick from Chamberlain to score. Chamberlain followed up with the conversion from the touchline and the sides went into the interval level.
Unfortunately, the standard of rugby didnโt pick up in the second half with both sides struggling to cause any serious problems, but it was Castleford who went over. The Tigers came down the left-hand channel and Shenton managed to jink his way inside to regain the lead for the visitors. McShane converted.
Castleford followed this up with another try just four minutes later and this time it was their other centre Webster who powered over from close-range for his second of the afternoon. McShane again converted to extend the visitors lead to twelve points.
The Red Devils didnโt give up however and came close on a number of occasions through Rob Lui while Ryan Lannon was also held-up over the line. But, with ten minutes left on the clock Gill finished off a flowing Castleford move in the corner to put the game beyond reach of Salford. McShane converted.
Salford remain in 11th in the Betfred Super League following the loss while Castleford confirmed their top four spot heading into the Super 8s.
Salford Lineup:ย Chamberlain, Bibby, Jones, Saโu, Olpherts; Lui, Shorrocks, Tasi, Wood, Nakubuwai, Lannon, McCarthy, Murray.
Interchanges:ย Flanagan, Burke, Mossop, Nzoungou.
Castleford Lineup:ย Eden, Gill, Webster, Shenton, Clare; QLT, Trueman; Watts, McShane, Sene-Lefao, Moors, Millington, Milner.
Interchanges:ย Holmes, Wardle, Cook, Clark.
Salford Scorers:ย Tries-ย Bibby (31โ) | Goals– Chamberlain (32โ)
Castleford Scorers:ย Tries-ย Webster (18โ, 52โ), Shenton (48โ), Gill (71โ)| Goals– McShane (19โ, 49โ, 53โ, 72โ)
Referee:ย Chris Kendall.
Man of the Match:ย Josh Wood.
Match Report | Hull Kingston Rovers 52-22 Salford Red Devils
Salford Red Devils fell at the hands of Hull Kingston Rovers as the hosts ran out comfortable 52-22 winners on a disappointing afternoon at KCOM Craven Park.
A double from Junior Saโu alongside further scores from Greg Johnson and Jake Bibby werenโt enough for the Red Devils to secure the points as the hosts proved far too hot to handle after producing a clinical 9 try display.
Salford made a bright start to the contest. First, Jake Bibby forced Junior Vaivai into touch to thwart an attack, before Tyrone McCarthy went agonisingly close to scoring after dropping the ball inside the in-goal area.
The Red Devils’ efforts were rewarded soon after though as Johnson collected a short ball from Robert Lui, before bulldozing himself over the whitewash, with just eight minutes on the clock.
Ed Chamberlain was making his first start for the club and marked the occasion after converting the resulting goal to give the Reds a deserved six-point lead.
The hosts soon responded though as Adam Quinlan picked out Ryan Shaw with a sublime looping pass, and the onrushing Shaw made no mistake to cross over in the corner.
Shaw then converted his own effort with a goal from the right-hand touchline to level the scoring.
Salford then built some momentum but would concede next, completely against the run of play. Lui attempted to keep the set alive after flicking Jake Shorrocksโ high kick into the path of McCarthy, but unfortunately, Quinlan was first to pick up the loose ball and raced 90m to score a stunning individual effort.
Danny Tickle kicked the resulting goal and Rovers extended their lead further five minutes later as Will Oakes finished off a well-worked team move in the left hand-corner, before Tickle added the extras to increase the margin to 12 points.
Things quickly worsened for the Red Devils as Danny McGuireโs kick bounced over Luiโs head to allow James Greenwood to ground the ball before it fell dead – Tickle then added the extras.
Two minutes later, the hosts were in again. This time, McGuire turned scorer and scooped up the loose ball after the ball had ricocheted into his path. Tickle then converted the resulting goal to take KR up to the 30-point mark.
Unfortunately for Salford, Rovers crossed over for their sixth effort just a minute later. After breaking down the right-hand side, Maurice Blair flicked inside to Joel Tomkins who finished under the sticks, before Tickle added the extras in the final point-scoring action of the half.
After the break, it was Salford whoโd score next. Lui picked out Derrell Olpherts with a lofted kick before the latter offloaded to Junior Saโu who surged his way over โ Chamberlain was unable to land the resulting goal as the ball fell wide of the posts.
Hull almost claimed a sensational breakaway try, but a piece of heroic defending from Jake Bibby prevented Nick Scruton from touching down.
They werenโt to be denied for long though, two minutes later Shaun Luntโs kick caused mayhem amongst the Devils backline, McGuire was quickest to react and dived over.
The hosts were in a ruthless mood and found themselves over again soon after. This time, Oakes claimed his second after the ball was worked out wide.
McGuire then threw a dummy which outwitted the Salford defence and allowed him to slide over under the sticks to compete his hat-trick. Tickle then added the conversion to take the hosts past the 50-point mark.
Salford responded with a consolation effort of their own as Saโu pierced through the KR line to cross over, before Chamberlain landed the subsequent goal.
The Red Devils werenโt finished there though, some quick hands from Lui and Josh Wood helped forge an opening for Bibby to cross over in the corner, before Chamberlain added his third goal to take Salford past the 20-point mark.
Hull KR Lineup:ย Quinlan, Shaw, Blair, Vaivai, Oakes, McGuire, Atkin, Scruton, Lee, Tickle, Greenwood, J. Tomkins, Kavanagh.
Interchanges:ย Lunt, Masoe, Donaldson, Mulhern.
Salford Lineup:ย Chamberlain, Johnson, Bibby, Saโu, Olpherts, Lui, Shorrocks, Tasi, Wood, Mossop, Lannon, McCarthy, Flanagan.
Interchanges:ย L. Tomkins, Burke, Murray, Jones.
Hull KR Scorers:ย Tries- Shaw (14โ), Quinlan (21โ), Oakes (27โ, 55โ), Greenwood (32โ), McGuire (35โ, 50โ, 58โ), J. Tomkins (37โ) | Goals- Shaw (15โ), Tickle (22โ, 28โ, 33โ, 36โ, 38โ, 51โ, 59โ)
Salford Scorers:ย Tries- Johnson (8โ), Saโu (44โ, 60โ), Bibby (77โ) | Goals- Chamberlain (9โ, 61โ, 78โ)
Referee:ย Gareth Hewer.
Attendance:ย 7,698.
Match Report | Salford Red Devils 26-12 Widnes Vikings
Salford Red Devils returned to winning ways in emphatic fashion after twice coming from behind to earn a crucial 26-12 victory over Widnes Vikings at the The Salford Stadium.
Two tries from Kris Welham alongside further scores from Jake Bibby, Robert Lui and on-loan Widnes man Greg Burke helped secure two valuable Betfred Super League points.
The Red Devils headed into the tie on the back of a disappointing defeat at Hull six days prior, and Ian Watsonโs men looked on course for another loss this time out when Tom Gilmore dived over in the 5th minute.
Jay Chapelhowโs break helped kickstart the move, before Joe Mellorโs grubber kick bounced over the top of Ryan Lannon to allow Gilmore to ground the ball.
Half-back Gilmore then converted his own effort, but it was Salford whoโd score next as Welham blocked Gilmoreโs kick with his leg, before reacting quickest to scoop up the loose ball and dart 40m to cross for a stunning individual effort.
Luiโs conversion landed narrowly wide as the hosts grew in frustration. Soon after, Bibby was denied a try as referee James Child chalked the score off following a knock on from Jack Littlejohn.
Salford werenโt to be undone for long though, less than five minutes later Welham grabbed his second, and 150th career try, as some quick hands from Littlejohn and Lui permitted the centre to jink his way over the whitewash.
Unfortunately for Salford, Lui struck the post from his goal attempt and the mood around the AJ Bell dampened quickly as Welham was controversially sent to the sin-bin, before Jake Shorrocks left the field after suffering a suspected fractured jaw.
Less than a minute later, the visitors regained their lead as the heavily involved Gilmore collected a high ball before cleverly picking out the unmarked Patrick Ah Van who had the simple task of touching down.
Gilmore landed the resulting goal in what proved to be the final point scoring action of the half.
Salford have endured a tough time in recent weeks and despite losing another key player, in the form of Tyrone McCarthy through a hamstring injury, the Red Devils dug in and managed to claw themselves back into the tie ten minutes after the break.
After a free-flowing move saw the ball find its way out wide, Littlejohn forged the gap for Bibby to emphatically finish in the right-hand corner.
Lui was unable to convert the resulting goal but Salford werenโt to be denied as Widnes loanee and debutant, Burke, haunted his parent club after collecting a short ball from Logan Tomkins, before surging over under the sticks.
Lui then added the extras and a late penalty to extend Salfordโs lead to 8 points before things quickly turned sour for the visiting Vikings.
First, loose-forward Chris Houston was sent to the sin-bin following a high challenge on Burke, before then being shown the red-card for dissent as he left the field.
Salford would have the final say though as Lui charged down a Widnes kick before racing 70m to score and complete a stunning comeback and all-round team performance.
Salford Lineup: Littlejohn, Olpherts, Welham, Saโu, Bibby, Lui, Shorrocks, Tasi, Wood, Burke, McCarthy, Griffin, Lannon.
Interchanges: Kopczak, Tomkins, Nakubuwai, Chamberlain.
Widnes Lineup: Craven, Ah Van, Runciman, Norman, Ince, Mellor, Gilmore, J. Chapelhow, Johnstone, E. Chapelhow, Whitley, Hauraki, Houston.
Interchanges: Gerrard, Olbison, Heremaia, Farnworth.
Salford Scorers: Tries- Welham (11โ, 15โ), Bibby (50โ), Burke (61โ), Lui (77โ). | Goals- Lui (62โ, 68โ, 78โ).
Widnes Scorers: Tries- Gilmore (5โ), Ah Van (24โ) | Goals- Gilmore (6โ, 25โ).
Man of the Match: Robert Lui.
Attendance:ย 2248.
Referee: James Child. Touch Judges: Scott Mikalauskas & Liam Moore. Video Referee: Robert Hicks.
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