Salford Red Devils trio Jackson Hastings, Rob Lui and Josh Jones were in attendance at Folly Lane’s U10’s presentation evening this past weekend.
The lads signed autographs, handed out trophies and spent the evening with another batch of the next generation of local talent.
Folly Lane said: “We would like to say a big thank you to Jackson, Rob and Josh for taking time out of their spare time to come down and help with our presentation day.
“Our lads were really excited when they turned up and when they gave them their awards.
“A credit to the Club.”
Tag: Robert Lui
Three Talking Points | Widnes Vikings
Following yesterday’s stunning triumph over Widnes Vikings, we take a look at the three talk points in the aftermath of the game.
Three in a row
Salford headed into the tie on the back of two convincing wins over Leeds Rhinos and Hull Kingston Rovers but despite being labelled as the favourites by most of the experts, Ian Watson’s men didn’t underestimate the visitors’ capabilities and produced a creditable display to emerge as comfortable 32-6 victors.
Last week, we touched on the impact Jackson Hastings and Joey Lussick have had on the side and whilst neither of the duo managed to get on the scoresheet this time around, they were instrumental in Salford’s success, though the latter was sin-binned in the 37th minute.
Hastings in particular, was heavily involved throughout. The 22-year-old featured in the build-up for the first of Junior Sa’u’s double, before putting the second on a plate for him just four minutes later. Hastings also helped carve the opening for Mark Flanagan’s try – via some assistance from Lussick – in what proved to be the finest try of the afternoon.
72' – TRY SALFORD! Another fantastic try! Jackson Hastings and Joey Lussick link-up with the hooker having support from Mark Flanagan who slides under the posts.
(30-6)#S8SalWid pic.twitter.com/2fHJmtVCMU
— Salford Red Devils 👹 (@SalfordDevils) August 18, 2018
The Vikings did initially take the lead through Charly Runciman but the host hit back in style to earn their third successive victory – two of which have arrived in the dreaded Qualifiers. The win moves Salford into pole position in the Qualifiers table, though there are other games still to be played over the course of the weekend. Having said that, Salford are undoubtedly the in-form team and will take some stopping as the side edges nearer to securing its Super League status.
Lui stars once again
Hastings’ arrival has well and truly freed half-back Robert Lui in recent weeks and 28-year-old Lui produced yet another impressive performance during yesterday’s win.
We grabbed @JackoHastings after his Man of the Match performance today and he was full of praise for Rob Lui and the Salford club. See what he had to say below. pic.twitter.com/DrTzzWNcPo
— Salford Red Devils 👹 (@SalfordDevils) August 18, 2018
Lui – who notched his third try in as many matches – was the second strongest contender for the Man of the Match award behind Hastings. He picked up a neat assist to send Sa’u crashing over when the Reds were trailing in the opening period, before kick-starting the move for the centre’s second.
If that wasn’t enough, the playmaker turned from provider to scorer. Just five minutes had passed in the second period when Lui darted over from dummy half. The half-back faked to play the ball out to the left before forcing himself over from close-range.
This score seemed to spur Lui on further as he claimed another well-worked assist twenty minutes from time. After picking up Hastings’ short ball, Salford’s ‘star man’ Lui then jinked his way through several Widnes defenders before feeding the onrushing Evalds.
Evalds prolific in attack
Alongside the arrivals of both Hastings and Lussick, Niall Evalds’ return to the side has been on a similar scale to a new signing. The 24-year-old suffered an unfortunate leg break during Salford’s defeat at the hands of Huddersfield back in May.
Initially, it was suggested Evalds wouldn’t feature again this season, but the full-back has made a triumphant return to the squad and is arguably better than ever.
After making his long-awaited comeback during the recent trip to Catalans, Evalds has racked up four tries in as many appearances.
With his sheer pace and game intelligence, the Salford academy graduate is a renowned creative threat and has added another dimension to the Red Devils’ lineup.
His defensive capability is undoubted, but it was in attack where he truly excelled yesterday and linked up well with the starring Lui to finish off a slick move.
70' – Niall Evalds celebrates his try which looks like it'll see the Red Devils on to victory.
(26-6)
📸 (@Steve6394)#S8SalWid pic.twitter.com/FkhnagEEC7
— Salford Red Devils 👹 (@SalfordDevils) August 18, 2018
Match Report | Salford Red Devils 32-6 Widnes Vikings
Junior Sa’u’s 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 centre’s double, scores from Robert Lui, Niall Evalds and Mark Flanagan helped secure a comfortable triumph for Ian Watson’s 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-back’s 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 Salford’s first score of the afternoon, as some slick hands from the latter sent Sa’u 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 Sa’u to cross over in an almost identical fashion.
Sa’u’s double seemed to galvanise Ian Watson’s men, Craig Kopczak – who returned to the side following a short layoff – 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 ‘crusher tackle’.
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 Inu’s 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.
Hastings’ 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 weren’t finished there though. Watson’s 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: Evalds; Chamberlain, Welham, Sa’u, Olpherts; Lui, Hastings; Mossop, Wood, Tasi, Jones, Lannon, Flanagan.
Interchanges: Kopczak, Burke, Lussick, Nakubuwai.
Widnes Lineup: Ashall-Bott, Ah Van, Inu, Whitley, Runciman, Mellor, Finn, Hansen, Heremaia, Dudson, Dean, Houston, Hauraki.
Interchanges: Leuluai, Gerrard, Olbison, White.
Salford Scorers: Tries- Sa’u (17, 21’), Lui (45’), Evalds (61’), Flanagan (72’) | Goals- Chamberlain (18’, 22’, 46’, 53’, 62’, 73’
Widnes Scorers: Tries- Runciman (3’) | Goals- Inu (4’)
Salford Sin-Bin: Lussick (37’)
Half-Time Score: 12-6
Man of the Match: Jackson Hastings.
Referee: Ben Thaler.
Touch Judges: Liam Moore & Richard Thompson.
Video Referee: Robert Hicks.
Three Talking Points | Hull Kingston Rovers 10-28 Salford Red Devils
Following last night’s enthralling victory over Hull Kingston Rovers, we take a look at the three talking points in the aftermath of the game.
Off to a flyer
Despite pummelling Leeds Rhinos 38-22 last time out, nobody underestimated the task ahead as the Red Devils made the long journey to Humberside.
Whilst many wrote Salford off prior to kick-off, Ian Watson’s men silenced their critics with a memorable performance at KCOM Craven Park.
It was crucial that Salford started their Qualifiers campaign with a bang and they certainly did so. The Red Devils dominated the tie throughout and scores from Niall Evalds, Robert Lui, debutant Joey Lussick and Josh Wood helped clinch a deserved 10-28 victory and spark euphoric scenes in both the stand and away dressing room.
🎶 We all love a winners song!
👀 Questionable dancing from @JackoHastings! pic.twitter.com/yBNHemNWAX
— Salford Red Devils 👹 (@SalfordDevils) August 10, 2018
Salford undoubtedly commenced their Qualifiers campaign in the best manner possible and now head into next week’s showdown with Widnes in full confidence after securing successive victories. The Vikings meanwhile will be looking to end their 17-game winless run after dramatically losing 20-21 at home to the London Broncos on Thursday evening.
Lussick stars on debut
Australian hooker Joey Lussick – who joined the club as a free agent two weeks ago following his release from Manly Sea Eagles – made his long awaited debut in Salford colours and the 22-year-old failed to disappoint.
Not only did the former Australian RU Schoolboy cross for a well-worked maiden try, but he performed impeccably throughout. The hooker linked up well with former Manly teammate Jackson Hastings and full-back Niall Evalds in attack, whilst also adding another dimension to plays with his devastating kicking game – a rare sight for a hooker.
66' – TRY SALFORD! He's in on debut! Joey Lussick throws the dummy and dives over from close-range!
(4-18)#S8HKRSal pic.twitter.com/TdBElZJryX
— Salford Red Devils 👹 (@SalfordDevils) August 10, 2018
If last night’s showing is anything to go by, Lussick could prove to be one of the club’s most impressive acquisitions in recent times.
New spine in fine form once again
We’ve previously touched on the influence of recent arrival Jackson Hastings linking up with Robert Lui and Niall Evalds during his dazzling debut versus Leeds, but Lussick’s introduction at KCOM Craven Park yesterday really signalled that the final piece of the jigsaw had well and truly been unearthed.
Salford demonstrated an expansive style of Rugby throughout and executed a series of quick combinations between the foursome. This newly found attacking flair has ran parallel to the arrivals of Hastings and Lussick and has seriously enhanced the Red Devils’ spine.
Hastings in particular has extracted heaps of pressure from the shoulders of Lui and has allowed the fifth-eighth to play his natural game. 28-year-old Lui was voted Man of the Match following the triumph over Leeds and excelled once again versus the Robins. Salford’s ‘star man’ provided a moment of brilliance in the 55th minute after latching onto a wayward pass from Chris Atking, before racing ninety-metres to cross for a stunning individual try.
💨 Go Rob, go!
👏 A stunning ninety-metre effort from Rob Lui helped @SalfordDevils to a crucial victory in our opening Qualifiers game against Hull Kingston Rovers last night.
And, you can watch all the tries here ➡️ https://t.co/tVSmowmtBQ pic.twitter.com/ixvpQydwuz
— Salford Red Devils 👹 (@SalfordDevils) August 11, 2018
Alongside Lui, Hastings and Lussick have also aided full-back Evalds’ game. 24-year-old Evalds suffered a broken leg in May, but after returning from a lengthy spell on the sidelines, Salford’s marquee signings have linked up remarkably well with the former Salford academy graduate. Hastings produced an exquisite dummy to send Evalds over for the first of two tries versus the Rhinos a fortnight ago and Evalds continued his good run of form at Hull KR.
After Mark Flanagan picked up a short ball from Josh Wood, the experienced forward pierced his way through the Rovers backline before releasing the onrushing Evalds who slid over the whitewash to grab his third try in two games.
📸@NEvalds1993 crosses for his third try in two games.
👉@Steve6394 #S8HKRSal pic.twitter.com/OHJIafbbME
— Salford Red Devils 👹 (@SalfordDevils) August 10, 2018
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 Watson’s 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 Chamberlain’s 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 Lui’s high kick, before Lee Mossop then squandered the chance from the resulting set after knocking on.
The visitors weren’t 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 – who was making his debut for the club after arriving a fortnight ago from Australia – 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 – the second a penalty after Evalds was pulled back off the ball – 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 weren’t 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.
Interchanges: Greenwood, Kavanagh, Donaldson, Atkin.
Salford Lineup: Evalds; Bibby, Chamberlain, Sa’u, Olpherts; Lui, Hastings; Mossop, Wood, Murray, Jones, McCarthy, Lannon.
Interchanges: Lussick, Flanagan, Tasi, Nakubuwai.
Hull KR Scorers: Tries- Hall (32’), Lunt (73’) | Goals- Tickle (74’)
Salford Scorers: Tries- Evalds (20’), Lui (55’), Lussick 66’, Wood 78’ | Goals- Chamberlain (19’) Hastings (49’, 56’, 67’,70’, 79′)
Half-Time Score: 4-6
Man of the Match: Joey Lussick.
Referee: Robert Hicks.
Image Credit: Steve McCormick
Brian Noble | “He’s clearly set a marker down”
Jackson Hastings debuted for the Red Devils in an impressive victory over Leeds Rhinos on Friday evening and Brian Noble feels he has lifted spirits at the The Salford Stadium.
Speaking on the BBC’s Super League Show, Noble said: “The break from dummy half is fantastic – a bit of speed and bit of zip.
“You want new players to do something for you and he clearly has I think he’s involved in an assist as well, so he’s clearly set a marker down.
“He’s saying all the right things publicly.
“I think he freed up Robert Lui a little bit there which has helped his game and clearly there’s an enthusiasm about Salford there that maybe wasn’t before Hastings was.”
Former Salford halfback Luke Robinson, also speaking on BBC’s Super League show, said: “Bringing in new players as Brian said earlier it just lifts the players.
“It’s a bit of a morale boosting lift when you’re bringing in someone of that quality and he seemed to have a big impact on the day.”
You can watch Jackson Hastings’ full debut by purchasing or renting the full eighty-minute game here.
Or, you can watch the highlights on Salford Red Devils TV below:
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 Watson’s side had a man disadvantage – after Lee Mossop was sent off – for an hour of the tie, Niall Evalds’ brace alongside further scores from debutant Jackson Hastings, Ryan Lannon, Ed Chamberlain, Robert Lui and Josh Jones secured the Red Devils’ 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 – who was making his maiden bow for the club since arriving from Australia two weeks ago – 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 weren’t finished there. After making a blistering start to his first appearance in a Salford shirt, Hastings’ evening quickly improved when Lui’s 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 forward’s 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 didn’t spell the end for Salford’s hard work though, two pieces of excellent defending forced the visitors into successive goal-line drop outs to pile the pressure onto last year’s 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 Lui’s 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.
Mossop’s exit hindered Salford’s attacking game-plan, but it was the Red Devils who’d 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 Rhinos’ backline, before stabbing the ball through for Jones to leap himself onto.
It was the visitors who’d 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: Evalds, Bibby, Chamberlain, Sa’u, Olpherts, Lui, Hastings, Mossop, Wood, Murray, Jones, McCarthy, Lannon.
Interchanges: Bennion, Flanagan, Tasi, Nakubuwai.
Leeds Lineup: Golding, T. Briscoe, Keinhorst, Handley, L. Briscoe, Moon, Sutcliffe, Garbutt, Dwyer, Singleton, Ablett, Thompson, Smith.
Interchanges: Parcell, Peteru, Walters, Crosby.
Salford Scorers: Tries- Lannon (8’), Evalds (10’, 62’), Hastings (15’), Chamberlain (18’), Lui (40’), Jones (69’) | Goals- Chamberlain (11, 16’, 19’, 63’ 70’)
Leeds Scorers: Tries- Dwyer (2’), Sutcliffe (21’), T. Briscoe (55’), Parcell (75’) | Goals- Sutcliffe (3’, 22’, 76)
Half-Time Score: 26-12
Salford Red-Cards: Lee Mossop (20’).
Man of the Match: Robert Lui.
Referee: Tom Grant.
Touch Judges: M. Craven & C. Etchells.
Three Talking Points | Salford Red Devils 26-12 Widnes Vikings
Salford Red Devils returned to winning ways on Thursday evening with a crucial victory over Widnes Vikings at the The Salford Stadium and we take a look at three talking points from the game.
Fightback
Ian Watson’s men went into half-time trailing 8-12 however managed to comeback in the second half and go on to win the game 26-12. Watson and Assistant Head Coach Willie Poching both pointed to the side ‘overcoming adversity’ and ‘showing real character’ to come from behind to seal two points in the Betfred Super League.
Thursday’s game was the first time this season that the Red Devils have won a game when being behind at the interval. In fact, Salford’s last victory in which they overcame the odds in the second half came against Hull Kingston Rovers in last year’s Ladbrokes Challenge Cup on May 12th.
The fightback was made even more impressive when you consider the Red Devils had just two interchanges for the majority of the game with both Tyrone McCarthy and Jake Shorrocks leaving due to injury. In addition, new recruit Ed Chamberlain didn’t enter the field until the 79th minute meaning the hosts did a large period with just one interchange.
Heading into the business end of the season the side will be looking to build on this resilience shown to push for a position in the Betfred Super League Super 8s.
Movement in the backs
Thursday’s game saw some positional changes in the back line however these seemed to prove dividend for the Red Devils.
Jack Littlejohn – who moved to fullback last weekend against Hull FC in the absence of injured Niall Evalds – occupied the role at the back once again this week and was a standout performer. Littlejohn was safe under the high ball and caused the Vikings issues when he came into the attacking line particularly when executing a delayed pass to put Jake Bibby over in the second half.
Jake Shorrocks and Rob Lui paired in the halves and Shorrocks continued to improve for Salford until he was forced to leave the field due to a facial injury. However, Josh Wood moved into the halfback role and excelled as he has for the majority of the season with Logan Tomkins then doing long minutes at hooker.
While Evalds being out is a blow for Salford, Thursday’s game displayed the versality and options the red Devils still have in the backs.
Kris Welham
Centre Kris Welham was voted as Salford’s Man of the Match by Match Sponsor Turner Parkinson and the veteran was exceptional on Thursday evening.
Welham was quickest to react to a loose ball in the first half before racing 60m to cross for the Red Devils first try of the evening before then pulling off a magnificent weaving finish for his second just minutes later.
The second was Welham’s 150th of his career so far and the centre has been a fantastic signing since arriving back in 2017. The centre has missed just one game so far in 2018 and the Red Devils will be looking to him to maintain this kind of try-scoring form in some massive upcoming Betfred Super League games.
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 Watson’s men looked on course for another loss this time out when Tom Gilmore dived over in the 5th minute.
Jay Chapelhow’s break helped kickstart the move, before Joe Mellor’s 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 who’d score next as Welham blocked Gilmore’s kick with his leg, before reacting quickest to scoop up the loose ball and dart 40m to cross for a stunning individual effort.
Lui’s 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 weren’t 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 weren’t 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 Salford’s 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, Sa’u, 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 (11’, 15’), Bibby (50’), Burke (61’), Lui (77’). | Goals- Lui (62’, 68’, 78’).
Widnes Scorers: Tries- Gilmore (5’), Ah Van (24’) | Goals- Gilmore (6’, 25’).
Man of the Match: Robert Lui.
Attendance: 2248.
Referee: James Child. Touch Judges: Scott Mikalauskas & Liam Moore. Video Referee: Robert Hicks.
Match Report | Hull FC 45-14 Salford Red Devils
Salford Red Devils succumbed to a 45-14 defeat as Hull FC ran out comfortable winners on a frustrating evening at the KCOM Stadium.
Although the Red Devils managed to conjure up three second-half scores through Greg Johnson, Derrell Olpherts and George Griffin, Salford still fell short as the hosts claimed a deserved victory.
Bureta Faraimo’s hat-trick alongside further tries from Jack Downs, Jack Logan, Hakim Miloudi and Jamie Shaul ensured Lee Radford’s side secured two pivotal points.
The hosts made a flying start to the contest and opened the scoring with just five minutes on the clock. After the ball was worked out wide, Faraimo stepped inside before holding off Greg Johnson and diving over.
Jake Connor kicked the first of nine goals and the Black & Whites crossed over again just six minutes later. Faraimo grabbed his second after intercepting Robert Lui’s lofted pass before sprinting the length of the field and touching down.
Hull began to take full control and managed to add two more tries in quick succession. First, Downs slid over the whitewash after a clever offload from Logan before the latter turned from provider to scorer after an excellent break from Jamie Shaul.
Things worsened for the Red Devils as Miloudi flew out of the line to intercept a wayward pass from Jack Littlejohn before racing 50m to score in what was a carbon copy of Faraimo’s individual effort.
Connor then added the resulting goal and a late drop-goal to rub salt further into the wounds.
Faraimo then turned provider after kicking inside to Shaul who made no mistake to touch down and cap off a fine first-half display.
The hosts picked up where they left off after the break as Faraimo completed his hat-trick after wriggling out of Greg Johnson’s tackle.
Johnson was to have the last laugh though as the winger touched down after collecting a cut-out pass from Jake Shorrocks.
Robert Lui added the extras as Salford began to grow in confidence and Ian Watson’s side soon found themselves over again as Derrell Olpherts finished off a well worked move to restore some pride to the camp.
Salford battled throughout the second period and their efforts were rewarded further as Lui played a flat ball to Griffin and the forward surged over the line from close-range.
Hull had the final say however as Connor slotted home a penalty on the hooter to wrap up proceedings.
Hull Lineup: Shaul, Faraimo, Logan, Tuimavave, Miloudi, Connor, Harris, Taylor, Washbrook, Green, Downs, Minichiello, Westerman.
Interchanges: Fash, Litten, Paea, Matongo.
Salford Lineup: Littlejohn, Johnson, Welham, Sa’u, Olpherts, Lui, Shorrocks, Tasi, Tomkins, Mossop, Griffin, Jones, Flanagan.
Interchanges: Kopczak, McCarthy, Nakubuwai, Wood.
Hull Scorers: Tries- Faraimo (5’, 12’, 51’), Downs (15’), Logan (21’), Miloudi (34’), Shaul 40’) | Goals- Connor (6’,13’, 16’, 22’, 35’, 40’, 52’, 79’) | Drop Goals- Connor (39’)
Salford Scorers: Tries- Johnson 58’, Olpherts (67’), Griffin (72’) | Goals- Lui (59’)
Man of the Match: George Griffin.
Referee: Robert Hicks. Touch Judges: D Bowmer & M. Craven. Video Referee: Robert Hicks.
Attendance: 10,606.
