RED DEVILS REACH LEAGUE CUP FINAL

Salford Red Devis 18  Dewsbury Rams 8                 Match Report

In their very first season in the game, Salford’s women’s side defied all the odds by reaching the final of the League Cup, by defeating Dewsbury Rams, in the semi-final at Salford Roosters ground, yesterday.

Hopes had always been high that this might prove to be the case, particularly with home advantage and the knowledge that they had already beaten the visitors in an earlier league encounter, when a number of senior Salford players had been missing.  It still proved, however, as with most semi-finals, to be an extremely tightly fought game, with long spells when the two teams were locked in arm wrestles with each other.

It was, in fact, the visitors, who opened the scoring, crossing out wide for an unconverted try, but the Red Devils were quick to counter with a try, converted by Demi Jones.  Those Taz Corcoran diagonal scoots are becoming most adept in throwing opposition defences into some confusion as each one attracts the attention of the defenders before a neat pass is given, this time to Steph Gray, who glided through to score, putting the home team into a lead which they never lost thereafter.

Five minutes later, a break by fullback, Luci McKeown was well supported by Alex Simpson, also playing in the centre, for her to go over towards the left corner, giving Jones the hardest by far of her kicks, which she did with impeccable accuracy, to ring up a 12-4 lead.

That they were unable to build further on this, during the remainder of the half, was testament to the determination of their visitors, coupled with some little misfortune – Lorraine Ellison had a try ruled out for a forward pass, and McKeown was tackled into touch just short of the try line, after a fine break on fielding an end of set kick – and extremely wearing conditions in the heat with water breaks midway through each half, and a bone hard pitch which sent up clouds of dust, on impact.

It was greatly in contrast to this, therefore, that they opened the second half with a try direct from the restart.  Player of the Match, Louise Fellingham, who as captain had led her team by example yet with support and encouragement throughout the game, received the ball from the kick and then, from a sideways run, layed it off to McKeown, who raced through to score between the posts.  After having landed one from close to the touchline. Jones had no difficulty in keeping her hundred percent success rate with the boot to take the score to 18-6.

Although this concluded Salford’s scoring for the afternoon, the two sides continued to battle it out in an arm-wrestle, and indeed the Red Devils were made to fight every minute of the way to retain their hold on the game.

Being put under considerable pressure, when in possession, they were forced into an above average number of handling errors, which promptly brought even more defensive work, while the intense heat was most energy sapping.  Nevertheless, their defence on so many occasions proved equal to the challenge, succumbing only in the final minute of play to the Rams’ late consolation try.

Nothing, however, could dent the euphoria with which the team greeted the final whistle, and it would be nigh on impossible to overstate their outstanding achievement of progressing into the final, on 31st July.  For a group of individuals to come together, many of them as strangers to one another, and then to be successful in such a high-pressured situation as a cup semi-final, is most remarkable.

Their opponents in the final will be the winners of the other semi-final between Hull KR and Orrel St James.  That is for later, however.  For now, let us all just enjoy their wonderful achievement, and celebrate this, their most recent success.

SALFORD:

Luci McKeown, Lauren Ellison, Steph Gray, Alex Simpson, Katie Garry, Louise Fellingham, Demi Jones, Abi Collins, Tamzin Corcoran, Darcey Price, Viki, Kayleigh Bradshaw, Megan Condliffe

Substitutes:

Hannah Wicks, Yasmin Parton-Sotomayor, Brogan Evans, Casey Naylor, Jenna Monks, Eponine Fletcher, Helena Walker

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Sean Monks, Omaga Photography, for above photograph

Media Consultant – Gabby Chaplin

Salford Red Devils and Foundation give our FREE community club Season Tickets

Ahead of last weekend’s opening home game of the Betfred Super League season against London Broncos, Salford Red Devils and Salford Red Devils Foundation were out at local community clubs giving out FREE Season Tickets.
Salford Red Devils players such as Joey Lussick, Jansin Turgut, Ben Nakubuwai and Daniel Murray visited local community clubs such as Langworthy Reds, Salford Roosters, Folly Lane ARLFC and Cadishead Rhinos giving out FREE season tickets to their youth players for the 2019 season.
Director of Rugby and Operations, Ian Blease, said: “It is absolutely crucial that Salford Red Devils have strong, positive and working relationships with every one of our local community clubs.
“These youngsters are clearly interested in Rugby League and it is up to us to give them the platform to watch top-class Super League and give them something to aspire to.
“Some of these kids could be the next generation of Salford Red Devils players or fans and it is important that they have links with this fantastic Club as early as possible and giving them a free 2019 Season Ticket is the perfect way to do that.
“We are looking forward to welcoming a number of youngsters to the The Salford Stadium this season and we’re confident they will enjoy their experience and begin an affinity with the Red Devils!”
Salford Red Devils Foundation Manager, Neil Blackburn, said: “It was great for the Foundation to get out to the local community clubs and give out free Salford Red Devils Season Tickets.
“It is key for the Salford Red Devils Foundation to maintain strong relationships with our community clubs and engage with them on a regular basis. Last week was a perfect example of the great work the Foundation continue to do in the community.
“For us, seeing as many children at the game as possible each week is the aim and we want to promote both the Club and Foundation far and wide.”
Salford Red Devils 2019 ‘Golden Tickets’ are also now in local schools which sees juniors allowed to attend a Red Devils game for free with an accompanying adult.
If you’re community club would like to get involved in this fantastic scheme, please E-Mail enquiries@salfordreddevils.net or call 0161 786 1590.  
And, if you’re a local school and would like to get some ‘Golden Tickets’ for a Red Devils fixture, please E-Mail enquiries@salfordreddevils.net or call 0161 786 1590.
We are #TogetherStronger.

Red Devils attend Salford Roosters’ U12 and U13 awards evening

Salford Red Devils forwards Jansin Turgut and Adam Lawton attended Salford Roosters’ U12 and U13 presentation evening this past weekend.
The two Red Devils were quizzed on all things Rugby League and Salford before presenting trophies to the next generation of players.
Patrick and Chris, the Coaching Staff from Salford Roosters, said: “It was fantastic that Jansin and Adam could join us at our under 12 and under 13 presentation evening.
“The players impressed everyone during the question and answer session with the coaches, kids and parents. We heard about Jansin’s time with the England Schoolboys and Turkey’s national Rugby League team as well as how Adam has re-found his love for the sport at Salford and that he comes from Salford stock!
“They impressed us all with their advice to the boys – play Rugby League for enjoyment, work as hard as you can, and you can achieve what you want.
“We’ve got the next generation of players and fans in our teams and it’s great to have strong links with Red Devils. Having Salford players down inspires our players to try and emulate them.
“Now Salford is a community club it’s more important than ever that we all work together and the Roosters and proud to be working with the Red Devils.”
And, Jansin and Adam loved it too…

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