A heroic Salford Red Devils team produced a remarkable performance to beat Warrington Wolves 12-25 in Round 24 of the Betfred Super League.
Against all the odds, the Reds scored two tries in each half, with a Rowan Milnes drop-goal putting the bow on a night to remember at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
For the first time in a while, Paul Rowley was able to name a similar-looking starting thirteen to last week’s clash with the Leigh Leopards. Sam Davis, returning from a lengthy layoff, replaced the concussed Fin Yates at hooker, and newest addition, Jack Walker, made his debut at fullback.
It was actually the hosts who started the quickest, and some nimble footwork from fullback, Matt Dufty, found a gap in the Salford defence to open the scoring.
There was no panic from the Reds, however, who soon got back into the arm wrestle and started to win some territory with strong carries out of yardage.
One dazzling break from Walker got us within range, and Milnes’ last play kick forced a drop-out. From the next set, Harvey Wilson laid a solid platform and some slick hands from Joe Mellor sent loanee, Jack Darbyshire, crashing over.
A connected attacking performance was only matched by some resilient try-line defence, particularly from the likes of Dan Russell, Loghan Lewis and Harvey Wilson – who all came up with heroic efforts at some stage across the contest.
Pressure began to build on the Wire line as the first-half progressed, and it was the boot of Milnes once again causing chaos. He stood one up for Neil Tchamambe to bat back, with Justin Sangaré the one to pick it up, look to offload, but then catch everyone off guard by spinning away to slide over.
Milnes kicked the goal that handed Salford a six-point half-time lead we deserved.
Much like the first forty, it was Warrington who started the half quicker, with George Williams’ cross-field kick just too high for Nathan Connell to catch, allowing Jake Thewlis to dot down.
Again, the setback failed to faze a group of players who, despite being new as a collective, gave everything for each other and the badge.
That was on full display when we retook the lead following an incredible team try. Jayden Nikorima – back from injury – found Connell with a cut-out pass, and his kick back inside bounced into the hands of Louix Gorman. Two offloads later, it found Sangaré, who powered past debutant Duffy to double his account for the evening.
It would be remiss of me not to mention Connell’s contribution in both attack and defence across the evening. Perhaps typified in his hustle to force a knock-on from Thewlis, before bouncing up and taking a nasty high shot from Adam Holroyd – one which meant the Wire forward saw yellow.
Another high tackle minutes later allowed Milnes to kick us within range, leading to a try from another player whose performances across 2025 have gone under the radar.
Running a perfect line, Tiaki Chan burst onto Nikorima’s short pass, and there was no stopping the French international from slamming down.
Even with 20 minutes still to play, it felt like Salford had their hands on just a third league victory of the season – but certainly the sweetest.
Milnes capped another fine individual display by nudging over a one-pointer to take the game beyond doubt and spark jubilant full-time scenes that will live long in the memory of every Salford fan.
MATCH FACTS:
Salford XIII: Jack Walker, Neil Tchamambe, Louix Gorman, Jack Derbyshire, Nathan Connell, Rowan Milnes, Joe Mellor, Loghan Lewis, Sam Davis, Justin Sangare, Leon Ruan, Dan Russell, Harvey Wilson
Interchanges: Jayden Nikorima, Tiaki Chan, Toby Warren, Jack Croft.
Tries: Jack Darbyshire, Justin Sangaré (2), Tiaki Chan.
Conversions: Rowan Milnes (4/4) (one drop-goal)
Warrington Wolves XIII: Matt Dufty, Josh Thewlis, Toby King, James Duffy, Jake Thewlis, George Williams, Leon Hayes, Luke Thomas, Danny Walker, Luke Yates, Ewan Smith, Adam Holroyd, Ryan Matterson.
Interchanges: Sam Powell, Joe Philbin, Max Wood, Tom McKinney.
Tries: Matt Dufty, Jake Thewlis.
Conversions: Josh Thewlis (2/2)
HT: 6-12
FT: 12-25
