Salford Red Devils were eliminated from the Betfred Challenge Cup in Round Six following a 20-0 defeat at the DW Stadium this evening.
Paul Rowley’s men were looking to build on last week’s excellent 26-12 win against Leeds Rhinos, but were beaten by Matt Peet’s well-organised side on a cool Friday evening in Greater Manchester.
The hosts were the first to strike when Liam Byrne powered over the sticks following a period of Wigan pressure.
Wigan doubled their lead just three minutes later, with a Thomas Leuluai high kick causing panic in the Salford backline. There was a suggestion the Wigan player had knocked the ball on after a collision with Deon Cross, but the video referee checked extensively before giving the try.
Zak Hardaker – who had already kicked two successful conversions from his two attempts – was able to add two more points via a penalty-goal after Salford were penalised for a high tackle.
The Red Devils were hit by yet another injury blow around 10 minutes from the break, with James Greenwood leaving the field in agony following a nasty collision – Josh Johnson replaced him.
Half-time: Wigan Warriors 14–0 Salford Red Devils
The Cherry and Whites added to their lead after the break, with Hardaker finding space after the ball was worked right. His jinking run past Brodie Croft opened a gap, with an offload to John Bateman enough to send the hosts over the line.
Wigan thought they had another try shortly after, but the video referee ruled out Sam Powell’s darting effort.
Salford pressed and probed as the second half went on, but the Wigan defence was just too solid for the Red Devils’ danger men to find any gaps.
Full-time: Wigan Warriors 20–0 Salford Red Devils
Wigan: Field, Hardaker, Pearce-Paul, Bibby, Marshall, Cust, Leuluai, Smithies, Powell, Bryne, Farrell, Bateman, Isa, Mago, Partington, Havard, Shorrocks.
Salford: Brierley, Williams, Cross, Lafai, Burgess, Croft, Sneyd, Ormondroyd, Ackers, Wells, Lannon, Greenwood, Taylor (C), Vuniyayawa, Atkin, Johnson, Gerard.
Wigan tries: Byrne (12’), Marshall (15’), Bateman (53’)
Wigan goals: Hardaker (3/3)
Wigan penalty-goal: Hardaker (1/1)
Written by: Harry Siddall
Image credit: Steve McCormick
