The Super League game between the Salford Red Devils and the Huddersfield Giants was preceded by a minutes applause in memory of Ronan Costello, who died following injuries obtained in the under 19’s fixture between the two sides last weekend.
Salford came into the game looking to bounce back from consecutive defeats and reignite their push for a top 8 finish.
The Red Devils made the perfect start with Craig Kopczak crashing over from close range to open the scoring, and give the hosts a 6-0 lead with O’Briens conversion.
The Giants struck back soon after, some clever hands put Joe Connor in at the corner, who finished well to pull the score back to 4-6.
Huddersfield took the lead on 26 minutes with Ukama Ta’ai going over to put the visitors 6-10
ahead.
Thew away side extended their lead on 31 minutes with England International Leroy Cudjoe scoring to take a 6-16 lead as the first half approached its conclusion.
Salford came straight at the Giants, scoring right before half time. Winger Daniel Vidot finished off a fantastic Salford mood to bring the Devils back to within 4 points at half time, as the Giants went in 12-16 ahead.
The second half opened up into a tight affair, and Huddersfield extended their lead to 12-18 on 51 minutes with Danny Brough scoring a penalty.
The Red Devils quickly had the scores level, Josh Jones crashed over with great determination, and Gareth O’Brien converted from far out to put the scores to 18-18.
Huddersfield prop Crabtree restored the Giants lead on 62 minutes, and the visitors were in again soon after through Joe Wardle, who finished off a length of the field try to extend the lead to 18-30.
A Danny Brough drop goal gave the visitors an all important 13 point lead with 10 minutes remaining.
Salford came back at Huddersfield again with Josh Jones crossing for his second of the night, and then Daniel Vidot adding his second of the night the bring the scores to 30-31 with just a minute left of the clock.
The Giants saw the game out to deny Salford a dramatic comeback win. The Red Devils attentions now turn to the visit of Castleford Tigers in two weeks time.
Salford Red Devils squad: O’Brien, Carney, Jones, Sa’u, Vidot, Lui, Dobson, Kopczak, Tomkins, G. Griffin, Murdoch-Masila, Hauraki, Flanagan, Krasniqi, Walne, Bibby, Joseph.
