An electric game saw Salford battle it out for a 26-22 home victory over Castleford Tigers in Round 18.
Throughout the first half, both sides seemed almost equally matched as the scoreboard tipped back and forth. However, through their grit and persistence, the Reds were able to push ahead.
The visitors balanced the scoreboard just after half-time but the Reds soon came away with it. After weeks and weeks of unrelenting effort, an incredible performance and loud support from their fans, Salford took the win for the first time since March!!
It looked like a rough start for Salford as the Tigers instantly pushed to the line. However, as Rooney went for the try, he was pulled into touch by a strong Reds tackle.
The Reds quickly took the game into Castleford’s territory. As the ball shot to the right wing, Ethan Ryan ran it up the side before attempting an offload. Unfortunately, the ball hit Castleford hands and Salford are stopped short.
Salford weren’t kept at bay for long though as a pass from Marsters out to the wing gave Ryan the opportunity to run it up the wing and over the line for the first try of the game.
Castleford soon balanced the scoreboard as Josh Simm raced up the wing and dove into the right corner for the try.
Following a knock on by Salford hands, Atkin picked up the ball for the try but it was disallowed by the video referee.
Unfortunately, the Tigers’ next attempt was more successful as, off the back of the scrum, Asi pushed over the line and grounded the ball by the sticks. Atkin converted the try and took them six points ahead.
Simbiken was next over the line for the Tigers but the try was disallowed by the video referee once again.
In an attempt to collect the kick, Marsters knocks on mid air. Although Brierley challenged the ruling, the challenge was unsuccessful and Castleford regained possession.
Chris Hill attempted an offload which went backwards; Castleford tried to collect the ball but knocked on, giving Salford the scrum by the halfway line.
Salford were soon awarded a penalty for a high tackle on Joe Mellor.
Off the back of this, the Reds pushed right to the line and Harvey Wilson was able to battle through Castleford’s defence for a try between the sticks.
A successful conversion by Hankinson once again balanced the scores making everything to play for.
It wasn’t balanced for long though. Marsters ran the ball up the wing before swiftly passing inside to Mellor, straight past two Castleford players. Mellor put the gas on and won the race to the line, grounding the ball and putting Salford in the lead just before the halftime whistle.
The second half began in Castleford’s favour as they were awarded two penalties within the first 4 minutes. Off the back of this, Asi was able to run through to the line and under the sticks for his second try of the night.
Salford speed the game up, pushing Castleford back into their own half. Ormondroyd broke through the defensive line and raced forwards but was tackled 10 out.
Dodging one tackle and being taken down in another, Marsters was able to dive over the line for the try, pushing Salford into the lead once more.
The Devils’ fortune continued as they instantly pushed back into the Tigers’ half. Western managed to catch the kick in the corner but was quickly pulled into touch, giving Salford possession once again.
With their next set, they were unable to get over the line as Castleford caught the kick again. However, by pulling them behind the line, the Reds’ won back possession with a goal line drop out.
Salford’s success continued as Hankinson was able to dodge a tackle and run through to ground the ball behind the line.
It looked hopeful for Castleford as they pushed the Reds back into their own half. Unfortunately, in his attempt to catch the kick in the corner, Wood knocked on. They attempted a Captain’s Challenge but were unsuccessful and lost possession.
In the right corner, Simm attempted to catch Salford’s kick; however, after his touch, the ball went out and it was a Castleford goal line drop-out.
Castleford managed to push right to Salford’s line and it looked like they were about to score until Rooney spilled the ball as he ran.
With only two minutes left on the clock, Lawler raced to the line and just managed to the ground the ball on the line to shrink the Reds’ lead to four points.
As the Tigers attacked once more, Cini tried to run it down the line. However, Ryan’s strong hit forced a knock on and gave Salford possession with seconds on the clock.
Salford take the win!!
MATCH FACTS:
Salford XIII: Ryan Brierley, Ethan Ryan, Chris Hankinson, Esan Marsters, Nathan Connell, Jayden Nikorima, Oliver Russell, Jack Ormondroyd, Joe Mellor, Chris Hill, Dan Russell, Tom Whitehead, Joe Shorrocks
Interchanges: Loghan Lewis, Harvey Wilson, Toby Warren, Declan Murphy
Tries: Ryan, Wilson, Mellor, Marsters, Hankinson
Conversions: Hankinson (3/5)
Castleford Tigers XIII: Fletcher Rooney, Josh Simm, Louis Senior, Zac Cini, Sam Wood, Dejarn Asi, Chris Atkin, Joe Stimson, Cain Robb, Tom Amone, Jeremiah Simbiken, Alex Mellor, Joe Westerman
Interchanges: George Lawler, George Griffin, Sam Hall, Brad Singleton
Tries: Simm, Asi (2), Lawler
Conversions: Atkin (3/4)
HT: 16-10
FT: 26-22
