Ahead of our 2018 Betfred Super League opener against Wigan tomorrow night we take a look back at a memorable victory for Salford over the Warriors back in March 2006.
The victory continued a fantastic start to the 2006 season for the Red Devils who climbed to 2nd in the Super League following an impressive 28-10 over Wigan.
It took just nine minutes for Salford to open the scoring when Luke Robinson’s hanging kick was taken well by Simon Finnegan. David Hodgson successfully converted before adding a penalty goal to further Salford’s early lead.
But, Wigan soon closed the gap as Danny Orr spun a long pass out to Pat Richards who crossed for Wigan.
The Warriors continued to apply pressure to the Reds line, but Salford held out before Andrew Coley crashed over in the closing stages of the first half. Hodgson’s conversion opened up a 10-point lead going into the interval.
Wigan again replied after the break when some quick hands involving Harrison Hansen and Richards allowed Orr to go over in the corner. Danny Tickle converted.
Again, Salford soaked up all the pressure from the visitors and managed to extend the arrears again as John Wilshere burrowed his way over in the corner.
Wilshere turned provider as he jinked through on the last tackle and kicked to Andrew Dunneman who finished well. Hodgson then scored in the final moments from 40 yards to cap off a wonderful night at The Willows.
Salford Head Coach Karl Harrison: “After last week’s performance against Bradford we spoke all week about getting a result in the game.
“We made it difficult for Wigan and I thought we defended manfully. At one stage in the second half we defended six successive sets, which was excellent.”
The teams that day:
Salford: Fitzpatrick, Hodgson, Littler, Moule, Wilshere; Dunemann, Robinson; Baldwin, Alker, Highton, Coley, Brocklehurst, Finnigan.
Interchanges: Clough, Haggerty, Rutgerson, Langi.
Wigan: Ashton, Dallas, Richards, Vaealiki, Calderwood; Orr, Moran; Seuseu, Godwin, Logan, Tickle, Hansen, Brown.
Interchanges: Palea’aesina, Hargreaves, J. Tomkins, Higham.
