The last time Salford hosted Swinton was back in 2015 as the local community joined to celebrate the life of aid worker Alan Henning with a ninety second applause from players and fans taking place before the game as well as Alan Henning’s family receiving gifts from the respective captains.
On the field, it turned out to be an extremely comfortable day at the office for the Red Devils who ran out 66-4 winners after naming a very strong side.
Salford set their stall out early as Gareth Hock latched onto a low kick after just four minutes. Full-back Kevin Locke and half-back Rangi Chase both crossed in quick succession before Hock went over for his second and Salford’s fourth inside the opening twenty minutes.
Iestyn Harris’ sides dominance continued into the latter stages of the first half with Niall Evalds diving over in the corner before Locke and Chase both notched their doubles either side of Jon Ford’s effort. Salford went into the break 42-0 ahead after a dominant display in the first half.
Swinton improved following the interval but it was Chase who was first to cross in the second-half furthering the Red Devils lead. However, the Lions did get themselves on the scoresheet through Shaun Robinson latched onto a Chris Atkin kick fifteen minutes from time.
But, it was the hosts who finished the stronger with Theo Fages going over before Chase racked up his fourth try of the game in the closing stages. Tony Puletua rounded the scoring off in the final minute to seal a big win for Salford.
Salford Red Devils Coach Iestyn Harris said following the game: “I’m very happy with the run out and to give some players quality time on the pitch and will do the same again next week as we get nearer to the Super League start. It was a very good day and was happy with most of the aspects of the game but not too happy about allowing them to score.”
The teams that day:
Salford: Kevin Locke, Niall Evalds, Josh Griffin, Jason Walton, Jon Ford; Rangi Chase, Theo Fages; Scott Taylor, Tommy Lee, Lama Tasi, Harrison Hansen, Cory Paterson, Gareth Hock.
Interchanges: Adrian Morley, Darrell Griffin, Tony Puletua, George Griffin, Matty Gee, Jordan Walne, Adam Walne, Liam Hood, Brad England.
Swinton: Richie Hawkyard, Shaun Robinson, Stuart Littler, Andy Ball, Alex Hurst; Jimmy Rowland, Ben White; Mike Morrison, Lewis Hulme, Tommy Gallagher, Darren Hawkyard, Grant Beecham, Connor Dwyer.
Interchanges: Aaron Lloyd, Jack Morrison, Liam Coleman, Chris Rothwell, Chris Atkin, Mick Nanyn, Harry Aaronson, Dale Cunniffe.
Fans can purchase tickets for tomorrow’s game against Swinton from the Club Ticket Office or over the phone on 0161 786 1570. The Ticket Office will be open prior to the game but remember our ‘2018 Season Launch’ begins at 10:30am in the 1873 suite. The match kicks off at 1pm.
