Salford Red Devils nilled Wakefield Trinity as we picked-up two crucial competition points at the Salford Stadium.
Paul Rowley had the rare privilege of naming an unchanged side for just the third time this season, with Ken Sio and Sam Stone both hitting significant 100-appearance landmarks.
The Red Devils made the best possible start on three minutes; but it came from a slight bit of fortune.
Danny Addy’s loose pass was picked-up by Kallum Watkins, who drove through a gap to tee-up the supporting Brodie Croft.
The Aussie baited Wakey’s fullback with a weaving run and allowed Ryan Brierley to take the ball, race the remaining 30 yards and score under the sticks.
Marc Sneyd added the extras, but that was the only real highlight of what turned out to be an error-filled next half-hour.
The same source nudged us further into the lead when the visitors were penalised for offside, but missed a drop-goal attempt on the half-time hooter.
HALF-TIME: Salford Red Devils 8-0 Wakefield Trinity
After a few mistakes by both sides to kickstart the second forty, it was a bit of grit from our forwards which earned our next try.
King Vuniyayawa – who was outstanding all evening – forced a drop-out with a strong, driving tackle and Luke Gale’s attempted short restart proved costly.
An awkward bounce fell kindly to Andy Ackers, who raced towards the South Stand in open field to slide over and all-but confirm victory.
Croft almost did wrap it up it when he latched onto Sneyd’s grubber kick, but the halfback’s juggle nudged the ball just out of his grasp.
Wakefield had to go for broke and some off-the-cuff attacking play led to our final try of the evening.
Sio with a trademark interception put the wheels in motion and some nice support play by – of course – Brierley allowed the winger to bide his time and slip his teammate in at the perfect opportunity.
Next up for the Reds is a trip to the DW Stadium. Click HERE to grab your tickets for a huge night in Round 24.
FULL-TIME: Salford Red Devils 20-0 Wakefield Trinity
Photo credit: Steve McCormick
