An incredible team display was just not enough for the Salford Red Devils to overcome Warrington Wolves in Round 17 of the Betfred Super League.
After a disappointing outing against St Helens last time out, the Reds were hoping for an improved performance, and despite an early setback, a performance is what the Salford faithful got.
Cain Robb returned to the thirteen after serving concussion protocols, with Toby Warren replacing Matty Foster in the back-row and Nathan Connell slotting onto the wing.
The game started with Wire on the front foot and a reverse pass from George Williams saw fullback, Matt Dufty stroll under the sticks. At that point, it threatened to become a long evening, but the Reds regrouped and began testing the visitors resolve.
A first set in good ball saw Ryan Brierley almost slot through Dan Russell against his parent club, but some left edge scramble from Warrington quashed the danger.
Salford continued to test the back three of Warrington with some monster end-of-set kicks from Danny Richardson, gaining his side valuable territory.
One initially taken by Josh Thewlis was spilled when running back his kick return. Salford picked up the pieces and Robb gave Ethan Ryan the opportunity to jink inside and stretch over the try line.
The momentum thereafter felt firmly in Salford’s favour, and despite missing his conversion from Ryan’s try, Chris Hankinson was allowed to level the scores when Joe Shorrocks was tackled high in front of the sticks.
Minutes later, another Warrington error allowed the same source to nudge us into a two-point lead.
The joy was short-lived, however, with James Harrison finding a gap in the Salford defence to power through and slide over, just to the left of the sticks, handing Wire a half-time lead.
Former Red, Sam Stone was the next Wire player guilty of a high tackle, this time on Jayden Nikorima, with Hankinson nudging over to bring us within two.
Youngster, Robb has been a stellar loan addition to the team around the ruck, but his ferocity in defence has also been a highlight. One incredible hit on Connor Wrench brought the entire stadium to their feet and rattled the Wire line.
After restricting metres, the visitors were penalised yet again on their defensive set and Hankinson kicked his fourth penalty-goal of the evening to bring the scores to 12 apiece.
From the restart, Warrington did manage to make good metres and were only denied from a series of incredible Salford tackles.
The dam was broken on the hour mark, however, with Thewlis finding space to latch onto Dufty’s grubber and slide over in the right corner.
Perhaps the biggest pendulum swing in terms of the match result came just one set after the restart, when Marsters picked up what looked like a Warrington error to dot down.
Referee, Liam Rush sent up a no try for a tackle in the air – confirmed by the video referee.
Back down the other end, it was Salford this time found guilty of a high tackle and Sneyd called on the tee to extend Warrington’s lead to six.
A succession of green card offences for Richardson and then Connell also played their part in halting the Red Devils’ momentum, and Stefan Ratchford made sure of the win by pouncing on a Marsters error.
It was a cruel blow for Rowley’s side, who showed guts, determination and plenty of sides that the much-changed starting thirteen are starting to form new combinations.
They now have over a week to prepare for the visit of Castleford Tigers in Round 18 – a game they’ll surely approach with a lot more confidence.
MATCH FACTS:
Salford XIII: Ryan Brierley (C), Ethan Ryan, Chris Hankinson, Esan Marsters, Nathan Connell, Jayden Nikorima, Danny Richardson, Jack Ormondroyd, Cain Robb, Chris Hill, Toby Warren, Dan Russell, Joe Shorrocks.
Interchanges: Justin Sangare, Harvey Wilson, Charlie Glover, Tiaki Chan.
Tries: Ethan Ryan
Conversions: Chris Hankinson (4/5)
Warrington XIII: Matt Dufty, Josh Thewlis, Rodrick Tai, Connor Wrench, Jake Thewlis, George Williams, Marc Sneyd, Paul Vaughan, Jordy Crowther, Luke Yates, Sam Stone, Lachlan Fitzgibbon, Ben Currie.
Interchanges: Toby King, James Harrison, Stefan Ratchford, Joe Philbin.
Tries: Matt Dufty, James Harrison, Josh Thewlis, Stefan Ratchford.
Conversions: Marc Sneyd (4/5)
HT: 8-12
FT: 12-24
