Despite Salford’s grit and early strength, the Rhinos took the victory at Headingley Stadium with a 42-6 finish.
Truly a game of two halves, Round 19 saw the Reds take a big challenge to the Rhinos in the opening 40 minutes, having almost taken the lead with a disallowed try just stopping them.
However, the second half was a harsh one for the away team as Leeds ran away with it, earning many penalties and even playing a man up for 10 minutes as Foster was handed a yellow card.
The opening moments of the game saw former Salford Captain, Kallum Watkins, cross the line for the Rhinos. However, his attempted try was disallowed due to a knock on in the lead up and the scoreboard stayed at 0-0.
Leeds managed to push close to the try line once again but, with a knock on that put the ball in touch, the Reds regained possession with a scrum 10 from their own line.
Salford fought back against the home side, pushing them back to their line. It looked hopefully as Chan caught the chip but unfortunately he was tackled short of the line, ending the set.
Ryan gave the Devils another chance as he kicked the ball at the halfway line before racing down the wing to collect his own kick 10 out. In good position, they managed to battle to the line but were just unable to get over.
It began to look a bit bleak for Salford as Edgell managed to run the ball into the left corner for two consecutive tries which gave the Rhinos a 10 point lead.
However, the Reds persisted and soon shortened the gap with an amazing try by Captain, Ryan Brierley. Having kicked near the halfway line, Brierley showed incredible speed to chase his own kick, catch it and ground it on the edge of the try zone.
Murphy then made a break for it, making great meters as he broke the Rhinos’ defensive line and sidestepped multiple defenders before being brought down.
It was another two close calls for Salford as Ryan was pushed in touch before grounding the ball and Leeds managed to catch the chip into the corner.
With the Rhinos awarded a penalty, they were able to get back into Salford’s half. However, they soon knocked on and the Reds regained possession.
With only minutes left before the half time whistle, Murphy once again broke the line and won the race to the line before grounding in the left corner. However, the try was disallowed by the video referee which left the score at 10-6 at half time.
The second half began in the Rhinos’ favour as Miller was able to dodge the Reds defence and run across to the left for the try, widening the gap.
Leeds again pushed close to the try line before Lisone spilled the ball. Salford were penalised and Connor kicked for two.
Close to the line once again, Leeds lost the ball and Foster was sent off with a yellow card.
15 minutes into the second half, Ormondroyd was brought off for a HIA after Lisone’s hand made contact with his head in the tackle.
Unfortunately for Salford, Leeds were able to score two more tries by Edgell and Newman to push them further ahead.
The Rhinos almost took another six points down the wing but a forward pass to Newman saw Salford get a scrum.
Bentley made a high tackle on Morgan, sending him off for a HIA and giving Salford a penalty.
A 40/20 kick by Connor took the Rhinos right to the line and allowed Jenkins to cross on the right.
In the penultimate minute, Leeds knocked on at their own line, giving the Reds a scrum. Sadly, they were unable to make anything of it with their attempted chip going in touch.
Salford were awarded a penalty with 20 seconds on the clock but it was too late to make any change, leaving the scoreboard at 42-6.
MATCH FACTS:
Salford XIII: Declan Murphy, Ethan Ryan, Dan Russell, Chris Hankinson, Nathan Connell, Ryan Brierley (C), Oliver Russell, Jack Ormondroyd, Joe Mellor, Chris Hill, Matty Foster, Tom Whitehead, Joe Shorrocks
Interchanges: Kai Morgan, Harvey Wilson, Glover, Tiaki Chan
Tries: Brierley
Conversions: Hankinson (1/1)
Leeds Rhinos XIII: Lachlan Miller, Ryan Hall, Harry Newman, Ash Handley, Alfie Edge, Brodie Croft, Jake Connor, Cooper Jenkins, Jarrod O’Connor, Keenan Palasia, James Bentley, James McDonnell, Kallum Watkins
Interchanges: Andy Ackers, Sam Lisone, Cameron Smith, Presley Cassell
Tries: Edgell (3), Miller, Newman, McDonnell, Jenkins
Conversions: Connor (7/8)
HT: 10-6
FT: 42-6
