Despite Salford’s continuous perseverance and determination, Swinton were the dominant team throughout and came away with a 4-12 victory as well as the Challenge Shield victory.
Swinton Lionesses made an early lead though the game stayed all to play for throughout the game. Salford brought themselves back into in the final minutes but it was just too late to close the gap.
An unfortunate start to the match saw Swinton take an early lead as their Captain Sammy Simpson crossed in the right corner just before the defence could stop her. Luckily for Salford, Hayes was unable to covert the early try which left only a four point gap to take back.
After a bad bounce of the ball for Swinton, the Reds were able to pull them into touch and start their next set only 15 out.
It looked promising for a moment as Salford got right to the line but a missed pass saw the ball fly over the right wing, preventing an equalising try.
Disappointingly for the Reds, their next close call on the left wing was also stopped short as they were pulled into touch just before the try line.
Swinton managed to break through the Reds’ defence and shoot down the right wing but Anna Dennis was able to stop her. However, her tackle was too high and Swinton were handed a penalty.
Off the back of this, Chloe Newbigging crossed in the left corner but her try was disallowed, leaving the scoreboard at 0-4.
Lauren Ellison had a great run as she caught the ball and got it 20m ahead, crossing into Swinton’s half.
Unfortunately, two consecutive Salford knock-ons saw the Lionesses push them back to their own line. They were unable to make anything of their advantage though as Newbigging missed the pass and the ball came out.
The start of the second half challenged the Reds as Swinton’s kick went behind the goal line and they had to push to stay ahead of the line.
A series of knock-ons from both sides initially left Salford at a disadvantage as the Lionesses were able to make their way down the pitch. However, great defence on the right wing meant that they were pulled into touch and the Reds regained possession.
Jadine McVernon made an amazing dart across the pitch and was only stopped after gaining 30m. Sadly, the set ended as Dennis’ kick to the corner bounced out.
The Reds soon got back to the try line following a line break by Alex Simpson. Unfortunately that set ended in a similar fashion as a missed pass let the ball out over the line.
Swinton were next to attempt a try and it looked hopeful for them as they got right to the whitewash but a knock on at the line stopped them short.
They ended their next set with a kick to the left corner which unfortunately went through the arms of Caitlin Washington and they were back to the line out of the scrum.
A Swinton penalty at the line gave them the perfect opportunity and the Lionesses took the 2 points to further their lead.
With 15 minutes left on the clock, Swinton were able to get a second try as Shannon Stephens crossed the whitewash just after the Reds had held up her teammates on the line.
Salford refused to give up and pushed them back to their own line. After a struggle within the 10, Ellison was able to finally get the Red Devils on the scoreboard with a cross in the right corner.
Although Salford brought themselves back into the game in the final minutes, it wasn’t enough to beat Swinton who came away with a 4-12 victory.
MATCH FACTS:
Salford XIII: Anna Dennis, Lily Gray, Alex Simpson, Lauren Ellison, Marnie-Lee Kelly, Louise Fellingham, Ellie Costello, Emily Bagguley, Taz Corcoran (C), Lydia Egan, Stephanie Gray, Jadine McVernon, Maddison Price
Interchanges: Sophie Morris, Caitlin Washington, Kayleigh Bradshaw, Megan Bragg, Abigail Collins, Holly Waddington, Emerald Hickey
Tries: Ellison
Conversions: Dennis (0/1)
Swinton Lionesses XIII: Eve Ashcroft, Grace Pritchard, Sammy Simpson (C), Libby Clarke, Chloe Newbigging, Emma Welsford, Beth Hayes, Holly McDougall, Abbie Singleton, Darcey Price, Jasmine Wilson, Amber Harmon, Shannon Stephens
Interchanges: Morgan Pearson, Amelia Newton, Tiegan Shaw, Harriet Meakin, Amelia Morton, Chloe Lyons
Tries: Simpson, Stephens
Conversions: Hayes (0/1), Welsford (2/2)
HT: 0-4
FT: 4-12
