View from the Commentary box
Manchester Storm celebrated a two win weekend kicking off their Elite League season in style.
A 3-2 extra time win against Coventry Blaze was followed by a 5-4 win against derby rivals Sheffield Steelers will give Ryan Finnerty’s men a confidence boost with tough games to come.
A 1-3 defeat against Nottingham to end the Easter weekend ended the Storms unbeaten run but Manchester fans will be happy with the progress so far by the team.
Player of the week Ciaran Long with 3 goals in 2 games have given them the spark they need to take the chances presented to them.
The strong squad that Ryan Finnerty has created has a very good blend of quality and experience, star captain Dallas Ehrhardt will inspire his troops onto bigger and better things.
With games against Nottingham, Coventry and Sheffield in the next week, the Storm are in a strong position to dominate the Elite League.
Salford Red Devil’s went down to their 2nd Super League defeat of the season as Hull FC took the two points.
It was a case of deja vue as lack of discipline and errors caused a lack of field position for Salford to attack from.
Defensively they absorbed a lot of attack from Hull and losing Ryan Lannon to the sin bin probably cost them later in the game as Hull found their stride as Salford's energy levels began to dip.
With Injuries to Elijah Taylor and Dan Sarginson possibly forcing both onto the side lines for a period Salford squad players will be looking for a opportunity to take over the shirt.
With Widnes in the Challenge Cup it is a opportunity for Salford to put their league woes behind them and build for a successful cup run. After last years final appearance Ritchard Marshalls men will be hoping to go one better this season.
Off the field Salford Red Devil’s announced closer links to the community with Player ambassadors being allocated to local amateur clubs.
This will help build the relationship between the club and the local community which will strengthen the bond and produce players and fans of the future.
Swinton Lions suffered opening day defeat against Oldham. Tries from Mike Butt, Luke Waterworth, Rhodri Lloyd, Jack Hansen were not enough for the Lions after a poor 2nd half and Tom Spencer red card gave the Lions too much to do.
This week they face Warrington Wolves in the Challenge Cup, with Covid restrictions still in place this has robbed them of a big payday and chance to strengthen the financial future of the club.
Swinton have announced you can buy a virtual ticket for £10. Buying this ticket will give you discount on a match in the future when restrictions have been eased and you will be put into a prize draw to win a VIP experience at a game in the future.
Stuart Littler’s men will be looking for a cup upset against their Super League opposition, the Challenge Cup can produce cup upsets, we are hoping the Lions roar through to the next round.
Salford City got back to winning ways with a Bank Holiday Monday win against Forest Green.
In recent weeks Gary Bowyer has been appointed their new manager as their league form dipped. I’m hoping this win will reignite their ambitions of a playoff finish.
Two goals from Ian Henderson, one a stunning strike from outside the area shows how important a player he is for Salford.
With games against Stevenage and a local derby against Bolton Wanderers on the horizon. Both games are at home so Salford City will hopefully looking for 2 wins to breed confidence in the playoff push for the rest of the season.
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Robert Parkinson
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