Huddesfield 34 Salford 2 Match Report
For the second week running it was a journey up the m62 for Salford and their supporters. This time the match was in Huddersfield. If you arrive by train the first thing you notice is the glorious stone buildings and the George hotel, the birth place of Rugby League.
This industrial mill town in West Yorkshire has played a pivotal part in the history of Rugby League. Many classic cup ties were played at Huddersfield’s old Fartown ground. The Giants moved to their current home in 1992. They share the John Smiths Stadium with Football club Huddersfield Town.
After a disappointing display in Hull last Saturday Salford coach Paul Rowley was looking for a response from his players. The Giants like Salford had won their first two matches but were beaten at Wigan last week.
As expected Deon Cross came back in to the starting thirteen for the suspended Dan Sarginson. Tim Lafai was also replaced at centre by Matty Costello. Paul Rowley kept faith with Ryan Lannon after his impressive performance last Saturday. Chris Atkin and Jack Ormondroyd both came into the side on the substitute bench.
Ian Watson had Tui Lolohea at fullback and Luke Yates at loose forward. The experienced duo Jermaine McGillvary and Leroy Cudjoe partnered in the three quarters. Oliver Russell and Will Pryce were the half backs.
Spring was definitely in the air at kick off. Glorious sunshine and not much breeze at all. Perfect conditions for rugby league and the pitch looked spot on for a high tempo game.
Salford had a very vocal following behind the posts and with the Huddersfield Giants cow bell ringing away the atmosphere was fantastic as the two sides marched out.
The Giants completely dominated the opening exchanges with set after set on the Salford line. The Red Devils soaked up the pressure and when awarded a penalty Marc Sneyd had no hesitation in taking the two points on offer. 0-2.
Huddersfield weren’t behind for long. Chris Hill offloaded and the ball found Pryce who’s brilliant step fooled the Salford defence. Pryce converted his try 6-2.
Salford were desperately trying to gain field position but remained firmly on the back foot. The Giants big pack continued to steam forward. Just when Salford got some field position Sneyd failed to make touch with a penalty.
Lolohea looked odds on to score a try but a super try saving tackle from Elijah Taylor kept him out. Lolohea kept causing problems and then created a nice try for Giants forward Chris McQueen from a neat grubber kick.
Leroy Cudjoe swooped on an interception and looked to be going the full length of the field. Ryan Brierley tracked back superbly to pull of a smashing tackle. The Giants moved the ball and continued to press. Ryan Lannon was sent to the sin bin and Will Pryce wrapped the first half up with a penalty goal, 14-2.
Two drop outs forced by the Giants cranked up the pressure at the start of the second half. Innes Senior brushed off the tackles out wide to Coast over for a try.
The Giants continued to dominate possession and territory. Salford were also on the wrong end of a fair few penalties. Chris Hill powered over past a tired Salford defence just before the hour mark. Pryce converted to leave Salford 24-2 behind going into the final quarter of the match.
Things went bad to worse for Salford when Jermaine Mcgilvary took an interception and raced away to score.
Nothing was going right for the Red Devils. Unable to get going in attack mainly due to the dominance of the Giants and especially their big pack who continued to pummel their visitors.
Senior grabbed his second try in the closing stage to round off a very solid afternoon for the home side who now look full of confidence.
Paul Rowley and his Salford have got plenty of things to put right before they face Hull Kingston Rovers at the AJ Bell Stadium next Friday.
Huddersfield 34 Salford 2.
Paul Whiteside.
Pictures by Steve McCormick
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