Illingworth v Salford Red Devils ladies League cup Quarter Final Match report
Salford Red Devils ladies booked their place in the League cup semi final with a comprehensive win against Illingworth.
Luci Mckeown returned at fullback after trialing with Ireland RL, Laura Bent came in for Casey Naylor and Jena Monks who moved to the bench.
Mckeown opened the scoring finding space on the left beating 4 Illingworth defenders to go under the post for Salford after 20 minutes, Demi Jones converted and Salford lead 6-0, Another clinical finish by Mckeown put Salford further Infront. Jones failing to add the extras but Salford lead by 10.
Illingworth showed why they went unbeaten in 2021 and hit back with a try after 30 minutes, Salford conceded a couple of penalties which created a opportunity for a Illingworth player to crash over after a strong run. Chris bates ladies knew it was going to be tough.
Just before half time, Salford put pressure on the Illingworth line, Alex Simpson went close but was held up by a desperate Illingworth defender. more good work by Salfords Demi Jones and Louise Fellingham created space for Steph Gray to kick the ball over the advancing defence sending Mckeown in for her hattrick try and Salford into half time with a healthy 6-16 lead.
Salford dominated the 2nd half Forwards Hanna Wicks and Laura Bent created a platform for Salford to attack from, a charged down kick landed in the hands of Lauren Ellison who beat the fullback to score and extend Salfords lead. Mckeown kicked the conversion.
Steph Gray was next on the score sheet for Salford, good work by Megan Condliffe sent Louise Fellingham though a hole in the Illingworth Defence, the standoff showed coolness under pressure to find Mckeown who fed Gray to extended Salfords lead early in the 2nd half.
A sweeping Salford move sent 2nd row forward Kayleigh Bradshaw over the line for the next score of the afternoon for Salford, conversion was good by Mckeown again and the Salford ladies had their tales up leading 32-6.
Salford were playing some expansive stuff, the ball was moved wide again, Luci Mckeown had the pace and the strength to wrestle off the attention from the Illingworth defender to send Louise Fellingham over for her try. Jones converted.
The final try of the afternoon was from Eponine Fletcher , Demi Jones passed to Louise Fellingham who drifted across the field, this caused chaos in the Illingworth defence and with a floated pass created space for the winger to crash over in the corner for her 1st Salford try and complete the rout.
Megan Condliffe was named lady of the match with a outstanding performance at loose forward, the whole Salford pack got though lots of work which created momentum that never stopped.
Demi Jones kicked 3 goals and Luci Mckeown 2.
Chris Bates ladies now face Dewsbury Moor in the semi final who they faced in the league last week and won 28-16, so confidence will be high that the ladies can reach their 1st league cup final in a Salford shirt.
Final score Illingworth 6 Salford 42
Chris Bates reaction to the result
“ Delighted to be talking to you after what feels like a massive win for a few reasons. First of all we went into a really testing environment. They were clearly up for it, we played in what felt like a cauldron.
A testing environment with a hostile sideline, on a sloped pitch felt miles from home! I was really proud of how we handled that, we stuck to our game plan and we showed our quality and that’s not easy.
Secondly, we attacked really well. We scored a myriad of tries from kicks within our own half with the fullback at home to playing through our shape.
Roll on Hull KR next week!
Report by Rob parkinson
pictures by Marrissa Caplin
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