Salford Red Devils ladies 58 Hull KR 6 Match report

Salford Red Devils ladies continued their charge for a league and cup double with a dominant display at the  AJ Bell against Hull KR.

England International forward Sarina Tamou returned after missing last weeks semi final win because she was cup tied. Chris Bates bench consisted of a mix of pace and power to unleash on Hull KR on a warm day.

Salford opened the scoring after 4 minutes Fullback Luci Mckeown raced onto a pass teased the back peddling Hull KR defence and sent Centre Steph Gray over for the opening score from 30 metres.

Demi Jones Salfords scrum half who was busy all afternoon tagged the conversation and Salford lead 6-0.

Luci Mckeown who has recently been selected in the Ireland squad to face Wales in European Championship was on the score sheet in this game 5 minutes later. Stand-off and Captain Louise Fellingham tracked across the field from 20 metres out found Mckeown who had the speed of thought and legs to score. Jones converted again and Salford were 12 points up after 17 minutes.

Three minutes later the creator of tries became the executioner as a break by Yasmin Parton Sotomayor created space for Fellingham who showed good pace and strength to get over the line despite some strong defence from Hull KR. Demi Jones continued her fine form with the boot with another conversion 18-0.

In warm conditions Salfords forwards refused to buckle in the heat, infact they became more energised and dangerous.

Katie Garry made a break and with field position created Kayleigh Bradshaw Salfords 2nd row saw a tiring Hull KR defence burst a hole in the middle of the field from 10 metres out and carried 3 Rovers over the line with her. This must have pleased coach Chris Bates with the important games to come. Standard goal kick from Jones kept the score board ticking over for the Red Devils.

Another forward who works hard on a weekly basis is Abbi Collins, off the bench this week she was rewarded 10 minutes before half time,agressive running by Helena Walker allowed the 2nd row chance to slaloming run through,avoiding desperate Hull KR defence to go over by the posts.

Jones converted.

Taz Corcoran was fantastic again against the Rovers of Hull and with a increasing panicky defence infront of her went though her reprotwar. One of the last acts of the 1st half from 50 metres a quick play of  the ball by Brogan Evans who was also fantastic gave Taz attack opportunity and she sent Full back Mckeown through a gap with a devilish good pass. It was Luci’s 2nd score of the afternoon. Demi Jones handed the kicking duties to Kayleigh Bradshaw who converted and sent Salford into half time leading 

36-0.

The 2nd half was much like the 1st Salford playing attractive rugby in sun. Two minutes in Taz Corcoran got on the scoreboard after sensing a gap in Rovers line she dummied  and sailed over the line from 15 metres.

Steph Gray got her 2nd of the game showing great strength and speed to wrestle her way over the line outwide after another sweeping Salford move despite attention from the Hull KR defenders.

Hull KR got on the score sheet after 51 minutes with a long range effort but the two valuable points in their quest for a maiden league title were secured in Salford.

With 20 minutes to go Salfords GB teachers centre Alex Simpson came alive, her 1st try of the afternoon was served up to her by Corcoran from 5 metres out with another sublime pass.

Bradshaw goaled.

After another rampaging run Simpson fed Bradshaw to go over for her 2nd try infront of a jubilant South stand.

The final score of the afternoon was sensational. With 10 minutes to go Salford moved the  ball across the field to Alex Simpson, Alex recieved the pass 30 metres out on the touchline, suddenly changed direction of the attack, with blistering pace and raw power Simpson left 5 Hull KR defenders in her wake to go over for her 2nd try of the afternoon by the posts and the Salford faithful cheered the final score of the afternoon with glee.

Unfortunately for Salford the match ended sadly for as Centre Steph Gray left the field with a suspected broken arm. Steph was been sensational this season scoring 16 tries in 14 games and being a rock in Chris Bates defensive wall. She will be missed and everyone on the podcast wish her a speedy recovery and hope to see her back in action soon.

Salford face Dewsbury Moor away next week ahead of their league cup final against Orrell St James the week after.

With the Gray injury Chris Bates as much to ponder on who will fill in at centre for the rest of the season but with a mix of go forward forwards and strike players all over the field the League cup final can’t come soon enough.

Report by Rob Parkinson

Pictures in report by Marrissa Chaplin