Wigan 20 Salford 16 Match Report
Both sides came into this match in good form and a confident mood.
After a real mixed day weather wise rain and a fairly greasy pitch set the scene as the match kicked off.
Salford had made a few changes with Tim Lafai and Joe Burgess returning in place of Matty Costello and Rhys Williams. Amir Bourouh came in for the injured Andy Ackers, Sam Stone and Adam Sidlow both started.
Wigan immediately got on the front foot with early attacking territory and a couple of penalties. Harry Smith converted one to put the home side ahead 2-0.
Salford worked hard and looked solid in defence. It was two quality kicks that got them back into the match. First Marc Sneyd put in a measured kick to trap the Warriors in goal forcing a drop out. On the next play Ryan Brierley found Ken Sio with a perfectly weighted kick. Sio scored in the corner and Sneyd kicked the goal off the touch line.
The game was thrilling to watch, both sides playing at a super quick tempo. Referee Chris Kendall blew for plenty of set restarts but in all honesty they weren’t really needed. The game was fast enough.
Bevan French was a constant threat to Salford with his blistering pace. French threw a dummy which the Salford defence bought and he raced over to level the scores. Smith converted to edge the home side back in front 8-6.
Despite the season only be in the early stages this match had all the qualities and excitement of a playoff clash.
Ryan Brierley set Joe Burgess through a gap for the winger to burst threw. Burgess was caught but on the next play Salford received a penalty which Sneyd had no hesitation in taking the two points on offer. The sides went in level at half time 8-8.
For the first five minutes of the second half Wigan had the ball and Salford had a bit of a storm to weather. The Red Devils looked sharp and moved the ball across the pitch in a fine passage of play. Sio scored finishing superbly in the corner and once again Sneyd booted the conversion shaving the inside of the post. Salford now lead 8-14 and it was fully deserved. Tyler Dupree worked his socks off carting the ball up at full pelt and tackling everything that came his way. Adam Sidlow rolled back the years with another hard working display as Salford matched their opponents all over the pitch.
Morgan Smithies was penalised for a late shot on Chris Atkin and in kickable distance Sneyd deader no mistake to give Salford an eight point lead 8-16.
The Red Devils went looking for the knock out punch, roared on by their fanatical away following in the North Stand. A try looked on the cards but Toby King intercepted to defuse the situation.
French again showed great skill to fool the Salford defence to score his second try of the match to bring the score back to 14-16 and with less than ten minutes left both sides were starting to tire.
Wigan moved the ball right and slick hands got the try with King going over. Smith converted and with only five minutes remaining Wigan edged ahead 20-16.
Salford didn’t really get a chance after that as Wigan managed the remaining minutes to see the game out.
An epic contest from two very good sides ended in disappointment for Salford. Paul Rowley’s side just couldn’t hang on but the effort and commitment shows how far this club has come. Salford are at home to Huddersfield next Sunday in what should be another belter.
Wigan 20 Salford 16.
Paul Whiteside.
Big thanks to Steve McCormick for the photos.
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