Castleford 8 Salford 20 Match Report
Salford Red Devils ladies recorded their 1st Super League 2 win of the season beating Castleford Tigers at the Mend a Hose Jungle on Sunday.
Salford started with new signing Sam Evans at Scrum half, Luci Mckeown was back in her regular Fullback spot.
New signings Emerald Hickey and Summer Harris came on from the bench for Chris Bates ladies.
Early tough Salford defence lead by Taz Cocoran caused a error from Allana Waller and Salford took advantage after 4 minutes as Evans and Fellingham directed opperations sending forward Sarina Tamou rampaging close to the line. The next tackle Salford moved the ball left Viki Kini found Mckeown who siced a hole in the Castleford defence to register Salfords 1st score of the afternoon.
Salford had their tails up and tested the Castleford defence again, Centre Steph Gray asked questions late in the tackle count but the Tigers survived.
There was more pressure from Salford a couple of minutes later as Captain Louise Fellingham grubber kick through caused chaos in the Tigers defence and resulted in a drop out.
From the resulting set of 6 tackles good play by Sam Evans saw 2nd Row Forward Helena Walker score her 1st try for the club breaking through the right hand side of the Castleford defence to score from 15 metres.
It was all Salford another flowing Salford move ended with Sam Evans showing wonderful composure to produce a fine grubber tick to get Cas hearts racing again. The Salford chasers were there in numbers but so was Fullback Emi Mcfarlane who scrambled the ball dead.
The next set of tackles asked questions again this time Lauren Ellison picked up a loose ball and headed for the corner only for Castleford winger Kaitlin Varley to produce a fine try saving tackle to stop the Salford flyer extending her teams lead further.
Castleford hit back after 17 minutes a break by Cortney Evans got the Tigers on the board 4-8.
Salfords defence was tested over the next 10 minutes with Winger Varley and Maddison Rainey both going close but hearty Salford defence defused the tigers attack.
Salford regained control as Stand-off Fellingham probed the Cas defence executing a nice kick though which only Waller could defuse behind her own posts.
From the drop out Salfords resulting attack created a opportunity for Salford Centre Alex Simpson who after a lattrel run found a gap to score to extend Salfords lead to 4-12.
Salford were looking for more points a Steph Gray break was nearly finished off by Lauren Ellison but winger Waller worked overtime to stop the score.
Another wave of Salford attack was rewarded on 31 minutes when a Castleford error was collected on half way, a patient build up allowed Taz Cocoran to dart over from the play of the ball to make the score 4-16.
As half time approached Castleford were looking for a way back into the contest, Unfortunately for them Salfords defence stood firm and the Red Devils went into half time leading 4-16.
The 2nd half started and both sides had opportunities. Alex Simpson with a trade mark burst had the Casleford defence backpedaling but her attempted offload found touch and Castlefords Emily White causing problems for a tough tackling Salford defence out wide
Castleford came up with the 1st score of the 2nd half a 2nd for Courtney Evans who’s long range effort got the tigers back in the game at 8-16.
Salford looked to hit back straight away a period of pressure resulted in centre Steph Gray finding a gap in the tigers defence, unfortunately for Chris Bates ladies a last ditch defensive effort by Courtney Evans forced a error when the ball was on its way to Lauren Ellison to score on two separately occasions.
With 20 minutes to go Castlefords loose forward Mazey Lumb came charging forward onto a short ball, desperate and brave defence from Salford stopped the score on that occation, Fullback Emi Mcfane had another opportunity for the tigers but Fullback Mckeown produced a try saving tackle. More Cas pressing resulted in a late in the tackle count push for a score but the final pass was wild and the chance went away.
It was all castleford but Salfords defence was in no mood to concede. firm big hits from Salfords back row and clever edge defenders kept the tigers at bay.
15 minutes from the end Salford built pressure the Gray / Ellison combination had Castleford in more agony as only desperate defence stopped Winger Ellison going over for the score.
Salford didn’t have to wait long for the critical score. A big Salford defensive effort forced a Castleford error , a couple of tackles later Gray picking up the ball and strolling over for the decisive score with 10 minutes to go.
Kicked was missed but Salford lead 8-20.
Castlefords attack became more desperate in the last 5 minutes but Salfords defence had all the answers to Castlefords questions and the points came back to Salford
Chris Bates
“I’m pleased with the win, our defence was better this week our attack clicked with Sam Evans in particular showing some class touches sending Helena Walker over for her try and her short kicking game asking questions of the Cas defence forcing a drop out and making them think regular.
In addition to our attacking improvements, I was much happier with how we controlled the floor, we’ve worked hard on that really and it was good to see some improvement in that area
There are bits and pieces we are looking to improve in this week ahead of our maiden challenge cup game against Fev but we are ready for the challenge that lay ahead”
Salford ladies next game is Featherstone at home in the challenge cup on Sunday
Pictures from Salford Red Devils
Match report by Rob Parkinson
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