Salford 42 Huddersfield 40 Match report
Salford Red Devils are through to the next round of the Challenge Cup after a points-fest dramatic win against Huddersfield Giants.
Salford opened the scoring after 4 minutes when prop forward King Vuniyayawa made inroads into the Huddersfield defence, from the play of the ball Ryan Brierly found Joe Burgess with a superb pass. The Salford wingman found space on the outside of the Huddersfield defence and passed to a supporting Matty Costello to open the scoring. Marc Sneyd converted his 1st goal of the evening and Salford lead 6-0.
Paul Rowleys men had momentum and Huddersfield stugggled to deal with Salfords attacking ideas, another opportunity rose for Salford as more good work by Mark Sneyd sent Alex Gerrard spinning over the line after 8 minutes. Salfords lead was doubled.
Huddersfield’s 1st opportunity came after 15 minutes as Esan Marsters looked to have breached the Salford line, fortunately the ball went to ground and the danger passed.
Salford made movement up the field, a Marc Sneyd bomb was spilt by the Huddersfield winger Sam Halsall. From the resulting scrum Brodie Croft produced a measured kick which was picked up by Captain Kalum Watkins who raced over the line for the score
Marc Sneyd converted. 19 minutes gone 18-0 up.
Every passing minute at this stage of the game it was getting better for Paul Rowleys men, good handling by Salford gave space to winger Rhys Williams to show good footwork and skills of the clinical finisher we know he is to register Salfords next score. With the Marc Sneyd 4th conversion successful Salford we’re going a point a minute at 24-0.
Huddersfield were in the mixer and Coach Ian Watson was probably wondering why events had unfolded the way they had. Finally the Giants found some momentum and tested the Salford defence resulting in Sam Hewitt bursting though for their 1st score of the evening after 30 minutes. Jake Connor converted
The next 10 minutes it was all Huddersfield. Salford struggled to deal with their big aggressive forwards making inroads. destructive running from the Giant pack made space for former Red Luke Yates to score under the post. Converted by Connor.
Salford thought they had wrestled back the momentum with a break by Chris Atkin and Joe Buress but the final pass to Atkin was adjudged forward much to the relief of the Giants.
More Huddersfield pressure as the half time hooter approached was rewarded when another former Red Jake Bibby dived over, with Jake Connor missed the conversion, the Giants were within 8 points as the half time hooter sounded. Salford fans were left with plenty to ponder durning their bovral break.
The 2nd half started the way the 1st one had ended for Salford with Huddersfield building pressure and creating a score. This time another former Red Tui LoloHea sent Yates over for his 2nd. The score was 24-22 and Salford fans were feeling hot and bothered wondering where their big lead had evaporated.
Marc Sneyd Salfords general got Salford moving again, a penalty against Huddersfield gave Salford territory. Salford probed looking for a way though. Sneyd with perfectly weighted bomb caused Jake Bibby problems Joe Burgess was in position to ground the ball much to the relief of the Salford Red Army watching from the East stand.
15 minute to go another critical monent, Mark Sneyd again with a accurate kick for our Welsh winger Rhys Williams to rise like a samon, use some finger tip control to flick the ball clear of the congregating Huddersfield defence and ground the ball for his 2nd try of the evening. 36-22 after Marc Sneyd converted again.
After all his creative moments and accurate kicking it was Marc Sneyds turn to get over the white line for a score. Deon Cross burst the Huddersfield line and Sneyd was in support to score under the posts.
44-22 with 13 minutes to play.
Much like the 1st half the last 10 minutes of the 2nd half was all Huddersfield. Lolohea found his way to the line, Kevin Naiqama shot though a awol Salford defence to make things tense and with 2 minute to go Luke Yates’s strolled over for his hatrick try. Jake Connor converted all three tries.
It was heat burn reds in the stand as everyone turned to look at the score board. a two point ball game with 2 minutes to go 44-42.
Salford gave away a silly penalty, Huddersfield moved the ball around looking for the match winning score. Luckly Salford forced Huddersfield into a weak kick 10 metres from the Red Devils line. Joe Burgess gobbled up the loose ball and the populated East Stand roared with delight.
It wasn’t a day for big defence or defence full stop but for the rugby league adrenaline junkie it was just what the doctor ordered, a thrill a minute cup tie. Attacks were on top as 82 points were scored but when the dust settles Paul Rowley will be happy that his boys are in the hat ready for the next instalment of the challenge cup.
Full time Salford 42Huddersfield 40
Full time Salford 42Huddersfield 40
Rob Parkinson
Pictures by Steve McCormick
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