Castleford 10 Salford 42 Match Report
Salford took were back on the road with a trip to West Yorkshire to face Castleford Tigers. Both sides were victorious at the Magic Weekend with Castleford now desperately trying to climb away from the foot of the League table. Salford arrived just two points of the top spot, confidence flowing but with a humble attitude that has served Paul Rowley’s side so well over the last two seasons.
Over the last fifty years Wheldon Road has been a bit of a grave yard for Salford sides, particularly in significant cup matches, supporters of a certain age will relate to that I am sure.
The Tigers had experienced campaigner Gareth Widdop at fullback. Jack Broadbent and Jacob Miller were the half backs with Paul McShane at hooker.
Salford coach Paul Rowley made just one changed with Rhys Williams replacing Joe Burgess on the wing. The rest of the side and the substitute bench were exactly the same as last Saturday.
After a glorious sunny day in West Yorkshire it was still nice and warm as the two sides came out for kick off.
Castleford started brightly and had the better of the opening stages of the match. Salford scored the games first points with a try from Williams after a Marc Sneyd kick forced a mistake from the hosts.
It was another mistake that led to the next try. This time Salford came up with an error. Tim Lafai lost possession and Tigers winger Jason Qareqare took advantage.
Widdop coughed up another attacking Red Devils kick and the visitors made it count. Oliver Partington got a pass back inside and Chris Atkin finished well.
Castleford were feeling the pace, dropping off tackles and allowing Salford to keep the ball alive.
Brodie Croft delayed his pass to perfection to send Deon Cross into space. The centre turned the Tigers inside out with a mesmerising run to score a fine try. Sneyd booted the conversion to put Salford in control 4-18.
The Tigers didn’t know where to turn. The attacks were coming from both sides of the pitch. Ryan Brierley linked well at the back chiming in the line on most plays. It was the brilliance of Brierley that set Salford’s fourth try up. A pass straight to the bread basket of Ken Sio who finished with ease.
Brierley then showed what a terrific defender he is by racing back to pull off a very significant try saving tackle.
Despite the one way traffic of the first half Castleford scored a rather fortunate try as the half time hooter sounded. A scruffy kick landed in the arms of Kenny Edwards who touched down. 10-24 at the break.
When Jack Ormondroyd spilled the kick off at the start of the second half Castleford had a chance to post more points. Salford defended desperately and the hosts lack of a cutting edge once again let them down.
It was a slice of sheer quality that sealed the match for Salford. Lafai and Williams linked again to produce a try right off the top shelf.
The Tigers now had to force the pass and after losing McShane and Mahe Fonua to injury they were low on numbers.
Sio pouched an interception try before Williams and Lafai continued there double act for Salford’s seventh try of the evening.
Sneyd bossed the game for Salford and once again the Red Devil’s spine was ruthless in both attack and defence.
Croft and Sneyd combined for the final try which hard working Australian back rower Sam Stone scored.
Paul Rowley’s team are a joy to watch playing Rugby League that the vintage Kangaroos of the 1980s would be proud of.
The long suffering supporters of this great club are being rewarded and royally entertained. 2019 was almost the ultimate sporting fairy tale but in 2023 could it actually come true?
The Red Devils travel to Hull Kingston Rovers next Saturday for a Challenge cup Quarter final in what promises to be another unforgettable day supporting this wonderful club.
Castleford 10 Salford 42.
Paul Whiteside.
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