Wakefield 32 Salford 6 Match report
If ever a team was dining out at the Last Chance Saloon it was Wakefield Trinity. Marooned at the bottom of the table and cut adrift from a Castleford team that had shown signs of improvement. Trinity were desperately seeking a victory going into this match but like their opponents Salford both teams were missing key players.
The weather in West Yorkshire was much cooler than of recent weeks but perfect for playing rugby league with a gentle breeze.
Salford coach Paul Rowley was forced into making changes with last weeks injury to Ryan Brierley. Brodie Croft and Andy Ackers were still missing, Andrew Dixon replaced the injured Sam Stone in the second row. Ellis Longstaff and Alex Gerrard both returned to the bench.
Trinity were full of enthusiasm and got off on the front foot. Max Jowitt bust Salford down the middle and Liam Kay backed up well to score the try. Will Dagger converted and then kicked a penalty goal shortly after 8-0.
The Red Devils looked very predictable on last tackle plays and the kicking game never really tested Wakefield or put them under any pressure.
The home side who’ve struggled to score points this year were growing into the game and gaining confidence. Veteran half back Luke Gale guided Trinity with a clever kicking game that had Salford on the hop for most of the first half.
Alarmingly for the visitors Wakefield broke right through the middle again and this time Dagger scored the try.
Amir Bourouh was penalised for a late challenge on Gale but the Salford hooker came off worse and had to leave the field for a head assessment. Dagger booted another penalty to extend the lead to 16-0.
Salford looked very vulnerable in defence and Trinity sensed this. A mistake from Joe Burgess led to the hosts third try. Good support play saw Reece Lynne round off a near perfect half of rugby league for Wakefield. Dagger converted, 22-0 at half time.
Salford were miles off the pace and when Kallum Watkins knocked on from the kick off at the start of the second half it told the story of the match
Despite being 22-0 up Trinity were playing a simple but effective game plan. Another penalty saw them kick for goal rather cautiously but don’t forget this team has one win from sixteen matches. Points were precious and they cherished everyone of them, 24-0.
The match was now over as a contest. Burgess knocked on deep in his own half and Trinity moved the ball left before winger Lee Kershaw swooped over for a try. Dagger once again converted.
Salford never really threatened the Wakefield line in the second half. Burgess and Tim Lafai exchanged some clever passing but referee Ben Thaler pulled it back for an infringement. Dagger kicked another penalty to make it eight from eight before Alex Gerrard powered over to save Salford from a dismal nilling.
It certainly was a night to forget for the travelling Salford supporters as the clubs woeful record at Wakefield continues.
Trinity still have a mountain to climb to stay in Rugby League’s top flight but they proved tonight they’ve got plenty of fight left in them.
Salford are back in action next Sunday when they entertain Leeds.
Wakefield 32 Salford 6.
Paul Whiteside.
Big thanks to Steve McCormick for the photos.
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