SALFORD 26 CASTLEFORD 22 MATCH REPORT
Cast your mind back to Salford’s first Super League match at the new stadium. Just over twelve years ago, 4th February 2012 Salford played Castleford in the snow losing 10-24. It was a horrendous day weather wise and for me personally it took over two hours to get home at full time. A lot has happened in the world of Salford Red Devils since that day both on and off the pitch!
The weather was fine and dry for this fixture with a hint of spring in the air. After a very encouraging display at Leeds last Friday a home fixture was the perfect opportunity to get 2024 up and running.
Paul Rowley made just one change to his starting thirteen with loose forward Joe Shorrocks replacing the injured Oliver Partington, while Castleford fielded an unchanged starting 13 from last weekend.
The Red Devils dominated the opening stages with plenty of possession as they battered the Tigers try line. Former Salford hero Malcolm Alker was proudly remembered prior to kick off and it was very fitting when the crowd applauded the ninth minute in his memory and Sam Stone charged over for the opening try.
It was then back to back tries, good work from Brad Singleton softened the Tigers up before young hooker Amir Bourouh powered over. Marc Sneyd kicked both conversions to put Salford 12-0 up.
Castleford began to edge their way back into the game and were unlucky not to score in the corner. The video referee ruled the try out for a foot in touch.
The visitors kept pounding the Salford line with veteran Joe Western going close only to be held up in goal. The writing was on the wall though and the Tigers persistence paid off when Sam wood scored a nice try.
Jack Broadbent score Castleford’s second try finishing well after a neat move on the right. The centre got down low for a text book finish.
With the deficit reduced to 12-10 Salford needed something and Nene McDonald came up with it just before the break. Sneyd booted a high kick that seemed to hang in the air, as it swirled it’s way down McDonald leapt superbly to score a fantastic try. Sneyd converted 18-10.
Sneyd created another fine try early in the second half. A measured kick found Stone who scored his second try. Stone has really found his feet at Salford and is becoming one of the best backrowers around. Sneyd is so valuable, his kicking game brings tries week after week along with a very reliable goal kicking rate.
At 24-10 Salford looked in control but the Tigers were dogged and wouldn’t throw the towel in. The hard working Westerman grabbed a try to reduce the deficit to eight points and the final quarter was full of drama.
After playing just over an hour in a very good shift, Bourouh was replaced by substitute Chris Atkin. Jack Ormondroyd came up with a pretty clumsy and late challenge on the Castleford kicker Jacob Miller and he was sin binned for his trouble. As the game entered the final ten minutes Sneyd edged Salford into a ten point lead with a penalty goal. This seemed a wise move with his side still down to twelve men.
Liam Horne went over two minutes from time for the visitors to set up a frantic finish.
Ninety seven seconds remained with Salford leading by just four points. Kallum Watkins was sin binned for holding down and Castleford looked to land the knockout blow and snatch the win! The ball was kept alive like a hot potato but the ball eventually hit the deck and the full time hooter sounded much to the relief of the home supporters.
The Red Devils are back in action next Saturday when they host Hull Kingston Rovers with a tea time kick off.
Salford 26 Castleford 22.
Paul Whiteside.
Pictures by Steve McCormick
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