Salford RLFC 52 Workington 28 Match report
Salford RLFC V Workington Town
It was a warm and sunny day in Salford at the Corpacq Stadium as David Hewitt's men tried to get back to winning ways after defeat last week against Hunslet.
Jake Spedding made his debut for Salford after signing midweek and Sam Bowing returned to the starting 13, Owain Abel started at Stand off in the absence of Toby Hughes with Oli Garmston returning to the pack in the 2nd row.
There was plenty of early pressure from Salford putting Workington on the back foot, good footwork by Owain Abel all afternoon had Town back peddling, It was Sam Bowring with a trade mark drive that helped build pressure for Salford, from a early scum good work by Abel allowing Fullback Kieran Dixon to show great speed to slice through the Workington defence to score, he was unable to convert his own try but Salford lead 4-0 after 3 minutes.
Salford had the wind in their sails at this point and after some tough defence by Jack Bibby and Olie Garmston forcing a Workington error from Bear Williams in front of their own posts. It got the Salford crowd excited and the players reacted, It was good work by loose forward Shaun Costello who showed good hands to send Jack Bibby over for a try, the jubilant South Stand Shed roared their appreciation and Salford lead 10-0 after 8 minutes.
There was a brief swing in momentum as Workington got back in the contest, indiscipline by Salford in defence invited a couple of penalties which Workington took advantage off. Town built pressure and fullback Zarrin Galea kicked though the Salford defence, unfortunately a ugly bounce of the ball after a defection of a Salford man allowed the full back to pick up his own kick to score, the conversion was missed and after 14 minutes it was still a tight contest.
Salford got back in the arm wrestle and created a half chance when new signing Jake Spedding went close with a strong run caused the Workington defence to muscle up to prevent a debut try, Town went up the other end of the field in the next set of six, hooker Jamie Doran was held up over the line as both sides looked for the next score.
The next score went Salford's way, a lovely pass by Brad Dwyer in centre field sent Owain Abel away, the Workington defence did their best to stop the Salford Stand off from scoring, but it was only a temporary measure as Oli Garmston burrowed his way over for the Reds. With the conversion good by Kieran Dixon Salford RLFC lead 16-4 after 20 mins.
Salford were brimming with confidence now scored again shortly after, Workington were building a flowing move Hooker Brad Dwyer had other ideas shooting out of the line and putting on a big hit on Jake Carter The Workington half back spilled the ball and Cole Oakley picked up and raced 40m to score. The Salford faithful enjoyed that score to make it 22-4.
Oli Garmston was in fine form back in his 2nd row forward spot and after a offload by Brad Dwyer he went rampaging for the line again from 20m out, unfortunately he was judged to have lost the ball in grounding it much to everyones disbelief.
Workington got themselves back in the contest with at try from Logan Blacker, a high kick caused panic in the Salford defence and stand off hacked the ball on and regathered to score, the conversion was good and after 32 minutes in this see saw contest Salford lead 22-10.
Workington were pushing for more tries, the Salford defence had to work overtime, Jake Spedding punching the ball dead under pressure from several Town attackers and a 30 metre break by Town Fullback Galea caused Salford defence to back peddle, Luckly Owain Abel was there to pick up the full backs grubber kick and Salford made it to half time leading 22-10
A big half for Salford started well, 5 mins in a Owain Abel 40-20 sparked the second half into action, good work by Oli Garmton created a a opportunity as a good flat pass sent Reece Stanton over for the score by the posts, Kieran Dixon goaled again and Salford extended their lead to 18 points,
Salford had all the momentum Forward Alfie Leak was unlucky as he had a try disallowed, a few moments later went on a barn storming 40m run right through the heart of the Workington defence, only for some desperate Town challenges made him spill the ball.
Workington Town still looked dangerous though with ball in hand, some good work by half backs Jake Carter and Logan Blacker created space for Centre Tanna Featherstone but Salfords defence stood firm in front of the roaring South Stand Shed.
Workington were enjoying their best period of the game and it was centre Evan Lawther who burst the Salford defence wide open from 30 metres, Salford were just lucky that hooker Joe Baldwin interfered with the play of the ball and was sin binned, it could have been much worse for Salford if Town had scored there.
Workington were pressing for a score with Salford down to 12 men it was all hands to the pump for Dave Hewitts men, As Workington chanced their arm Salford winger Callum Green intercepted a long ball and ran 80 metres. Salford recycled the ball, more good work by Owain Abel linking up with Joe Hartley sending Nathan Lowe over for a critical score 13 minutes into the 2nd half and Salford had a commanding lead 32-10.
Workington did not surrender and came fighting back again, scoring their 1st try of 2nd half . A mistake by Fullback Kieran Dixon clearing his lines allowed Tuarae Rawhiti to collect the ball and score under the posts 32-16.
Salford recovered well from the disappointment, good work by hooker Brad Dwyer sent Oli Garmston over for his 2nd try of the game extending Salford's lead, Kieron Dixon goaled to keep the scoreboard operators busy.
With 15 minutes to go a short kick off by Workington asked questions of the Salford defence Joe Hartley was caught high in a aerial challenge and was injured, He recovered but when play started again more pressure from Workington Town they asked lots of questions, pressure built and Salford were unable to stop Jack Ainley crashed over with Salford players on his back, Jack Carter converted and the score was 38-22.
It was Salford's turn to ask questions of the Workington defence Good work by Owain Abel again, Supported by Joe Hartley sent Oli Garmston over for his hat trick try in the corner with 12 minutes to go the Crowd whooping with delight after that score..
Workington were still in the battle tho, after some loose play by Salford Winger Braden leigh intercepted a flowing a Salford attack and raced 80m, Fullback Zarrin Galea was in support to score keeping Workington in the contest as the scoreboard ticked to 42-28. Salford's defence was being tested Workington's centre Brandon Leigh burst the Salford line but strength in numbers won the day and Salford kept Town out.
Salford were looking for a moment of magic to settle the game and it came shortly after when Fullback Keiron Dixon made a trademark break and raced up the field 70 metres only a combination of fullback Galea and other Workington defenders stopped the Salford man from scoring, it was illegally done tho and from the resulting scrum 10 metre out Salford took advantage as Brad Dwyer found some space in the tiring Workington defence to score and make the game safe.
Man of the match Owen Abel capped a stunning performance slicing though the Workington defence to score to bring up the 50th points of the afternoon for Salford RLFC.
Kieran Dixon kicked the conversion and the game ended as the cheers of the Salford Faithful echoed round the Copaq Stadium celebrating a well earned 2 points
A impressive win for Dave Hewitt's men, full of attacking intent and creation, Owen Abel was a constant menace though out the game, linking up well with Lewis Pilling, Oli Garmston back in his 2nd row position showed why he is a class act. With both Jack Bibby and Sam Bowring making the hard yards up the field Cole Oakley also impressing. It was a great win.
The players are growing in confidence and stature as the season has gone on, for all the hard working performances and wins so far this season this one was full of attacking intent which lit up the Stadium and started the clubs Red summer with a win.
Salford currently sit 11th in the Championship on 12 points two points behind Dewsbury in 10th place. Dave Hewitt is working miracles at the moment in his head coach role, any Salford fan would have bitten your hand off two weeks before the season started if you were to offer this scenario.
Anything going forward is a bonus, part of me is starting to believe we could make a late charge into the playoffs what a story that would be in the world of rugby league after last seasons heart ache. But we have to be realistic about our chances of that happening. There are some tough teams coming up in the next few weeks and last weeks defeat a Hunslet shows we are a team and club that is still building. But the reaction to that defeat and the win against Workington on Sunday will warm the hearts of many Salford fans as the rollercoaster ride of being a Salford fan continues in a positive way today.
Full time
Salford 52 Workington Town 28
Match report by Rob Parkinson
Pictures by Steve McCormick
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