Born Read, Live Read, Die Read

With the greatest respect a trip to Hull is not exactly a charabanc trip to the lights but Salford and their supporters enjoyed some golden time on Saturday. Losing Joe Burgess and Oliver Partington after last weeks match at Warrington left Salford coach Paul Rowley the task of reshuffling his small squad. Rowley and his assistant Kurt Haggerty never seem fazed by anything as they take adversity in their stride. Rhys Williams slotted in perfectly on the wing with the versatile Chris Atkin taking Partington’s place at loose forward.  The weather was rather chilly but fine and dry. The conditions and pitch were perfect for fast flowing Rugby League. Salford’s travelling support must of feared the worse when Jack Ormondroyd came up with an error in his own half allowing Hull the chance to attack. The home side took full advantage with Jake Clifford scoring the opening try of the match.  The Red Devils seemed to recover quickly from the early setback as Marc Sneyd put Ryan Brierle...

It’s a very old cliche a game of two halves but that is exactly the way last thursday’s match at Warrington went. Salford were fantastic in the first half, moving the ball wide at every opportunity. The support play was sensational and it was great to watch. Salford lacked composure in the second half but losing Ryan Brierley to a very soft sin binning changed the game completely. Warrington had all the possession and with their huge pack of forwards the momentum they built was unstoppable.  Two eight point tries is unheard of in a match. I think I’ve seen maybe three or four in the thirty odd years I’ve watched Rugby League. On Thursday we got two in the same forty minutes. I find it hard to except that one team is to blame for misdemeanours in a match. All teams lie on, all teams slow the play the ball down, all teams spot and lie off side. All teams will do whatever they can to gain an advantage to win a match, that’s the nature of sport.  Do I think Salford were a shade un...

Salford Red Devils ladies started their 2023 pre season campaign with defeat against Wigan Warriors. Sage Bannister made her debut at Fullback with other new signings Sam Evans, Ellie Walsh, Summer Harris and Liana Leota coming off the bench. The 1st 20 minutes both played some tough rugby with Salford's Winger Lauren Ellison wearing a war wound on her forehead from a tough tackle, With the Super League season not too far away and Wigan being one of Chris Bates ladies opponents in the challenge cup it was a good workout despite defeat.  Salford fullback and new signing Sage Bannister was harshly shown the yellow card for holding down in the tackle after a break from Grace Banks but despite Salford numerical disadvantage they took the lead in spectacular fashion right away, Wigan were pressing the Salford defence debutant Liana Leota read the play, intercepted a wayward pass to race 70 metres to the line to put Salford on the board. Salford continued to press and asked Wigan questio...

It was another crisp and chilly evening as the two sides walked out for kick off.  Salford were missing Alex Gerrard and Sam Stone from last weeks match and brought Ellis Longstaff in for his debut. Adam Sidlow started on the bench and awaited his second debut for the club.  The game got off to a really quick start with both sides chancing their arm and moving the ball wide at every opportunity. Warrington had most of the early territory and possession. The home side worked the ball well for the games first try. George Williams found Ben Currie with a perfectly measured kick.  Salford responded with a cracking try of their own. Good work from Oliver Partington to promote the ball and this got Salford moving. Quick hand and super support play saw Longstaff score a well worked try. Marc Sneyd levelled the scores with the conversion 6-6. The visitors took the lead with another long distance try. Ken Sio picked up an interception from round his boot laces and did remarkably w...

It’s been said so many times in Rugby League and sport in general, a week is a long time. Well Salford found out on Thursday night at home to Hull Kingston Rovers that eighty minutes can be a long time. The Red Devils started that match at a blistering tempo and looked like doing a complete demolition job on their opponents. That wasn’t the case at all. Salford seemed to over play the situation and force the pass at times when it wasn’t needed.  When it comes off it’s fantastic but when it doesn’t you can end frustrated and beaten. Full credit to the Robins they had a brilliant game plan for Salford that shut our key players down. Add to that the talent and skill they posses in their back line, they now have two wins from two matches. It’s another Thursday night match this week and the short trip to Warrington were the atmosphere is always an exciting one. The Wolves have made a perfect start to 2023 thumping Leeds on the opening night and last Friday they won away at Huddersfield ...

Devil In The Detail SRD · Opening Day success for the Red Devils as they lay in wait for Red Robins who come bobbin It was a chilly clear night in Salford as the two sides walked out of the tunnel. The home supporters were full of optimism after the recent player contract news and last weeks victory at Leigh. Hull Kingston Rovers were missing a couple of key players but themselves were brimming with confidence after a comprehensive win over the much fancied Wigan last Saturday. The Red Devils were pretty much at full strength and coach Paul Rowley made two changes to his starting thirteen with Joe Burgess replacing Rhys Williams on the wing. Jack Ormondroyd started and King Vuniyayawa was on the bench. The match started at a blistering pace with Salford moving the ball wide at top speed at every opportunity. It was exciting to watch and you sensed points could be on the way. Rovers were solid in defence and very well organised with Jordan Abdull and Mikey Lewis working together well ...

Devil In The Detail SRD · Celebrating Ackers contact extension and looking forward to Leigh   Salford v Hull Kingston Rovers. Both sides got off to winning starts with Salford beating Leigh last Friday and the following day Hull Kingston Rovers pulled off a very impressive victory over Wigan. These two sides have been over looked by many of the pundits and bookmakers but both sides possess threats all over the pitch. Shaun Kenny-Dowell scores at hat trick against Wigan and the kiwi veteran is hoping for a big season in 2023. The Robins have a new coach  in Willie Peters. The Australian spent a significant part of his career in England where he played for Gateshead Thunder in their inaugural season in 1999 before joining Wigan the following year. In 2004 Peters played for Widnes. Since retiring Peters has worked as assistant coach at a number of clubs in the NRL.  On the recruitment front the Robins signed Sam Luckley from Salford, Sauaso Sue Newcastle Knights, Rhys Kenn...