It’s sweet & Sa’u REDS TAKE VIKINGS STREAK TO 15

PILING ON THE PAIN: Sa’u tormented the Widnes defence

SALFORD boosted their Super League survival hopes with a second successive win and left sorry Widnes dangling by a thread.

The Red Devils’ half-backs Robert Lui and Jackson Hastings were once again in commanding form in the Super 8s Qualifiers with one or the other involved in Salford’s five tries in the 32-6 success.

Junior Sa’u scored two tries for Ian Watson’s men while Ed Chamberlain had a perfect day with the boot, kicking six goals from as many attempts against his former club.

For Widnes, who have now lost their last 15 games, staying in the top flight will prove an extremely tough task on this evidence.

But coach Francis Cummins. who took over from axed Dennis Betts, remains hopeful his side can pull off a miracle escape.

He said: “It’s not dead and buried. It’s a seven-game competition and there’s another JACK UTTLEY Salford 32 Widnes 6

game in two weeks. You have to confront it.” Only three minutes had gone when the visitors took the lead through winger Charly Runciman, who took the pass from Chris Houston after a high kick to the corner by Liam Finn sparked panic in the home defence. Krisnan Inu added the conversion.

Salford, who beat the Vikings 26-12 in the Super League on this ground in June, were level in the 17th minute. Hastings linked with his half-back partner Lui to get Sa’u over and Chamberlain added the conversion.

Moments later, Hastings’ superb pass opened up the Widnes defence for Sa’u to score his second try in almost the same spot as his first. Chamberlain again kicked the goal.

Salford continued to control the game but they were reduced to 12 men just before half-time when Joey Lussick was sin-binned on his home debut for an illegal tackle. Despite being a man down, Salford scored their third try five minutes after the restart.

Lui barged his way under the posts from close range. Chamberlain added the goal and also a 52nd-minute penalty to give his side a 20-6 lead.

The half-back then turned provider for Salford on the hour as his powerful break was supported by Niall Evalds, who raced clear for a try which Chamberlain again kicked.

Hastings started another move when his inside pass found Lussick, who in turn passed to Mark Flanagan to touch down with eight minutes remaining. Chamberlain booted his sixth goal of the day to complete the scoring.

Salford coach Ian Watson hailed Aussie recruit Jackson Hastings as the catalyst for their improved form.

He said: “We were missing a piece of the puzzle this year and Jackson has come in and provided us with that.”