DARE DEVILS
Rowley’s Reds turn up the heat
SALFORD ............. 33 HUDDERSFIELD .... 16
PAUL ROWLEY’S giant killers were up to their thrill-aminute tricks again – and claimed another major scalp.
The Red Devils sizzled in the searing heat and third-placed Huddersfield simply couldn’t live with them.
Fellow title-hopefuls St Helens and Catalans have also fallen victim to Salford’s daring, exciting brand of rugby in the last five games.
And, although they’re still a point outside the play-off places, few sides will now relish facing Rowley’s men if they make the do-or-die stages.
The Red Devils coach said: “We are still masters of our own destiny and we’re in there with a chance.
“We believe in what we do and back ourselves against anyone.”
Giants came into the clash looking for a third successive win that would put pressure on second-placed Wigan. But they were left shellshocked by a stunning first-half performance from the home side.
A yellow card for Salford’s Brodie Croft briefly gave the visitors hope and they cut the lead to 10 points at one stage.
But the hosts were clever enough to gain control back and eased their way home with a Marc Sneyd penalty and drop goal, plus a late Harvey Livett try. Rowley added: “After the sin binning we did it tough in this heat and we could have had every excuse loaded up, but the character of the boys shone through.”
Disappointed Huddersfield coach Ian Watson said: “Salford have won eight of their 11 home games and that had to be respected.
“Instead we came here with the same attitude as St Helens and Catalans had and we didn’t do the right things.
“Some people might pat us on the back for being better in the second half but I want this to be a negative and for it to hurt. Maybe some people have fallen in love with ourselves and are waiting for the play-offs but if we do that we’re in trouble.”
Salford made a storming start with three tries in the opening 12 minutes from Ken Sio, Joe Burgess and Kallum Watkins.
Chris McQueen gave the Giants a foothold after stealing the ball from Burgess for an 18th-minute try.
But Salford pulled the rug from under them again with further tries from Ryan Brierley and Tim Lafai before half time.
Croft’s sin bin on the stroke of half time, for holding down, gifted Oli Russell a penalty to make it 26-6 at the break. The Giants went in search of a fightback with a try from Sam Hewitt while Croft was in the bin and another try within seconds of his return.
But Salford proved they can turn on the style defensively, as well as in attack, to see home the victory.